Recovery Support Specialist Certificate

Share your journey to help others

Be a role model for self care

You know what it’s like to struggle with substance abuse or mental health issues. And what it takes to achieve well-being. Your experience helps others facing similar challenges.

Train hands-on as a recovery support specialist and learn:

active listening skills
professional ethics
advocacy
how to help people develop coping skills, stay healthy and be positive
how to provide support one-on-one and in groups

After completing the program, you will take an exam to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS). This credential is conferred by the Illinois Certification Board.

What can you do with a Recovery Support Specialist Certificate?

With this certificate, you can work as a certified recovery support specialist in:

hospitals
outpatient treatment centers
community substance abuse and mental health organizations
rehabilitation centers
crisis response teams

With more education, you can work in entry level counseling or administration roles.

You must have a history of recovery from a diagnosed mental health condition or substance use disorder. You should be in recovery for at least 6 months, with no recurrence during that time. If applicable, you should be at least 6 months post-incarceration.

Highlights

Illinois Certification Board

This program meets high standards and ensures the competency of professionals in the addictions field.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Internships Available

Gain relevant work experience before you complete the program.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,589
  
  Median
  
  $57,239
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $104,991
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.59
  
  Median
  
  $27.51
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $50.47
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  18.78%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  81.22%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35,678
  
  Median
  
  $54,401
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $95,528
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.15
  
  Median
  
  $26.15
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.92
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  5.58%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.43%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  24.6%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  64.39%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,528
  
  Median
  
  $41,467
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62,676
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.67
  
  Median
  
  $19.93
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $30.13
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  10.41%
  
  Some college
  
  16.21%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.99%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40.46%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  11.16%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.77%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35,678
  
  Median
  
  $54,401
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $95,528
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.15
  
