Project Summary:
The goal of the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy is to strengthen Wisconsin's healthcare workforce by expanding the number of qualified peer recovery support professionals equipped to provide recovery-oriented services for individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and co-occurring challenges.
As peer recovery support services continue to expand throughout Wisconsin, including new opportunities for Medicaid reimbursement, there is an increasing need for professionals prepared to deliver high-quality, recovery-oriented peer recovery support services. This learning event addresses that workforce development need by providing nationally recognized professional training that prepares participants to enter or advance within Wisconsin's peer recovery support workforce, strengthening recovery-oriented systems of care and improving access to peer recovery support services across Wisconsin.
Facilitated by certified CCAR trainer Stephanie Short, the five-day academy combines presentations, discussion, experiential learning, role-playing, skill practice, and participant reflection to develop practical recovery coaching competencies for immediate application in healthcare and community settings. Upon completion, participants will understand the role of a recovery coach; apply recovery principles, motivational interviewing, stages of change, and multiple pathways of recovery; strengthen communication and relationship-building skills; recognize culture, ethics, boundaries, and recovery wellness planning; and confidently apply recovery coaching skills through guided practice and real-world scenarios.
By providing nationally recognized professional development that builds knowledge and workforce readiness, the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy will strengthen Wisconsin's current and future peer recovery support workforce while supporting improved health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities impacted by mental health, substance use, and co-occurring conditions.
The learning event is designed for Wisconsin’s current and future peer recovery support workforce. Participants will include individuals preparing to enter the peer recovery support workforce through Recovery Coach training, current peer support volunteers and staff seeking Recovery Coach training, certified peer specialists, certified parent peer specialists, and other healthcare professionals interested in integrating recovery coaching skills into their professional practice. The training supports professionals working within mental health, substance use, and co-occurring recovery services, including those employed or volunteering with peer recovery centers, behavioral health providers, substance use treatment programs, hospitals, community-based organizations, and county human service agencies.
Hosted at The Gathering Place in Brown County, the event will be open to applicants across Wisconsin. While participation is expected to primarily strengthen the Northeast Wisconsin peer recovery support workforce, participants may apply their nationally recognized training and skills within communities across the state, supporting continued growth of Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce.
The event will enroll up to 15 participants, with a minimum of 12 required to hold the training. The application process will be open to anyone interested, including individuals affiliated with The Gathering Place as well as community members and professionals across Wisconsin, with outreach in Northeast Wisconsin.
All applicants will complete an application questionnaire that assesses their interest, readiness, and workforce goals while helping create a balanced cohort representing both current peer recovery support professionals and community members preparing to enter the peer recovery support workforce. The application process will also document community interest and workforce needs to help inform future Recovery Coach training opportunities and workforce development initiatives.