Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Study Guide

Official Study Guide

Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)

The CRSS credential aims to fully support individuals living in recovery to utilize their lived expertise to promote recovery and wellness in others.

An organization that provides certification for recovery support specialists and other related credentials.

Illinois Certification Board (ICB)

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®)

is a self-designed plan that helps individuals maintain wellness, manage challenges, and support their recovery.

Evidence-Based Practices

Evidence-based practices are treatment methods that have been scientifically tested and proven effective in improving mental health and SUD outcomes.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

IPS is an evidence-based approach to supported employment for individuals with mental illness.

Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

A condition where an individual experiences both mental health disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously.

Integrated Primary and Behavioral Healthcare

A model of care that combines physical health and mental health services to improve overall health outcomes.

Recovery and Spirituality

The relationship between an individual's recovery process and their spiritual beliefs or practices.

Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy for an individual is the ability to speak up for their own needs, make informed choices, and actively participate in decisions about their treatment, support, and life goals.

Professional Responsibility

The ethical obligations of recovery support specialists to provide competent and respectful care.

What is a peer mentor?

A peer mentor provides personal support to assist with the navigation of daily stressors and serve as role models for individuals who need help.

Illinois Model for Certified Recovery Support Specialists

A framework outlining the competencies and practices for recovery support specialists in Illinois.

President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health

A commission formed in 2003 to study the mental health service delivery system in the United States.

Recovery

Recovery is the process in which persons are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.

A peer support specialist is:

A Peer Support Specialist is someone with lived experience of recovery who is trained to support others by offering hope, guidance, and encouragement through shared experience.

Hope

Hope plays an integral role in an individual's recovery.

Substance Use Disorders

A substance use disorder is characterized by an individual's inability to stop using a substance despite the negative consequences.

Advocates

These individuals support and promote the interests of persons in recovery.

CRSS Domains Identified

Advocacy, Professional Responsibility, Mentoring, Recovery Support.

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®)

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a simple and powerful process for creating the life and wellness you want.

Individual Placement with Supports (IPS)

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based approach that helps people with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders find and keep competitive, meaningful jobs.

Systems Advocacy

Systems Advocacy involves communicating effectively within an organization to get the needs of persons participating in services met.

Barriers to Recovery

Obstacles that individuals must overcome to progress in their recovery.

Natural Supports

Natural supports are the relationships that occur in everyday life.

Disability Benefits

Disability benefits are financial assistance programs (like SSDI or SSI) provided to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, helping them meet basic living expenses.

Advance Directive

An advance directive is a legal document outlining an individual's preferences for mental health treatment and decision-making in case of incapacity.

Declaration for Mental Health Treatment

A type of advance directive that includes personal preferences about medication, hospitalization, and ECT.

Power of Attorney for Health Care

A person chosen by the individual to direct their mental health treatment and other medical care.

Person-Driven Care

Care that involves options chosen by the individual, focusing on their life goals and preferences.

Person-Centered Language

Person-Centered language that prioritizes referring to individuals as people rather than labels.

Person-First Language

Person-First Language is a way of speaking that emphasizes the individual before their mental health condition.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, affecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Empathic Listening

Empathic listening is the act of listening to someone with the intent to understand their emotions and perspectives, and responding with empathy.

SAMHSA

SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is a federal agency that improves the lives of people with mental health and substance use challenges through public health programs, education, and support services.

Wellness-Focused Approach

A strength-based method that emphasizes improving overall health by addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Supportive Environment

An atmosphere that encourages individuals to feel safe and comfortable sharing their mental health experiences.

Stigma and Discrimination

Negative bias and behaviors directed towards individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

What are the 8 dimensions of a wellness-focused approach?

occupational, physical, social, financial, emotional, environmental, spiritual, and intellectual wellness

Cultural Competency

Cultural competency refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and belief systems.

Goals of Cultural Competency

To understand the role of culture in behavior and society, build relationships across cultures, recognize strengths within various cultures, pursue ongoing education about social diversity, and respect differences.

Accountability

Accountability refers to the concept of taking responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and behaviors, and being answerable to others for them.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any individually identifiable health information that is protected under confidentiality regulations.

HIPAA is

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 to ensure the privacy and security of individuals' health information.

Role of culture in behavior

Culture plays a significant role in shaping individual behaviors and social interactions, affecting values, communication styles, and perceptions.

Documentation importance

Keep in mind the saying, 'if it is not documented, it never happened.'

Timeliness of documentation

Documentation of services or incidents should be completed as soon as possible.

What is a trigger?

Triggers are things that cause a reactivation of trauma symptoms, such as intrusive memories or hypervigilance.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention refers to the efforts, strategies, and interventions aimed at reducing the risk of suicide and helping individuals in crisis before they take their own lives.

