Certified Recovery Specialist Class
Become a Certified Recovery Specialist
Make a difference and inspire others by sharing your recovery experience and becoming a Certified Recovery Specialist.
During our transformative Recovery Specialist classes, you will learn how to use your personal recovery journey to effectively support and uplift others.
Over the course of three weeks, you will complete 10 empowering classes to prepare you for the certification exam needed to make a meaningful impact as a Certified Recovery Specialist. The training is facilitated by PRO-A and hosted by UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor and Recovery is Community NWPA. There is no cost to attend.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $300,000 with 100 percent funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Enrollment
To enroll in the classes, participants must be at least 18 years old and at least 18 months into recovery. A high school diploma or GED is also required. Enrollment for the Certified Recovery Specialist class must be completed through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
- You must be approved prior to attending this series. If interested, please email Patti B. at patti.b@pro-a.org.
- Create a Pennsylvania Certification Board account.
- Enroll for the Recovery Specialist - 337 class.
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact Patti B. at patti.b@pro-a.org.
Class Schedule
All classes must be attended. Each class begins at 9 a.m. and runs until approximately 4:15 p.m.
Monday, June 9, 2025 — Introduction for the Recovery Specialist
6.5 hours
- Introduction to Course
- History of Recovery and Substance Use Disorders
- Multiple Definitions of Recovery
Tuesday, June 10 — The Role of the Recovery Specialist
6.5 hours
- Role of Recovery Specialist
- Review of Communication and Professional Skills
Wednesday, June 11 — Communication and Motivational Interviewing
7 hours
- Wrapping up the Role of Recovery Specialist
- Concluding with Communication and Motivational Interviewing
Thursday, June 12 — Stages of Change and Ethical Considerations
6.5 hours
- Continuing with MI and Stages of Change
- Introduction to Ethical Responsibility and Professionalism
Friday, June 13 — Ethical Responsibility and Professionalism
6.5 hours
- Concluding with Ethical Responsibility and Professionalism
- Introduction to Substance Use Knowledge
Monday, June 16 — Substance Use Knowledge
6 hours
Tuesday, June 17 — Co-Occurring/Mental Health and Recovery Planning/Collaboration
6.5 hours
- Co-Occurring Disorders and Mental Health Knowledge
- Begin Discussion of Recovery Planning and Collaboration
Wednesday, June 18 — Recovery Planning/Collaboration and Other Types of Support
6.5 hours
- Conclusion of Recovery Planning and Collaboration
- Other Types of Recovery Support to include Non-Clinical Recovery Support, Digital
Thursday, June 19 — Advocacy and Cultural Competency
7 hours
- Discussion on Advocacy
- Begin Cultural Competency
Friday, June 20 — Cultural Competency, Safety and Self-Care
7 hours
- Conclude Cultural Competency
- Discuss Safety and Self-Care
Location
Classes are held at the Venango County Human Services in Franklin, Pennsylvania.
Venango County Human Services
737 Elk St. (downstairs)
Franklin, PA 16323
Questions?
Contact Patti B. at patti.b@pro-a.org.