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At the Center for Recovery and Wellness Resources (CRWR), our Recovery Support Peer Specialists are not therapists and do not provide clinical services. Instead, they guide individuals on their recovery journey by offering the skills and support necessary for lasting sobriety. Our Peer Specialists focus on non-clinical issues such as housing, employment, navigating drug court and probation requirements, and finding treatment resources. Through one-on-one relationships, they also help participants engage with the recovery community, including Twelve Step meetings and other support groups.
Recovery Support Peer Specialist
What is a Recovery Support Peer Specialist?
The Recovery Support Peer Specialist credential standardizes qualifications of those working in Recovery Support within the field of, mental health, and/or co-occurring disorders. The following RSPS credentialing guidelines have been developed by the Texas Certification Board.
This is an 8-day course running from 8am-5pm.
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- Education Level: Verification of a minimum education level of a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). (Complete the enclosed formal education form and include official documentation via copy of transcripts or diploma).
- Attestation of initial online assessment: The initial online assessment is available on the HHSC Website. You will find an attestation that you must initial to confirm you reviewed the online assessment on page 7.
- Core Training: Proof of Core training and passing score on the core training knowledge assessment. Core Training must be through an approved certified instructor or training entity. Please provide copies of training certificates from approved training entities.
- RSPS Supplemental Training: Proof of supplemental RSPS training and passing score on supplemental RSPS training knowledge assessment. RSPS training requires at least 40 education hours specific to the RSPS domains through an approved certified RSPS trainer or training entity. Please provide copies of training certificates from approved training entities.
- Ethics standards: Sign and agree to comply with the ethical standards pertaining to Recovery Support Peer Specialist listed in this application.
- Criminal History: Texas administrative code requires submission of a background check.
- Lived Experience: You must attest that you have lived experience as a peer and current self-directed recovery. xt goes here
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- Work experience: 250 hours of Volunteer or paid work experience specific to RSPS. These hours must begin AFTER initial certification and be completed within 6 months. These hours must be supervised by a certified Peer Specialist Supervisor.
- Letter of Recommendation: Texas Administrative Code requires that the applicant’s supervisor provide a letter of recommendation.ion text goes here
What is a Peer Support Supervisor?
A Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS) is a person who supports and guides a peer specialists after they obtain their certification. A PSS will oversee peer specialists while they provide the necessary components of peer work, such as giving recovery-oriented peer services, skill-building, ethical problem solving, optimizing professional growth, and performing administrative duties.
This supervision may also extend to overseeing aspects specific to the organization where a peer specialist is working. This would include things like learning organization-specific policies, or performing and understanding distinct administrative matters.
The role of a PSS is important and ongoing since supervision is consistently required for any peer specialist after they obtain certification. Supervision is likewise required in any organization that implements peer specialists.
This is an 3-day course running from 8am-5pm.
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Individuals interested in becoming certified as a Peer Specialist Supervisor must meet the following eligibilty criteria:
Be at least 18 years of age
Be a QCC, LPHA, QMHP supervised by a QCC or LPHA, or a QPS supervised by a QCC or LPHA. Please read our additional article on clinical eligibility requirements.
Be able to pass a background check that follows the guidelines set for peer specialists by Texas Administrative Code. For an easy reference about background check requirements, look at our background check information article.
Be able and willing to follow the ethical guidelines expected of peer specialist supervisors set by the Texas Administrative Code.
RSPS and Core Training
The Center for Recovery and Wellness Resources (CRWR) is Houston's premier provider of Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) training. Our comprehensive 8-day RSPS training equips participants with the tools and resources needed to support others on their recovery journeys. Additionally, CRWR offers Peer Specialist Supervisor training for those who wish to oversee and guide Recovery Support Peer Specialists.
Submit your secure payment through PayPal below and fill out the ‘Sign Up for RSPS Training’ form in this section.
Recovery Support Specialist Supervisor
Our training program for Recovery Support Specialist Supervisors equips participants with the necessary skills to effectively oversee and manage Recovery Support Specialists within our organization. Working closely with the Program Director, the Supervisor is responsible for supervising a team of specialists and volunteers, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, and fulfilling various administrative duties. The training emphasizes the development of leadership skills, management techniques, and best practices for providing ongoing support and training to Recovery Support Specialist staff and volunteers. This comprehensive training ensures that supervisors are well-prepared to foster a productive and supportive environment for both staff and clients.
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- High School Diploma or GED
- 46 Hours of Recovery Support Specialist Training
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist with 2 years experience in Recovery Community Support
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- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge of client/community resources and experience in developing relationships with the same
- Understanding of motivational interviewing, brief interventions, referral, and the case management process.
- Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
- Ability to accept and follow directions that comply with organization's guidelines.
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- Provides supervision and administrative support for Recovery Support Specialist staff and volunteers as assigned by the Program Director.
-Maintain all required documentation, paperwork, and reporting requirements in a timely manner.
- Manage daily operations of the Recovery Support Specialist duties and protocol as related to the center.
- Provides administrative assistance to the Program Director. - Assists in scheduling of activities or needed coordination of activities. Quality assurance and policy implementation. Able to represent center in various functions. Make site visits to service providers as requested and assists in updating referral resource directory. Transport individuals in the community to groups, activities, and events.