Recovery Support Specialist
Discover the rewarding work of providing community-based recovery support services. Help others develop and strengthen their ability to maintain their recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. As a recovery support specialist, you can use your life experiences to help others in treatment and recovery to maintain long-term sobriety. Through this 7-credit hour program, you will gain knowledge in professional ethics, advocacy, mentoring, recovery, and wellness.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for community health workers and social service occupations is expected to grow 13%-17% by 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Labor market data show an increasingly strong need for recovery support positions in Heartland's district and region.
There are no prerequisites for this program.
This unique certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions as community health workers, specifically in the area of substance abuse recovery. Through a combination of academic courses, experience, and professional training, students will learn how to facilitate recovery, build resilience in people in recovery, and use principles to guide ethical decision-making. Upon completion, students will demonstrate competency in mentoring and education, professional responsibility, and recovery/wellness skills. To be eligible to qualify for certification as a certified recovery support specialist, students must have at least a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, and must have 1000 hours of formal work or volunteer experience in a field related to addictions.
The required academic courses include:
- HS 104, Ethics in Healthcare
- HS 120, Advocacy and Mentoring
- HS 121, Recovery/Wellness Education and Support
- Interested in this program? Click here to apply now.
Heartland Community College tuition for credit courses is based on residency in district 540. Additional fees may apply. Click here for more information.
Please see here for additional information on how to apply for Work Ready scholarships.
We strongly recommend you attend one of these informational sessions. All information meetings are held at the main campus in Normal, IL, unless otherwise noted.
Day Time Room Beginning May 1, 2020, and until further notice, informational meetings will be held virtually utilizing ZOOM. Please continue to check this site for dates and additional information.
Monday, Apr. 12, 2021
5 pm Work Ready Programs
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Work Ready meeting.
Tuesday, Apr. 13, 2021
5 pm Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Physical Therapist Assistant meeting.
Wednesday, Apr. 14, 2021
4:30 pm Nursing Program
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Nursing meeting.
Wednesday, Apr. 14, 2021
5 pm EMT/Paramedic Programs
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this EMT/Paramedic meeting.
Thursday, Apr. 15, 2021
5 pm Radiography Program
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Radiography meeting.
Thursday, Apr. 15, 2021
5 pm Medical Assistant Program
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Medical Assistant meeting.
Please contact the following program coordinator and request the ZOOM link for the meeting that you would like to attend:
EMT/Paramedic - Please contact Travis Wilson at twilson@mcleancountyems.org
Medical Assistant - Please contact Martha Stearns at martha.stearns@heartland.edu
Nursing - Please watch this brief informational video. Then contact Tara Morris at tara.morris@heartland.edu
Physical Therapist Assistant - Please contact Daryl Menke at daryl.menke@heartland.edu
Radiography - Please contact Jo Gramley at joan.gramley@heartland.edu
Work Ready Programs* - Please contact Kelly Pyle at kelly.pyle@heartland.edu
* Work Ready Programs currently consist of Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Phlebotomy, Veterinary Assistant, and Recovery Support Specialist.
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Getting started is easy. Call us or fill out the short form below to have a Heartland team member help you take the next step towards discovering Heartland.