Iowa Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) Certification Program Certifying Body: Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) Address: 2600 Grand Ave, Suite 114, Des Moines, IA 50312 Website: iowabc.org Training Provider: University of Iowa School of Social Work / National Resource Center for Family Centered Practi…
Duur: 40 hours PSS training + 6 hours ethics + 500 work hours + 25 supervision hours; 20 CE hours/2 years
Iowa Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) Certification Program Certifying Body: Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) Address: 2600 Grand Ave, Suite 114, Des Moines, IA 50312 Website: iowabc.org Training Provider: University of Iowa School of Social Work / National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice Contact: Kellee Thorburn McCrory LMSW, MPH - kellee-mccrory@uiowa.edu | IowaPeerSupportTraining@healthcare.uiowa.edu Credentials: - PRS (Peer Recovery Specialist): covers both mental health and substance use - FPSS (Family Peer Support Specialist): separate certification; requires age 21+ Acronyms: PRS = Peer Recovery Specialist; FPSS = Family Peer Support Specialist Eligibility: - High school diploma or GED - Age 18+ (21+ for FPSS) - Lived experience required - No references required for PSS or Recovery Coach training Training Requirements: - PSS: 40 hours training + 6 hours ethics (5x/year) - FPSS: separate training (3x/year) - Recovery Coach Academy: 3x/year (via CCAR) - Training is fully peer-led and peer-developed (via Iowa Peer Workforce Collaborative / Iowa HHS grant) - Training is FREE to any qualifying Iowan; lodging stipends may be available Certification Requirements: - 500+ hours work/practicum/volunteer experience (4 domains: advocacy, mentoring/education, recovery/support/wellness, ethical responsibility) - 25 hours supervision in those domains - Pass IBC certification exam - Sign IBC professional code of ethics Certification Costs: - Exam: $165 (includes 2-year certification); retake: $105 - Recertification: $50 every 2 years - CEU processing: $15/workshop (for non-IBC-approved or distance learning) Background Check: Not required; only required for revocation/suspension processes Continuing Education: 20 clock hours/2-year period (6 hours ethics required; max 10 hours online) Recertification: Every 2 years Medicaid Reimbursable: Yes, via 1915(b)(3) waiver through Medicaid Choice Organization; digital peer support also reimbursable (agency-dependent) Statewide Organization: Iowa Peer Network Website: iowapeernetwork.org | Email: support@iowapeernetwork.org Director: Sara Knox Certified Peer Specialists in Iowa (2024): 94 Source: Copeland Center Peer Specialist Database