If you’re wondering what a peer is and what they do, you are in the right place. Here, we provide answers to common inquiries about peers and their role in recovery. You’ll learn about the responsibilities of a Peer Recovery Specialist, how to maintain your peer certification, where to access training, and so much more.
A Peer Recovery Specialist assists in goal-setting and maintaining engagement throughout the recovery process. This helps to reduce the likelihood of relapse from substance use disorder, mental health issues, or co-occurring disorders.
What is a Peer?A strengths-based approach is adopted by peers to assist participants in discovering and utilizing their values, assets, and strengths while facilitating their success. Their services concentrate on the present and future, and are established in a collaborative partnership with the recipient.
What does a Peer do?To keep your credential active, you need to pay a renewal fee one year after your first certification. The amount of fees depends on the type of credential you hold. You will receive a renewal notice via email before the renewal date. Once you complete the initial certification and first-year renewal, you will transition to a two-year recertification cycle. Maintaining your certification also requires continued education to maintain the high standards of professional practice and to ensure that certified professionals remain up-to-date in their field of practice.
Our community calendar provides information on upcoming continuing education events, many of which are free continuing education opportunities. Please check to be sure they are approved by your credentialing agency and meet the standards for continuing education required for approval.
Community CalendarNumerous opportunities such as training sessions, educational programs, and conferences are available to enhance your growth as a peer. Approved training providers provide the 46 hours of initial training required for the certification. The Peer recovery curriculum offered by approved providers has undergone a thorough review to ensure adherence to the IC&RC Peer recovery domain and other pertinent policies.
View Approved ProvidersYes, it is required of a peer. If you are working in a 245G facility or bill hours to Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) then supervision is required and you will need to refer to the regulations and your employers requirements.
Minnesota Statutes
Chapter 245G gives information on peers working in licensed treatment facilities and provides direction on billing, licensing, assessment, treatment plans, opioid treatment programs, client rights protection, behavioral emergency procedures, provider personnel policies, service initiation and termination policies, client rights protection, and other valuable information related to substance use disorder licensed treatment facilities.
Yes, if you hold a credential at the reciprocal level and the IC&RC board you wish to transfer allows reciprocal for this credential. The first step is to contact the state member board you wish to transfer, to see if they accept the certification. An application to transfer to another state is then started in the state you currently reside through an application process. To find the board in your jurisdiction and their requirements, check the IC&RC board directory.
IC&RC Board DirectoryA peer might work in various communities and organizations as a recovery mentor for those who are going through treatment or are new to recovery. This Peer role is a growing and expanding into new fields and being used consistently in:
Career opportunities for peers are located on job search sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Monster.
You can also visit our job board regularly where we post new and additional job opportunities for Peers. The newest information will be posted at the top of the page.
View Job BoardMany recovery centers and organizations also provide training and career jobs. Volunteer opportunities are also available at many Recover Community Organizations (RCOs) to see if you like the work and it is a good fit for you. A couple examples of ways to get involved with the profession are AmeriCorps, or Recovery Corps. AmeriCorps is an example of a career opportunity where you can get some hands-on experience and assistance to start a career.
Americorps JobsNumerous recovery community organizations (RCOs) offer both initial and ongoing training as well as skill-building opportunities. Below are examples of some RCO’s in Minnesota.
Recovery from substance use disorder, mental health, and family issues can be challenging at times, and many individuals or families require additional support to lead a healthy and balanced life. By dedicating your time and talents to assist others to learn about and navigate resources to build a healthy life and maintain recovery, you can become a peer and mentor and assist others to do the same.
