The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) is a credential for those who provide mental health or co-occurring mental illness and substance use recovery support to others. A person with the CRSS credential uses unique insights gained through personal recovery experience.

The CRSS credential assures competence in advocacy, professional responsibility, mentoring, and recovery support. Persons with the CRSS credential are employed specifically to use their personal recovery experiences to facilitate and support the recoveries of others and to help shape systems of care.

Persons with their CRSS infuse their work environments with hope and empowerment, and improve opportunities for others to:

• Develop hope for recovery
• Increase problem solving skills
• Develop natural support networks
• Participate fully in life in the community

CRSS Provider Workbook

Illinois Model for Mental Health Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)

CRSS Application

CRSS Study Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

CRSS CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUs)

Date	Event	Location
Ongoing	Mental Health First Aid	In person & Virtual
Ongoing	Health e Knowledge Online Modules	Virtual
Ongoing	IAODAPCA Approved Continuing Education Bulletin	Virtual
10/28/2024-10/30/2024	The Illinois Certification Board 2024 Fall Conference	Springfield, IL
11/01/2024- 11/03/2024	New Beginnings: Reimagining Psychosis Services and Systems in the US	Virtual
11/6/2024	The Americans with Disabilities Act and How it Applies to Addiction and Recovery	Virtual
11/14/2024	Peer Recovery Support Series: How to Use Films in SUD Treatment	Virtual
11/20/2024	Giving Families Realistic Hope Around Substance Use Disorders	Virtual
12/11/2024	Essentials of Traumatic Brain Injury for the Addictions Counselor	Virtual

Additional opportunities to obtain continuing education units (CEUs) may be available through the Illinois Certification Board

Employing Persons wih the CRSS Credential [Brochure]

Minimum Competency Standards for CRSS Professionals

Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Credential Process

Recovery Through An Integrated Workforce

Effectiveness of Peer Support in Reducing Multiple Psychiatric Hospitalizations

Recovery Support Services Resource Handbook

Financing Recovery Support Services

EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF CRSS PROFESSIONALS
(Provider Training Series)

• 02/28/12 —Effective Utilization of CRSS Professionals Part 4 of 4: Program Sustainability
  • View: Part 4 (PDF File)
  • Listen: Part 4 (Audio) mp3 
• 01/17/12 — Effective Utilization of CRSS Professionals-Part 3 of 4:  Professional Training
  • View: Part 3 (PDF File)
  • Listen: Part 3 (Audio) mp3 
• 12/06/11 — Effective Utilization of CRSS Professionals-Part 2 of 4: Complex Relationships
  • View: Part 2 (PDF File)
  • Listen: Part 2 (Audio) mp3 
• 10/25/11 — Effective Utilization of CRSS Professionals-Part 1 of 4: Preparation and Planning
  • View: Part 1 (PDF File)
  • Listen: Part 1 (Audio) mp3

If more information is not yet available on the particular event you are interested in, please come back as this information is updated regularly.