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Recovery coaches play a crucial role in providing non-clinical assistance to individuals seeking to overcome addiction.
Your responsibility is to offer guidance and motivation to patients, empowering them to persevere until they achieve freedom from substance dependency.
This article explores the occupation of recovery coaching, highlighting key aspects such as salary information and the steps to becoming a certified recovery coach in Delaware.
Article Table of Contents
Professional Recovery Coach Job Description
Recovery coaches do not diagnose or treat individuals, as they are not therapists.
Their main focus is to provide 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, or gambling.
Some of the 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 client privacy and adhering to HIPAA guidelines
- Meeting with clients and their family members
Becoming a Professional Recovery Coach in Delaware
These are the steps to becoming a recovery coach in Delaware.
1. Earn a High School Diploma
Obtaining a high school diploma is a prerequisite for this occupation.
Alternatively, individuals who have 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.
There are various alternative educational facilities in the area that offer GED programs.
2. Sign up for training and become certified
In Delaware, Delaware Certification Board (DCB) is in charge of certification.
To apply for certification as a peer recovery specialist through DCB, you must meet the following minimum requirements.
Education
Possess a high school diploma or GED. Alternatively, you can apply with an associate degree.
Work Experience
Have a minimum of six months of full-time or 1000 hours of part-time experience as a paid or volunteer peer recovery specialist.
You will need to provide a signed copy of your current job description as proof.
Supervised Work Experience
Complete 25 hours of supervised work experience in the field of recovery coaching.
Peer Recovery Training
Complete 46 hours of peer recovery training.
This requirement can be fulfilled through a combination of various training programs, including three-credit college courses that may account for 45 hours of the required training.
Written Description of Recovery Journey
Provide a written description of your personal recovery journey, consisting of at least 1000 words.
3. Maintain sobriety
Many individuals choose to pursue a career as recovery coaches based on their personal journeys of overcoming addiction.
It is crucial for these individuals to have a minimum of one year of sobriety, preferably two years.
You should lead by example, thus you’ll need to stay away from illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
4. Gain practical experience
While obtaining training and certification can enhance your qualifications, practical experience can be invaluable.
One effective way to gain hands-on experience is by volunteering at a recovery center.
This allows you to directly engage with individuals seeking recovery and apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
Another option is to become a sponsor for individuals in recovery, although this requires at least one year of abstinence from the substance of abuse and two recommendations.
Professional Recovery Coach Training Options in Delaware
Let’s have a look at some of the schools that provide training for aspiring recovery coaches in Delaware.
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Residents of Delaware have the opportunity to receive training as peer recovery specialists through the DSAMH without any cost.
The program, offered by the DSAMH, spans 9 days and prepares participants for certification by the Delaware Certification Board.
In addition to meeting the standard prerequisites set by the DCB, individuals must have at least three months of experience working as a peer recovery specialist and be currently serving in that role under supervision.
The DSAMH collaborates with the Mental Health Association (MHA) to deliver the peer recovery training.
While the MHA typically offers in-person courses, virtual options may be available.
You should be prepared to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to completing assignments.
The 50-hour training includes mandatory live sessions, which require access to technology.
Apart from training sponsorship, state-certified peer recovery professionals in Delaware can access various career-advancement resources at no cost.
Education to Go
For those seeking training opportunities, the peer support specialist course offered by Ed2Go is worth considering.
This online program provides 40 hours of training over 3 months and allows participants to enroll at their convenience.
The peer recovery curriculum offered by Ed2Go is developed based on best practices and ethical standards endorsed by the National Association of Peer Supporters.
This ensures that trainees acquire the necessary skills to share their personal experiences as a model for others.
Successful completion of the program results in a certificate of completion from Ed2Go.
To access the instructional materials online, participants need a computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.
It is also recommended to have a personal email address before starting the course.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health | 1901 North Dupont Highway Herman Holloway Campus New Castle DE 19720 |
| Education to Go | online |
Salaries for Professional Recovery Coaches in Delaware
Prior to finalizing the aforementioned requirements, it is natural to have a curiosity regarding the potential income as a recovery coach in Delaware.
On average, professionals in this field earn around x per year in the state.
For insight into cities where salaries may be comparatively higher, refer to the provided table.
Of course, several factors can affect individual earnings.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Rehoboth Beach | $37,501 |
| Harrington | $37,359 |
| Lewes | $37,359 |
| Milford | $37,359 |
| Millsboro | $37,359 |
| Dover | $37,164 |
| Smyrna | $37,089 |
| Wilmington | $37,073 |
| New Castle | $37,073 |
| Hockessin | $37,073 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 40 | $57,040 | $27.42 | $104,420 | $34,100 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core job description of a recovery coach in Delaware?
As a recovery coach in Delaware, your primary objective is to provide support to individuals undergoing addiction treatment.
Where does a professional recovery coach in Delaware find work?
A professional recovery coach in Delaware will usually work at a rehabilitation facility or within local communities.
Other facilities might also need such specialists.
Can I attend online classes for this occupation?
Yes, there is at least one school that offers online training for future professional recovery coaches in Delaware.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach
Professional Recovery Coach by State