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Professional recovery coaches in Vermont play a crucial role in providing support to those looking to overcome addiction.
When it comes to Vermont’s addiction treatment scene, recovery coaches serve as guides and mentors.
As a recovery coach, your objective is to empower and motivate clients.
This article aims to delve into the field of recovery coaching in Vermont and explore the steps to becoming a professional recovery coach.
Article Table of Contents
Defining the Role of a Professional Recovery Coach in Vermont
It is important to distinguish recovery coaches from therapists, as recovery coaches do not provide clinical treatment.
Recovery coaches in Vermont are equipped to assist clients in their recovery journey, addressing their specific needs and helping them develop a plan for sustainable recovery.
A professional recovery coach in Vermont has many important tasks that I’ll detail next.
Education and Life Skills
Clients need education on essential life skills.
These skills contribute to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Goal Setting and Action Planning
Collaborating with clients to establish realistic goals and develop plans to achieve them.
Without these, clients, their families, and coaches alike won’t see the desired results.
Accountability and Support
Holding clients accountable for their actions and commitments, encouraging them to stay committed to their recovery.
This duty works hand-in-hand with the previous one.
Safety and Well-being
You must conduct regular safety checks.
Doing so ensures the clients’ overall well-being.
Access to Resources
Facilitating access to additional recovery resources, such as support groups, counseling services, and vocational training.
Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Vermont
If you aspire to pursue a career as a recovery coach in Vermont, consider following these steps:
1. Education
Obtain a high school diploma or GED as a foundational requirement.
2. Practical Experience
Gain practical experience by volunteering or working in settings related to addiction recovery.
This hands-on experience allows you to develop the necessary skills and understanding of the recovery process.
3. Get certified
Becoming a certified Recovery Coach (CRC) in Vermont involves meeting specific qualifications and going through a recertification process every two years.
Qualifications for Certification:
Employment or Volunteering: Prospective CRCs must already be employed or volunteering at an organization or facility that provides recovery resources to individuals in Vermont.
Completion of VRCA Program: Prospective CRCs are required to successfully complete the Vermont Recovery Coach Academy (VRCA) program.
500+ Hours of Work as a Recovery Coach: Prospective CRCs must have accumulated at least 500 hours of experience as a volunteer or paid recovery coach within the past seven years.
Supervised Hours: Out of the 500 hours of work, a minimum of 25 hours must have been directly supervised by a Recovery Coach Supervisor.
4. Continued Learning
Stay informed and engaged in the field of recovery coaching by participating in educational initiatives, attending workshops, and seeking continuous learning opportunities.
Finding Training as a Professional Recovery Coach in Vermont
Vermont Recovery Coach Academy 
The VRCA curriculum is thoughtfully designed to equip coaches with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for their certification and ethical practice.
The covered topics include:
- Certification principles
- Coaching ethics
- Conduct rules
- Standards of behavior.
By delving into these areas, VRCA ensures that coaches adhere to professional standards and deliver effective and compassionate support to individuals in recovery.
Eligibility for VRCA requires prospective coaches to be actively involved in addiction recovery settings within Vermont, either through employment or volunteering.
Admission to the training program requires approval from the Recovery Center director.
While VRCA carries a tuition fee of $900, scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis.
VRCA offers live sessions that enable individuals from all corners of the state to engage in training, eliminating geographical barriers.
To participate in the online training, consistent internet access for the entire duration of the course is required.
The VRCA training program spans 46 hours and takes place over a single workweek, providing an immersive learning experience.
It combines group work and independent study, offering a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to coach development.
The live sessions run from 9 am to 3 pm.
Applications become available six weeks prior to each training session, allowing individuals ample time to prepare and submit their applications.
By participating in the VRCA program, aspiring coaches can acquire the necessary skills, certification, and recognition from the state of Vermont.
For those seeking international certification, an opportunity awaits through the IC&RC exam, in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs (ADAP).
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Vermont Recovery Coach Academy | 100 State Street, Suite 352 Montpelier, VT 05602 |
Salaries for Professional Recovery Coaches in Vermont
Experience serves as a significant determinant of earning potential for recovery coaches in Vermont.
As coaches accumulate more years in the field, their expertise and reputation grow, opening doors to higher income opportunities.
Clients value the practical skills and insights gained through hands-on experience, recognizing the value that seasoned coaches bring to their recovery journey.
Different regions may exhibit varying demands for recovery services, resulting in distinct salary ranges.
To provide you with a comprehensive overview of the income potential for recovery coaches in Vermont, we have compiled a detailed table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bennington | $34,722 |
| Londonderry | $34,660 |
| Rutland | $34,115 |
| Burlington | $33,880 |
| Colchester | $33,880 |
| Essex Junction | $33,880 |
| Williston | $33,880 |
| Essex | $33,880 |
| Richmond | $33,818 |
| Sheffield | $33,571 |
Regional Salary in Vermont
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 80 | $65,560 | $31.52 | $86,200 | $42,980 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are professional recovery coaches similar to healthcare professionals?
Recovery coaches do not engage in diagnosing or treating individuals, as their role differs from that of therapists or healthcare professionals.
Where Does a Professional Recovery Coach Work in Vermont?
These professionals can work in countless different recovery settings, such as:
- Treatment centers
- Alcohol and drug abuse services centers
- Detox centers
- Psychosocial rehab programs
- Inpatient clinics
- Community mental health agencies
- Nonprofit community organizations
- Veterans hospitals
- State and local governments
- Recovery courts
What skills do I need to become a professional recovery coach in Vermont?
Any occupation is better suited for a certain set of skills.
Professional recovery coaches in Vermont need:
- Very strong interpersonal skills
- Empathy
- Very strong communication skills
- Organization skills
- Commitment
Read the full guide: How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach
Professional Recovery Coach by State