  Median
  
  $26.15
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.92
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  23.66%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.66%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  3.07%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  49.61%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HUS 130	HUS 130 Recovery Support in Modern Society Class Description Recovery Support Specialists are individuals in recovery interested in mentoring those dealing with substance use disorders or mental health conditions. This course provides individuals with the skills necessary for successful roles in peer recovery support and prepares students for the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) exam. Students will gain foundational knowledge in the following Illinois Certification Board (ICB) domains: advocacy, professional responsibility, mentoring, wellness, recovery, and spirituality. Topics include history of recovery support, advocacy, wellness, recovery principles, cultural humility, confidentiality, family interventions for youth and adults, spirituality, harm reduction, co-occurring disorders, stages of change, and motivational interviewing.	3
HUS 230	HUS 230 Shame-Crossed Addictions, Mental Health, & Recovery Class Description This course will address toxic shame and how it factors into addictions, behavioral disorders, mental illnesses, and emotional distress, as well as its relationship with trauma. Students will explore the role that shame plays in our society, how core shame can interfere with effective treatment and recovery, and how defense mechanisms allow shame to contribute to emotional/psychological trauma. Students will participate in activities and strategies to understand the personal impact shame may have, minimize defense mechanisms, and learn the application of these principles in their interpersonal relationships with others. Students will increase their knowledge and skills regarding trauma informed care to assist clients to improve mental health and enhance resilience. This course emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for receivers and providers of services, while ensuring a positive recovery support relationship; positive and appropriate self-disclosure will be addressed. This course is intended for individuals interested in obtaining certification as an Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS); it is also appropriate for counselors, social workers, recovery or peer workers, supervisors, and students in fields such as counseling, substance use disorder, social work, corrections, and other mental health areas.	2
HUS 154	HUS 154 Ethics in Human Services Class Description This course provides the student with an introduction to multiple ethical considerations in the counselor-client relationship. Topics considered will include personal values of professional staff, confidentiality, sexual and social contact with clients, self-determination, conflicts of interest, dual relationships, and more. Students will also consider application of agency policies, professional ethics, and the law. Recommended Prerequisite: HUS 140 (C or better) and HUS 128 (C or better)	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 130
Course Title	HUS 130 Recovery Support in Modern Society Class Description Recovery Support Specialists are individuals in recovery interested in mentoring those dealing with substance use disorders or mental health conditions. This course provides individuals with the skills necessary for successful roles in peer recovery support and prepares students for the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) exam. Students will gain foundational knowledge in the following Illinois Certification Board (ICB) domains: advocacy, professional responsibility, mentoring, wellness, recovery, and spirituality. Topics include history of recovery support, advocacy, wellness, recovery principles, cultural humility, confidentiality, family interventions for youth and adults, spirituality, harm reduction, co-occurring disorders, stages of change, and motivational interviewing.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 230
Course Title	HUS 230 Shame-Crossed Addictions, Mental Health, & Recovery Class Description This course will address toxic shame and how it factors into addictions, behavioral disorders, mental illnesses, and emotional distress, as well as its relationship with trauma. Students will explore the role that shame plays in our society, how core shame can interfere with effective treatment and recovery, and how defense mechanisms allow shame to contribute to emotional/psychological trauma. Students will participate in activities and strategies to understand the personal impact shame may have, minimize defense mechanisms, and learn the application of these principles in their interpersonal relationships with others. Students will increase their knowledge and skills regarding trauma informed care to assist clients to improve mental health and enhance resilience. This course emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for receivers and providers of services, while ensuring a positive recovery support relationship; positive and appropriate self-disclosure will be addressed. This course is intended for individuals interested in obtaining certification as an Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS); it is also appropriate for counselors, social workers, recovery or peer workers, supervisors, and students in fields such as counseling, substance use disorder, social work, corrections, and other mental health areas.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 154
Course Title	HUS 154 Ethics in Human Services Class Description This course provides the student with an introduction to multiple ethical considerations in the counselor-client relationship. Topics considered will include personal values of professional staff, confidentiality, sexual and social contact with clients, self-determination, conflicts of interest, dual relationships, and more. Students will also consider application of agency policies, professional ethics, and the law. Recommended Prerequisite: HUS 140 (C or better) and HUS 128 (C or better)
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HUS 219	HUS 219 Human Services Internship Class Description This course is an on-site, unpaid supervised internship experience working directly with clients, family members, groups, and the community in community social service agencies. This course includes field work, supervision hours, assignments, and a supervision seminar class. To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours at an approved agency. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 internship hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.	4
HUS 220	HUS 220 Recovery Support Specialist Seminar Class Description This course reviews the requirements for certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist through the Illinois Certification Board (ICB), familiarizes students with the certification process, and helps to prepare them for the written examination. Test-taking strategies, examination references, anxiety and stress reduction tactics, and other approaches for increasing test-taking confidence will be covered.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 219
Course Title	HUS 219 Human Services Internship Class Description This course is an on-site, unpaid supervised internship experience working directly with clients, family members, groups, and the community in community social service agencies. This course includes field work, supervision hours, assignments, and a supervision seminar class. To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours at an approved agency. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 internship hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 220
Course Title	HUS 220 Recovery Support Specialist Seminar Class Description This course reviews the requirements for certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist through the Illinois Certification Board (ICB), familiarizes students with the certification process, and helps to prepare them for the written examination. Test-taking strategies, examination references, anxiety and stress reduction tactics, and other approaches for increasing test-taking confidence will be covered.
Credits	1

Total Credit Hours

12

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Human Services at CLC

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This certificate is just one possible way to study human services. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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Frequently asked questions

Most of it. All courses are available online except for the internship, where you learn hands-on at a support agency. This lets you practice your skills with supervision in real-world situations.
Yes! Our student profile is varied. You’re in classes with students from different backgrounds. Some are your age, but not all. Some attended college before; others are new to college. All students have lived recovery experiences from diagnosed substance use disorder and/or mental health conditions.

Your shared experience and different backgrounds create a supportive and dynamic learning environment.
The career outlook for recovery or peer support specialist is good.
Many people need support during their journey to recovery. Tens of millions of Americans are facing mental health and substance use challenges, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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Share your journey to help others

Be a role model for self care

What can you do with a Recovery Support Specialist Certificate?

Admission: More Needed

Highlights

Illinois Certification Board

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Internships Available

Career Certificate

WIOA Program

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Mental Health Counselors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Social and Human Service Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 7 Credits

Semester 2 5 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Human Services at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Can I complete this certificate online?

Are students like me in the program?

Is recovery support specialist a good career?

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Be debt-free at CLC

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