Certified Recovery Peer Advocate

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Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Training

The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate program provides the required training (advocacy, mentoring and education, recovery wellness support, ethical responsibility and Medication Supported Recover/MSR) for provisional certification (CRPA-P) through Healthy Capital District. The primary function of a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate is facilitating outreach with individuals currently in a program or considering treatment. Utilizing their recovery expertise, professional training and lived experience, peers boost individuals' engagement in treatment and commitment to recovery. CPRAs also connect patients to community-based recovery supports consistent with treatment, recovery, and discharge plans. Upon completion of this 144 hour course, student will:

• Understand the scope of practice of a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate
• Display ability to communicate with patients in a culturally sensitive context
• Understand and perform skills related to a peer services
• Apply essential skills as they relate to the recovery field

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Professional Development and Support

Once a student has successfully completed the instructional portion of the CRPA-P training, they will begin their professional development in this role. This will include:

Weekly Check-ins

• Weekly check-ins offered utilizing motivational interviewing to address challenges, and celebrate successes

Data Tracking Sheets

• Tracking sheets will be developed and data reviewed monthly to highlight strengths and opportunities
• Track metrics that support both CRPA and employer outcomes

Resources

• Provide hard copies of Healthy Capital District resources including the Regional Mental Health Resource Guide, Recovery Guide, Social Determinants of Health Guide, Capital Region Refugee Resource Guide, and Self-Management Guides
• Training to optimize use of Healthy Capital District’s online Community Health Professional webpage

Monthly Professional Development

• Share in-person and virtual role-specific workshop opportunities
• Communicate current developments in the fields of mental health, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and peer recovery services

Full CRPA Certification

• Share courses required to satisfy the 28 hours of ASAP-NYCB approved recovery-specific education including 4 hours of ASAP-NYCB approved peer ethics
• Provide shadowing and volunteer opportunities at recovery-based organizations
• Provide a tracking method for documenting the required hours for full certification