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Recovery coaches play a crucial role in providing non-clinical support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction.
As a recovery coach in Connecticut, your primary role is to assist individuals undergoing addiction treatment, whether at a rehabilitation facility or within local communities.
Your responsibility is to provide support and motivation to patients, empowering them to persevere until they achieve freedom from substance dependency.
This article delves into the occupation of recovery coaching, highlighting aspects such as salary information and the steps to becoming a professional recovery coach in Connecticut.
Article Table of Contents
Professional Recovery Coach Job Description
Recovery coaches do not diagnose or treat others, as they are not therapists.
Their main objective is to offer support and guidance to help clients improve their lives and overcome addiction.
Recovery coaches can work with individuals addicted to substances, alcohol, food, sex, shopping, gambling, or other forms of addiction.
Some job duties include:
- Teaching clients essential life skills, such as cooking and cleaning
- Discussing clients’ goals and creating action plans
- Conducting safety and wellness checks
- Monitoring progress and providing accountability
- Providing access to other recovery resources
- Maintaining privacy and adhering to HIPAA guidelines
- Meeting with clients and their family members
Becoming a Professional Recovery Coach in Connecticut
To pursue a career as a recovery coach, certain steps and qualifications need to be fulfilled. Here is a breakdown of the process:
1. Earn a High School Diploma
Obtaining a high school diploma is mandatory for this occupation.
Alternatively, individuals who dropped out of school can earn their GED, as it is also accepted.
A high school diploma or GED demonstrates the basic skills required for the position.
Various alternative educational facilities in the area offer GED programs.
2. Enroll in Training
To enhance your skills and knowledge, complete 25 hours of supervised work experience in the field.
Additionally, pursue 100 hours of state-approved training and education related to recovery coaching.
This comprehensive training ensures you are well-equipped to assist individuals in their journey toward recovery.
Finally, you will need to pass the IC/RC Peer recovery examination, which assesses your understanding of recovery coaching principles.
3. Obtain Certification
To become a certified recovery coach, you must pass a certification exam and work under the supervision of a licensed professional.
The certification process requires approval of your application, which will be evaluated based on your qualifications and experience.
4. Maintain Clean or Sober Status
Aspiring recovery coaches are often motivated by their personal experiences and successful recovery journeys.
It is essential to have a minimum of one year of sobriety, preferably two years, as a prerequisite.
It is important to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle and adhere to the same standards expected of your clients.
This includes abstaining from the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
5. Gain Practical Experience
In addition to training and certification, gaining practical experience is invaluable as a recovery coach.
Volunteering at a recovery center provides hands-on experience and allows you to directly engage with individuals seeking recovery.
Another option is to become a sponsor for individuals in recovery, which requires at least a year of abstinence and recommendations from trusted sources.
These experiences demonstrate your commitment to sobriety and your ability to provide support and guidance to others on their recovery journey.
By following these steps and fulfilling the requirements, you can establish yourself as a qualified and competent recovery coach, equipped to assist individuals in overcoming addiction and achieving lasting recovery.
Professional Recovery Coach Training Options in Connecticut
Here are some of the available classes.
Advocacy Unlimited Inc.
Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is a strong supporter of the training program offered by Advocacy Unlimited Inc.
This comprehensive program is specifically designed for individuals aspiring to become recovery coaches or support specialists.
It is the only authorized certification program in Connecticut and ensures that coaches adhere to state-endorsed principles, core competencies, and a code of ethics.
The program is aligned with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Association for Addiction Professionals.
To enroll in the Advocacy Unlimited Inc. program, follow these steps:
- Select a course start date that suits your schedule.
- Download and complete the application form.
- Pay the $25 application processing fee.
- Once accepted, submit the $100 training fee before the first day of the course.
- Upon completing the program, take the Certification Exam, which has a fee of $75.
Upon receiving certification as a Recovery Coach in Connecticut, you will have the opportunity to pursue continuing education courses through Advocacy Unlimited Inc.
Certification requires completing 60 hours of continuing education every three years.
The courses offered by Advocacy Unlimited Inc. cover a range of topics, including:
- Foundations for RSS
- Sharing Your Recovery History
- Effective and Empathic Communication
- Partnering, Boundaries, and Ethical Considerations
- Intentional Peer Support
- Wellness Recovery Action Planning
- Working with Families and Groups
- Legislation and Legal Issues
These courses provide valuable knowledge and skills to enhance your effectiveness as a recovery coach in Connecticut.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Advocacy Unlimited Inc. | 114 W Main St, New Britain, CT 06051 |
Salaries for Professional Recovery Coaches in Connecticut
It is common to have inquiries about the potential income as a professional recovery coach in Connecticut before finalizing the mentioned requirements.
Typically, the average annual earnings for individuals in this occupation in the state range around $38,055.
For insights into cities where salaries may be comparatively higher, please consult the provided table.
Keep in mind that several factors, including your level of experience and geographical location, can impact your earnings.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Stamford | $40,631 |
| Norwalk | $40,631 |
| Greenwich | $40,631 |
| Bridgeport | $40,110 |
| Fairfield | $40,110 |
| Milford | $40,110 |
| Stratford | $40,110 |
| Danbury | $39,197 |
| New Haven | $38,263 |
| Middletown | $38,121 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 80 | $84,410 | $40.58 | $164,500 | $43,270 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 130 | $73,130 | $35.16 | $110,950 | $37,860 |
| New Haven, CT | 80 | $102,780 | $49.41 | $159,170 | $49,980 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Connecticut have just one school for training professional recovery coaches?
No.
There are several institutions available that offer such training.
The school presented is just to get you started on your search.
What skills do I need to become a professional recovery coach in Connecticut?
The most important skills for this position are:
- Communication
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Interpersonal
Will I earn more or less in Connecticut than the national median salary as a professional recovery coach?
In Connecticut, salaries are generally higher than the ones at the national level.
This is also true for professional recovery coaches.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach
Professional Recovery Coach by State