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.
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).
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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*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
Get the bigger picture
This certificate is just one possible way to study human services. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.
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.
Take the next step...
Be debt-free at CLC
CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.
