PRO-A and PCB Launch New Certified Recovery Specialist Credential
The PA Recovery Organizations Alliance and the PA Certification Board are pleased to announce the availability of the new Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) credential beginning in September, 2008. This two year effort to develop a unique and distinct certification will recognize the work done by recovering individuals in the community.
The CRS credential identified three domains or core areas of competence. Within each domain are task, knowledge and skill statements that further define the role of the Certified Recovery Specialist. The three domains are Recovery Management, Education and Advocacy, and Professional Ethics and Responsibility.
Certification standards/requirements must be met by those seeking the certification. The requirements include:
Education/Training
54 total hours of training as described below:
18 hours in Recovery Management
12 hours in Education and Advocacy
12 hours in Professional Ethics and Responsibility
6 hours of Confidentiality
6 hours of PCB approved training relevant to addiction
There is no time limit on when the training is received and all training must be documented by submitting copies of training certificates. Trainings specific to the CRS domains will be offered through PRO-A’s Recovery Institute.
A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required and must be documented.
Code of Ethical Conduct/Release
Candidates will be required to uphold and sign a CRS Code of Ethical Conduct and sign/notarize a Release page indicating the application information and documents being sent to PCB are true, correct and that nothing has been falsified.
Written Examination
Passing a 50 question multiple choice written examination is required. The exam will cover questions within the three domains, a candidate guide will be provided to those preparing to take the exam, and the exam will be given four times per year.
Renewal/Recertification
The CRS credential will be valid for a two year period. In order to maintain the CRS credential, 25 hours of training related to the three domains, including 6 hours in ethics, will be required every two years.
While personal recovery is not a requirement for the CRS credential, it is believed that the majority of individuals interested in the CRS will be from those in recovery. However, the CRS credential will be made available to those not in recovery, such as a family member or significant other, who possess a wealth of knowledge about the recovery process.
The CRS application and other relevant materials will be made available during the upcoming September 16-17 PRO-A Annual Conference as well as on the PCB website at www.pacertboard.org and the PRO-A website at www.pro-a.org. Questions regarding the requirements for the CRS including the written exam should be directed to the PCB Office at 717-540-4455 or email at info@pacertboard.org. Questions regarding the CRS trainings/Recovery Institute should be directed to the PRO-A Office at 717-545-8929.
The time, talent and resources of many individuals involved in the development of the CRS credential over the past two years must be recognized and a huge debt of gratitude expressed to them. These individuals include Cheryl Floyd, Barbara Genna, Michael Warren, Natasha Lugaro, Doris Lugaro, Robin Rothermel, Denise Holden, Jaime Davis, Shelly Paul, Jodi Hoffman, and Taru Cook. The entire PCB Board of Directors and staff wish to thank and congratulate these hard-working and dedicated volunteers for their efforts in making the CRS credential a reality.
** - Free Training Sponsored by the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs (BDAP). Check with PRO-A office for training locations in western region.
Training documents
- Training Brochure
- CRS Application
- CRS Candidate Guide
- Job Task Analysis
Training Locations
Central Region
Dauphin Co. Dept. of D &A Svcs
1100 S. Cameron St.
Harrisburg, PA 17104
717-635-2254
PRO-A
900 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 119
Harrisburg, PA 17109
717-545-8929
Southeast Region
Eagleville Hospital
100 Eagleville Rd
Eagleville, PA 19408
(610) 635-7406
Western Region
Mercy Beh. Health
330 South Ninth St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(11/7/08 training only)
Reedsdale Center
1200 Reedsdale St
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
