How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Idaho

Recovery coaches play an essential role in providing invaluable non-clinical support to individuals on their journey to overcoming addiction.

As a recovery coach in Idaho, your main objective is to offer guidance and assistance to individuals undergoing addiction treatment.

Your responsibility is to motivate and empower patients, providing them with the necessary tools to overcome substance dependency and achieve lasting recovery.

This article explores the field of recovery coaching, so let’s have a look.

Job Description of a Professional Recovery Coach

Recovery coaches do not engage in diagnosing or treating individuals, as their role differs from that of therapists.

Their primary focus is to provide unwavering support and guidance to clients, helping them improve their lives and successfully overcome addiction.

Recovery coaches can work with individuals struggling with various forms of addiction, including substance abuse, alcoholism, food addiction, or other addictions.

Some of the key responsibilities of a recovery coach include:

• Educating clients on essential life skills
• Establishing goals
• Developing actionable plans
• Conducting regular safety and wellness checks
• Monitoring clients’ progress and holding them accountable
• Facilitating access to additional recovery resources
• Ensuring client confidentiality
• Adhering to HIPAA guidelines
• Providing support to clients and their families

Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Idaho

If you aspire to become a recovery coach in Idaho, here are the necessary steps to follow.

1. Obtain a High School Diploma

Having a high school diploma is a fundamental requirement for pursuing this profession.

Alternatively, individuals who haven’t completed high school can obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate.

2. Become Certified

There are two main certifying bodies in Idaho:

• Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification (IBADCC)
• BPA Health.

Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification

IBADCC offers state-wide recovery coach credentials that align with the standards set by the IC&RC.

To become certified by IBADCC, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Pass a criminal background check and provide three reference letters.
• Have at least 500 hours of work experience in the behavioral health specialty.
• Complete 25 hours of supervised work in the field.
• Undergo professional training in key domains such as peer advocacy, mentoring, and recovery support.
  • A minimum of 10 hours of training is required in each domain.
• Complete 16 hours of ethical responsibility education.
• Take and pass the IC&RC exam to earn the Certified Recovery Coach status in Idaho.

Certified peer recovery coaches must meet the same requirements as recovery coaches, with an additional condition of self-identifying as individuals in recovery from addiction to alcohol or illicit substances for a year.

Continuous abstinence from substances during the recovery period is also required.

The IBADCC certification must be renewed every two years after completing 20 hours of continuing education in an IBADCC-approved program.

Six CE hours must be dedicated to ethics, and a total of 96 hours of supervised coaching must be accumulated to maintain certification.

BPA Health

BPA Health offers peer recovery coach certifications in Idaho through partnerships with various training organizations.

They provide certifications for two specific specialties:

• Certified Peer Support Specialist
  • This certification is available to individuals recovering from a mental disorder, with or without an addiction-related problem.
• Certified Family Support Partner
  • This credential is designed for parents or guardians who have raised a child with a mental illness.

To obtain CPSS or CFSP certification from BPA Health, you must finish a state-recognized training course of 40 hours.

Once the training is completed, you will be eligible for a six-month certification.

During this period, you must fulfill the following requirements to earn a full-year peer recovery coach certification:

• Accumulate 100 hours of paid or volunteer work if you have a bachelor’s degree in human services
  • or 200 hours if you only have a high school diploma or a non-human services degree
• Complete 20 hours of supervised work experience.

The BPA Health certification is renewed by accruing 10 hours of continuing education each year.

At least one hour of the CE must be dedicated to ethics.

3. Be sober

Some people pursue a career as recovery coaches based on their personal journeys of overcoming addiction.

In Idaho, it is crucial for these individuals to have a minimum of one year of sobriety.

Even if you haven’t personally struggled with addiction, it is important to adhere to the same expectations and guidelines as your clients.

Getting practical experience is valuable in addition to training and licensing.

Volunteering at a recovery center is the easiest way to get practical experience.

Additionally, two recommendations are needed to further enhance your qualifications.

Professional Recovery Coach Training Options in Idaho

Let’s see what training options there are in this state!

Recovery Idaho

Recovery Idaho is dedicated to providing vital recovery support services to those who are grappling with addiction and mental health issues.

The comprehensive five-day course follows the curriculum guidelines of the IIBADCC and the requirements of IC&RC.

Trainees delve into 30 hours of core peer support concepts and 16 hours of ethics training.

Before applying to the program, you need a year of sobriety.

Idaho Peer Support

Idaho Peer Support offers an online program that aligns with the certification requirements set by BPA Health.

This option is ideal for individuals who prefer to obtain training and certification before gaining work experience.

Family Support Partners and Training

The program focuses on training those with firsthand experience in raising a minor with behavioral, mental, or substance abuse problems.

The course lasts for 5 days and 40 hours of online training to obtain the family support partner certification from BPA Health.

Peer Supports Academy

Peer Support Idaho offers Certified Peer Recovery Coach training for individuals who have maintained sobriety for a year.

This program consists of a 40-hour course that combines live sessions with physical classes in Boise.

The candidates must be willing to disclose their personal experience with mental illness or addiction.

You should also bring references from people involved in your recovery.

To apply for certification, it is mandatory to attend all classes, which are held on five consecutive Fridays.

CSI Workforce Development and Training

The comprehensive five-day CRC and CPRC course is available in Twin Falls.

Training sessions take place from Monday to Friday and enable participants to take the IBADCC exam.

To be eligible for the CRC exam you need 500 hours of relevant experience and to be sober for a year.

Salaries for Professional Recovery Coaches in Idaho

Before completing the steps outlined earlier, it’s only natural to be curious about the potential income.

On average, professionals in this field earn approximately $31,880 per year in the state.

If you’re interested in identifying cities that offer higher salaries, check out this table.

Regional Salary in Idaho

Professional Recovery Coach by State