Indicators of Abuse

Abuse can manifest in many different forms, and its indicators can vary depending on the type of abuse (physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial).

What are signs of neglect?

Some signs of neglect include poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical issues, inadequate clothing, frequent school absences, emotional withdrawal, and developmental delays.

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Signs of Escalation

Signs of escalation in a crisis situation are changes in a person's behavior or emotions that suggest they are becoming more distressed, agitated, or potentially unsafe.

Calming Environment

A space that is less crowded, loud, or disorganized to help reduce tension.

Removing Oneself

The act of stepping away from a tense interaction to prevent escalation.

Healthy Responses

Ways to deal with stressors that do not lead to escalating symptoms.

Comforting Environment

An atmosphere created to help individuals feel safe and supported.

When should you call the DCFS Hotline

When should you call the Center for the Prevention of Abuse

When should you call the Elder Abuse Hotline

When should you call Emergency Services (911)

Professional Boundaries

Limits that protect the space between a professional's power and a client's vulnerability.

De-escalation

A technique used to reduce the intensity of a conflict or potentially volatile situation.

Code of Ethics

A set of guidelines designed to set out acceptable behaviors for members of a profession.

Consumer Protection

The CRSS code of ethics aims to protect consumers of recovery support services.

Accountability

The responsibility of CRSS professionals to uphold ethical standards and practices.

Occupational Identity

The sense of belonging and maturity within the CRSS profession.

Hope in Recovery

An integral aspect of an individual's ability to recover, often fostered by sharing recovery stories.

Safe Disclosure

The practice of sharing personal recovery experiences in a manner that is healthy and constructive.

Integrity

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, crucial for CRSS professionals.

Self-Care

Practices that individuals engage in to maintain and enhance their health and well-being.

Recovery Story

A personal narrative shared by individuals that can inspire hope and provide direction toward recovery.

Role Model

A person whose behavior is emulated by others, particularly in the context of recovery.

A CRSS will

CRSS professionals will fairly and accurately represent themselves and their capabilities to individuals they serve and to the community.

CRSS professionals will be guided by the principle of ______ while also considering the needs of others and society.

consumer self-determination

What is the primary responsibility of a CRSS

The primary responsibility of CRSS Professionals is to help individuals they serve achieve their goals, based upon their needs and wants.

CRSS and continuing education

CRSS professionals will keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to recovery and openly share their knowledge.

Individuals have the right to be treated with equality and esteem.

CRSS professionals must not discriminate against individuals based on race, religion, age, sex, disability, ethnicity, national ancestry, sexual orientation or economic condition.

Service plan

A plan that identifies the needs of individuals served and outlines the services to be provided.

What answer is NOT unethical?

CRSS professionals shall only provide service and support within work hours and locations approved by the agency.

Dual relationships

CRSS professionals will avoid relationships or commitments that conflict with the interests of individuals they serve, or impair their professional judgment.

Least restrictive environment

An environment where individuals have the right to live safely with minimal restrictions.

Conflicts of interest

Situations where a professional's personal interests could interfere with their professional responsibilities.

Romantic relationships

CRSS professionals must not engage in romantic or sexual/intimate activities with individuals they serve.

Financial exploitation

The act of taking advantage of individuals financially by a CRSS professional.

Substance abuse

CRSS professionals must not abuse substances under any circumstances.

CRSS professionals will NOT

CRSS professionals will not accept gifts of significant value from individuals they serve.

Position of power

The implicit authority that CRSS professionals hold, which requires careful management to avoid undue influence on individuals served.

Mandated Reporters

CRSS professionals who are legally required to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Team-based approach

A collaborative method of support where the welfare of the person served is the primary concern.

Ethical standards

Ethical standards are guidelines that inform the behavior and decision-making processes of CRSS professionals.

Mentoring

A CRSS offering a chance to model and share recovery skills and experiences.

Role Modeling

A CRSS professional that serve as an example of a wellness-focused lifestyle, effective advocacy, professional responsibility, mentoring, and recovery support.

Social Learning

The process of learning by observation and interaction, where modeling comes before other types of teaching.

Mutual Respect

A fundamental aspect of mentoring relationships where both parties value each other's perspectives and experiences.

Wellness Focused Lifestyle

A way of living that prioritizes health and well-being in various aspects of life.

Life Skills

Everyday activities that enable a person to live independently, including budgeting and personal hygiene.

Healthy, Interdependent Relationships

Relationships based on mutual respect and genuineness, characterized by mutual give and take.

Co-Dependence

A relationship dynamic where one person cannot function without the other.

Independence

A relationship dynamic where one person can function entirely on their own.