Welcome
A Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) is a professional with lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges, who has been trained and certified to help others as they move forward in their own recovery.
There are many pathways to recovery. As someone who has experienced their own pathway to recovery, a CRSS serves as a role model and encourages hope for others on their pathway to recovery.
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development has developed an apprenticeship program to address the shortage of CRSS's in Illinois. Benefits of joining this program include:
• No-cost Certified Recovery Support Specialist classes
• Personal support throughout the program
• Assistance in identifying job opportunities to fulfill the required apprenticeship hours
Learn more about program requirements and career opportunities.
The application for the 2025-2026 Academic Year is open. *Notice: The CRSS HRSA Pipeline program will begin October 2025, dependent on federal funding.
