What is the Training?​

This three-part training is designed to help individuals develop and enhance their skills in relating, listening, and learning from others while working in the peer profession.

Who can use it?

This training is open to anyone. However, it may be of special interest to:

  • People who are new to the peer support profession ​
  • Those wanting to learn more about professional peer support
  • People looking to enhance their peer support skills  
  • Agency personnel interested in starting a peer support program
  • Supervisors and other agency staff seeking an enhanced understanding of the profession

How does it work?
To learn the fundamentals of recovery support services, we recommend working through all three trainings. They are self-directed, so you can take them whenever you are ready. You will go through them at your own pace.

After taking each training, you can download the slides and associated materials. You also can opt to receive a certificate of attendance after completing each one. 

What resources are needed?
To take these courses, register for a free Articulate 360 account. This is the platform that hosts the trainings. Click on this link to register: Create a Free Articulate 360 Account.
 
You’ll be asked to provide your name and email address and then respond to an email from Articulate to verify who you are. Be sure to make note of your username and password because you will need them to access the trainings. 

What experience is needed?
No prerequisites or preparation are needed before taking these trainings.

What are the next steps?
If you reside in Illinois, and are applying to become either a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), be sure to print your 3 certificates demonstrating proof of attendance. You will need to include them in your CRSS/CPRS application packet. 

For more information on applying to become a CRSS/CPRS in Illinois, visit the IDHS Credentialing FAQs and Guides and the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.

Fundamentals of Recovery Support Services

Training Part 1

This interactive asynchronous training  presents the basic concepts of behavioral health recovery and resilience, and how to put these into practice. Users learn how to encourage hopefulness in the peer support process by using positive self-disclosure techniques. They are introduced to a tool to assess their current self-disclosure skills and practices and plan new ones. Finally, they  use examples from real-world situations to practice different types of disclosure and receive immediate feedback and suggestions.
Length: 60 minutes 

Training Part 2

This interactive asynchronous training focuses on how to establish and maintain supportive relationships that promote recovery. Users learn about the importance of self-care and assess their self-care practices in life areas including physical, psychological, workplace, and spiritual. They learn how to recognize and acknowledge strengths and practice using empathy with people facing different types of life challenges. Also covered is maintaining healthy boundaries and upholding the ethics of recovery support.
Length: 60 minutes

Training Part 3

This interactive asynchronous training covers the importance of listening and learning in recovery support. Users become familiar with applying motivational interviewing strategies, such as open questions and reflections, to help people make changes in their lives. Ways to use supervision appropriately and effectively are discussed. People also learn and practice strategies to encourage self-determination in those they support, and receive immediate feedback based on examples from real-world peer support situations.
Length: 60 minutes​
Have questions about the CRSS/CPRS credentialing process in Illinois? Please email: ​ [email protected]