Program Overview
This Human Services-Recovery Support Specialist program prepares individuals for the CRSS or CPRS exams. It equips students with skills in patient advocacy, mentoring, and recovery support for mental health, dual diagnosis, and substance abuse treatment services. The program includes classroom learning and field experience components, and graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills required for RSS certification.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Human Services-Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) program equips individuals to qualify for either the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CPRS) exams. RSSs provide support in areas such as patient advocacy, mentoring, and recovery support for clients in mental health, dual diagnosis, and substance abuse treatment services. The program is tailored for both individuals entering the field and those in existing SUD or mental health roles who seek to transition into an RSS position.
Eligibility:
- Lived experience as a consumer of mental health, substance abuse, or dual diagnosis services is required for exam eligibility.
Accreditation:
- The program is undergoing review for accreditation by the Illinois Certification Board.
Program Objectives:
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Develop and maintain helping relationships with individuals in recovery.
- Create and implement Wellness Recovery Action Plans.
- Advocate effectively for individuals in recovery.
- Apply essential helping skills.
- Mentor and guide others.
- Understand ethical and boundary issues in the profession.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills required for RSS certification.
Outline:
The program comprises classroom learning and field experience components:
First Semester
- RSS 101: History and Core Functions
- RSS 103: Survey of Clinical Techniques
- RSS 105: Professional Responsibilities
Second Semester
- RSS 107: Field Experience I
Third Semester
- RSS 109: Field Experience II
Course Descriptions:
RSS 101: History and Core Functions:
Explores the history of the RSS role. Covers essential helping skills, advocacy, mentoring, mental health disorders, substance abuse disorders, and treatment continuums.
RSS 103: Survey of Clinical Techniques:
In-depth study of clinical techniques for RSSs. Topics include harm reduction, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral interventions, behavioral modification, and working with diverse populations.
RSS 105: Professional Responsibilities:
Examines the professional responsibilities of RSSs. Covers relevant laws and ethical codes, self-care, recovery support strategies, and crisis intervention. Prepares students for field experience.
RSS 107: Field Experience I:
Practical experience in a substance use disorder, mental health disorder, or dual diagnosis treatment program. Students apply skills and knowledge to real-world settings.
RSS 109: Field Experience II:
Continued field experience. Students further develop skills and prepare for certification.
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- Classroom evaluations
- Field experience site supervisor written evaluations
- State certification exam
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- Classroom lectures and discussions
- Role-playing exercises
- Case study analysis
- Field supervision