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
Date |
Event |
Location |
Ongoing |
Mental Health First Aid |
In person & Virtual |
Ongoing |
Health e Knowledge Online Modules |
Virtual |
5/15/2024 |
Connecting the Continuum: How Prevention and Harm Reduction Connect |
Virtual |
5/15/2024 |
Cohorte de aprendizaje virtual ORN: Ciencia de la adicción y la recuperación (capacitación de 1 hora) |
Zoom Webinar |
5/17/2024 |
[Illinois] Community Event: Building Bridges Dialogue (1 Day Training) |
Bloomington, IL |
5/20/2024 |
[Illinois Only] Our Stories Have Power- Recovery Community Messaging (1 Day Training) |
University Park, IL |
5/23/2024 |
Peer Recovery Support Series: Taking the First Steps Together — Best Practices for Supporting Peer-Staff and Parents in Recovery |
Virtual |
5/29/2024 |
ORN Virtual Learning Cohort: Advancing Harm Reduction Approaches (1 Hour Training) |
Zoom Webinar |
6/5/2024 |
Spiritual Transformations in Conjunction with Non-12 Step Mutual Aid Group Attendance |
Virtual |
6/6/2024 |
[Illinois] Community Event: Building Bridges Dialogue (1 Day Training) |
Rockford, IL |
6/10/2024 |
Session 1, Option 1- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
6/12/2024 |
Session 1, Option 2- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
6/12/2024 |
To Inclusivity and Beyond! |
Virtual |
6/12/2024 |
Cohorte de aprendizaje virtual de ORN: Promoción de enfoques de reducción de daños (capacitación de 1 hora) |
Zoom Webinar |
6/14/2024 |
Session 1, Option 3- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
6/24/2024 |
Session 2, Option 1- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
6/26/2024 |
Session 2, Option 2- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
6/26/2024 |
Addressing Racial Bias in AI for Equitable Substance Use Recovery |
Virtual |
6/28/2024 |
Session 2, Option 3- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
7/8/2024 |
Session 3, Option 1- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
7/10/2024 |
Session 3, Option 2- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Vritual |
7/10/2024 |
Cohorte de aprendizaje virtual de ORN: Exploración de múltiples vías (capacitación de 1 hora) |
Zoom Webinar |
7/11/2024 |
Peer Recovery Support Series: The Science of Storytelling and the Process of Recovery |
Virtual |
7/12/2024 |
Session 3, Option 3- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
7/17/2024 |
The Intentional SUD Clinical Supervisor |
Virtual |
7/22/2024 |
Session 4, Option 1- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
7/24/2024 |
Session 4, Option 2- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
7/26/2024 |
Session 4, Option 3- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
7/31/2024 |
Through Fear to Recovery |
Virtual |
8/5/2024 |
Session 5, Option 1- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
8/7/2024 |
Session 5, Option 2- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
8/9/2024 |
Session 5, Option 3- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
8/14/2024 |
What Is Harm Reduction for Alcohol? |
Virtual |
8/19/2024 |
Session 6, Option 1- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
8/21/2024 |
Session 6, Option 2- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
8/23/2024 |
Session 6, Option 3- 2024 CRSS/CPRS Competency Training Series |
Virtual |
8/28/2024 |
Re-defining Resilience: Navigating Relapse Prevention |
Virtual |
8/29/2024 |
Peer Recovery Support Series: Infinite Pathways — Embracing Diverse Identities to Support Recovery |
Virtual |
9/4/2024-9/5/2024 |
2024 IABH Conference |
Oak Brook, IL |
9/11/2024 |
Women and Weed |
Virtual |
9/25/2024 |
Integrating STI and HIV Prevention into the SBIRT Model |
Virtual |
10/2/2024 |
Evidence-Based Advocacy for Policy Reform |
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
(Provider Training Series)
- 02/28/12 —Effective Utilization of CRSS Professionals Part 4 of 4: Program Sustainability
- 01/17/12 — Effective Utilization of CRSS Professionals-Part 3 of 4: Professional Training
- 12/06/11 — Effective Utilization of CRSS Professionals-Part 2 of 4: Complex Relationships
- 10/25/11 — Effective Utilization of CRSS Professionals-Part 1 of 4: Preparation and Planning
If more information is not yet available on the particular event you are interested in, please come back as this information is updated regularly.