The Peer Recovery Specialist Certificate is designed to train non-professionals who are in sustained recovery for any behavioral health or similar disability and/or experienced friends and family who “have lived experience.” According to both the Department of Public Health & The Bureau of Substance Addictions Services “Peer Specialists are people in recovery from mental health and/or addictions issues who use self-disclosure to provide people with direct emotional support, aid in developing a recovery plan, and help navigating the health system.” This program will focus on knowledge of the addiction-recovery cycle, 12-step and other self-help recovery organizations, community resources, working with diverse populations, engagement with clients, relapse prevention techniques, coping skills training, navigating the healthcare system and ethics.
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all HUS courses in order to graduate.
A minimum of 19 credits is required for graduation.
Additional Admissions Criteria: Human Services Criteria Packet
CORI/CHRI/SORI
Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for their careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
Student Professional Liability Insurance
Students are required to carry professional liability insurance for certain courses. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.
Requirements
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HUS101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS103 | Community Resources and Client Populations | 3 |
| HUS105 | Introduction to Disabilities | 3 |
| HUS173 | Relapse Prevention | 3 |
| HUS190 | Human Services Practicum I | 4 |
| OR | |
| HUS193 | Peer Recovery Specialist Practicum | 4 |
Milestone Courses: HUS101, HUS103, HUS105, HUS173, HUS193
Recommended Course Sequence/Pathway Peer Recovery Specialist
Year 1 Fall
| HUS101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS103 | Community Resources and Client Populations | 3 |
| HUS105 | Introduction to Disabilities | 3 |
Year 1 Spring
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HUS173 | Relapse Prevention | 3 |
| HUS190 | Human Services Practicum I | 4 |
| OR | |
| HUS193 | Peer Recovery Specialist Practicum | 4 |