Becoming a Recovery Coach 

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Recovery Coaching is  a peer-to-peer service where trained professionals offer guidance to people seeking or newer to recovery. Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) are certified recovery coaches which have met the training requirements and standard under the State of Vermont Office of Professional Regulations (OPR). 

 

Recovery Support Services are nonclinical, culturally responsive, evidence-informed support delivered by certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists in alignment with the PRSS Code of Page 4 | PRSS Manual Ethics. RSS are grounded in lived experience and provided through a mutual, peer-based relationship. Services are coordinated through an Individualized Recovery Plan (IRP) that documents a substance use disorder and reflects the individual’s strengths, needs, preferences, and goals. RSS helps individuals and families build recovery capital, support health and wellness, and connect with community and social supports. RSS do not include the provision of psychotherapy. 

 

A Recovery Coach is a trained peer professional—often a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist—who uses their lived experience of recovery or close personal experience with recovery to provide nonclinical, person-centered support. Recovery Coaches operate within Vermont’s Peer Recovery Support Services framework and uphold the PRSS Code of Ethics (https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/certified-prss-code-of-ethics.pdf). Their role includes the use of motivational interviewing, resource navigation, harm-reduction support, and helping individuals identify strengths, barriers, and goals guided by the Individualized Recovery Plan (IRP). 

 

Recovery Coaching is a nonclinical, person-centered support service delivered through a mutual, one-on-one relationship. It uses the evidence-based practice of motivational interviewing as well as resource navigation to help individuals explore recovery options, reduce harm, and build recovery capital. Recovery Coaches are required to complete Supervision hours by a Certified Recovery Coach and participate in annual Continuing Education requirements to maintain their certification. For more information on professional and ethical responsibilities to the Recovery Coach role, visit the Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) Code of Ethics. https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/certified-prss-code-of-ethics.pdf

 

Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) are defined by SAMHSA as “the process of giving and receiving nonclinical assistance to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders”1.

 

For more details, see the PRSS manual https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/dsu-prss-manual.pdf

 

At NCVRC we can support individuals who are interested in becoming a PRSS in getting the appropriate training and experience needed. At minimum individuals need to be over the age of 18, have a high school diploma or GED, have at least 1 year of recovery OR have a loved one who has struggled with substance use. We prefer someone who is involved with our center prior to starting this process through attending meetings, wellness offerings, volunteering, etc.