Peer Recovery Support Specialist: A Training Program
The Governors State University College of Health and Human Services, Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health, offers the Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) Training Program. This specialized workforce development initiative prepares individuals with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges to serve as effective peer support professionals within recovery-oriented systems of care.
The program is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to provide ethical, person-centered peer support services that promote hope, resilience, recovery, and community integration.
Program Components
Participants accepted into the program will complete:
· A required program orientation
· Three structured training courses
· A supervised 300-hour internship experience
The educational component includes approximately 135 hours of instruction and is delivered through a combination of in-person and virtual learning experiences. Classes are offered in a cohort format that emphasizes engagement, skill development, and professional growth.
Certification Preparation
The PRSS Training Program is designed to meet the educational requirements established by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) for:
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)
- Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
Upon successful completion of all coursework and internship requirements, participants receive a Certificate of Program Completion from Governors State University and are prepared to pursue certification through the Illinois Certification Board.
Please note that certification is granted by the Illinois Certification Board and requires applicants to meet all certification requirements, including any additional experiential or examination requirements established by the credentialing body.
The program is open to individuals who have lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges and who are committed to using that experience to support others in their recovery journeys.
Because the program is highly interactive and aligned with professional certification standards, participants are expected to:
· Attend all scheduled training sessions
· Actively participate in classroom activities and discussions
· Complete all required assignments
· Successfully complete the internship experience
· Demonstrate professionalism, ethical behavior, and respect for others
The PRSS Training Program is offered once a year, based on available funding and workforce development needs. Cohorts are limited in size to ensure high-quality learning experience and individualized support throughout training and internship placement.
Training is delivered in a hybrid format that includes both virtual and on-campus instruction at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.
The PRSS Training Program is supported through grant funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, CRSS Success program. As a result, eligible participants may complete the training at no cost.
Request Information
Individuals interested in learning more about future cohorts are encouraged to follow the link below and complete the PRSS Information Session Contact Form. Program staff will provide information regarding upcoming application periods, eligibility requirements, and training schedules.
The GovState Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) Training Program provides the education and supervised internship experience required to meet the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) educational standards for the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credentials.
These credentials recognize individuals who have completed approved training and demonstrate the competencies necessary to provide effective peer support services.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Program Completion from Governors State University. However, professional certification is awarded by the Illinois Certification Board and requires applicants to meet all certification requirements established by the credentialing body.
Our program is designed to prepare participants for certification and employment as peer support professionals by providing comprehensive training, skill development, and supervised field experience.
Yes. Participants in the PRSS Training Program are required to complete a 300-hour supervised internship experience as part of the program requirements. Internship placements are coordinated through partnerships with behavioral health, substance use treatment, and recovery service organizations, providing participants with valuable hands-on experience in peer support practice. Internship eligibility requirements, placement procedures, and program expectations are reviewed during the training program. Successful completion of the internship is required to receive a Certificate of Program Completion.
Yes. The demand for trained peer support professionals continues to grow throughout Illinois and across the United States. Peer Recovery Support Specialists are employed in a variety of settings, including:
· Community mental health centers
· Substance use treatment programs
· Hospitals and healthcare systems
· Recovery community organizations
· Criminal justice and reentry programs
· Veterans' services
· Youth and family service agencies
As behavioral health systems increasingly recognize the value of lived experience in supporting recovery, employment opportunities for certified peer support professionals continue to expand.