What is a Certified Recovery Specialist?
Let's start off with stating what a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) is NOT....
a CRS is not a sponsor, not a case manager, nor a therapist.
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A CRS is a role model, an advocate, a mentor and motivator, someone who has walked the recovery walk. A CRS helps people facing substance use disorder achieve their goals. A CRS is one of the primary Peer-Based services that can be found in a recovery system of care.​​​​​​​​​​
Roles of CRS may vary from agency to agency, but there are many common services in how they engage clients. These include:
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Providing support in all stages of recovery: emotional support, direction, help with problem solving and providing feedback are a few ways they support their peers.
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Helping to access services needed throughout recovery.
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Educating their clients as well as the community-at-large about various pathways to recovery.
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Advocating for people and improvement of recovery-oriented services - as well as advocating for eliminating stigma and barriers.
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Developing recovery plans.
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Teaching self-care and skills needed to adopt.
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Sharing personal stories and experiences that help others on their recovery path.
