M36 Peer Recovery Coach Specialist Guide 2022

Section 1: Introduction

• Who is a Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS)?

  • A trained individual who has lived experience with mental illness and/or addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs and who provides one-to-one strengths-based support to peers in recovery.
  • Works in diverse settings: community health/mental health centres, behavioural health programs, substance use treatment facilities, peer-run organizations, community-based organizations, emergency rooms, courts, homeless shelters, outreach programs.
  • Sometimes called Peer Support Specialists.
  • The manual aims to build and strengthen the recovery workforce, support training and professional development, and facilitate the certification process for both beginning and experienced recovery professionals.

• Purpose of the Guide

  • Designed as a study aid to prepare for and pass the Peer Recovery Specialist Certification Exam.
  • Content based on knowledge, skills, and job tasks from the 2013 IC&RC Peer Recovery Job Analysis (IC&RC sets standards and examinations for prevention, substance use treatment, and recovery professionals).
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