Welcome to the Recovery Communities of North Carolina (RCNC) Peer Support Specialist Recovery-Focused Certification Training Program!  This recovery-focused program is a state-of-the art program which provides those seeking certification as a peer support specialist, with comprehensive training focused first on recovery from substance use disorder and then educational support for those who desire training on co-occurring conditions.  RCNC, as a holistic recovery support agency, has been a leader in promoting the importance of people with lived experience who work with peers seeking recovery from substance use disorder; supporting  and guiding them as they move from an illness identity to a wellness identity which culminates with the peer thriving in recovery.

Through this training program, students will learn how to support their peers seeking recovery in formulating goals for recovery, learning and practicing new skills, monitoring and encouraging progress, modeling effective coping strategies based on their own recovery experience, and advocating for recoverees to access effective services.  PSS will also learn how to engage with peers in community- based programs and activities and work with individuals as they develop and implement a personal recovery plan which includes addressing the overall health and wellbeing of the individual and not just their mental health and/or substance use.

Peer Support Specialists are required to meet state training and certification requirements. This 40-hour training program will effectively prepare participants to work as a PSS in the fields of recovery from substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions such as mental health concerns.  Specifically, this training program provides key instruction on recovery coaching core competencies, ethics of a PSS, theories regarding stages of change and stages of recovery, motivational interviewing techniques, understanding of addiction and substance use disorder, trauma and co-occurring disorders, strategies to build recovery capital and develop holistic recovery plans, and important professional skills to be effective as a PSS.  At the beginning of each section of the manual, important learning objectives are listed to highlight key content areas and focus your attention. During the training, students will be instructed to turn to certain portions of the manual related to specific topics, and the manual contains a variety of supplemental information and related material to read outside of the class.

This training program includes a combination of lecture, participatory, and experiential sections that will ensure that both concepts and skills are well-understood.  Students are encouraged to provide feedback, ask questions, and offer observations throughout the class.  During the participatory times in each class, students break into small groups (large group activities are also conducted) to discuss core concepts, role play peer support skills and coaching activities, and share ideas about critical peer support content.  Experiential exercises provide students an opportunity to step into the role of a PSS and practice important skills and include receiving peer and instructor feedback to enhance their skill acquisition.  Funding for this program was made possible by Wake County Government - Human Services/Public Health. RCNC looks forward to providing this training to those who are committed to providing quality services to their peers as a Certified Peer Support Specialist.