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 14-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 recovery support workers, specifically in the areas of mental health disorders or 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 2000 hours of formal work or volunteer experience in the field or have completed HS 130, Practical Experience in Recovery Support.
The required academic courses include:
- HS 104, Ethics in Recovery Support Services
- HS 120, Advocacy and Mentoring
- HS 121, Recovery/Wellness Education and Support
- HS 130, Practical Experience in Recovery Support
**Students are encouraged to complete SCED 110, Workplace Skills.
1) Apply to Heartland Community College. (Current HCC students do not need to reapply.)
2) Using your Heartland email address and student ID number, apply to the Recovery Support Specialist program.
Heartland Community College tuition for credit courses is based on residency in district 540. Additional fees may apply. Click here for more information about residency.
Please see this page 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.
Informational Session(s) Day Time Room Tuesday, February 25th
5:00 p.m.
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