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Recovery coaches play an essential role in providing valuable non-clinical support to individuals on their journey to overcome addiction.
As a recovery coach in Kansas, your main objective is to offer guidance and assistance to individuals undergoing addiction treatment, whether in rehabilitation facilities or within local communities.
Your responsibility is to motivate and empower patients, equipping them with the necessary tools to overcome substance dependency and achieve long-lasting recovery.
This article explores the field of recovery coaching, so let’s delve into it.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description of a Professional Recovery Coach in Kansas
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 overcome addiction.
Recovery coaches can work with individuals struggling with various forms of addiction, including:
- Substance abuse
- Alcoholism
- Food
- Sex
- Shopping
- Gambling
Some of the key responsibilities of a recovery coach include:
- Educating clients on essential life skills, such as cooking and cleaning
- Collaborating with clients to establish goals and develop actionable plans
- Conducting regular safety and wellness checks
- Monitoring clients’ progress and holding them accountable
- Facilitating access to additional recovery resources
- Ensuring client confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA guidelines
- Meeting with clients and their families to provide comprehensive support
Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Kansas
If you aspire to become a recovery coach in Kansas, here are the necessary steps to follow:
1. Get a High School Diploma
Having a high school diploma is a fundamental requirement for pursuing this profession.
If you haven’t completed high school, you can obtain a GED certificate.
2. Become Certified
To get work in Kansas, obtaining the Kansas Certified Peer Mentoring Certification from the KDADS Division of Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is needed.
For that, you need to:
- Be 18 years old
- Be in full recovery from a substance use disorder for one year
- Complete the state’s peer mentor training program
- Includes an online portion at level one and a two-day, in-person session at level two
- Achieve scores of 70% or higher on the program quizzes and final test
- Read and sign the BHS Code of Ethics for Kansas Certified Peer Mentors and Kansas Peer Mentors in Training
- Sign the Merit of Public Trust
Upon fulfilling these requirements, individuals can apply for BHS certification.
3. Be Clean or Sober
The decision to pursue a career as a recovery coach is often driven by personal experiences of triumphing over addiction.
In Kansas, it is a fundamental requirement for aspiring recovery coaches to have a minimum of one year of sobriety.
This criterion ensures that individuals have a solid foundation of personal recovery before supporting others.
But, even if someone hasn’t personally battled addiction, it is essential for them to align themselves with the same guidelines as their clients.
While receiving training and obtaining the necessary licensing is crucial, practical experience is equally valuable in becoming an effective recovery coach.
Volunteering provides a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field.
It enables future coaches to develop essential skills in guiding and motivating individuals on their recovery journey.
In addition to experience and training, having recommendations can significantly enhance one’s qualifications as a recovery coach.
Recommendations from professionals in the field, such as counselors, therapists, or supervisors, attest to an individual’s competence, dedication, and ability to support others effectively.
Options for Professional Recovery Coach Training in Kansas
Kansas’s BHS offers the necessary training and certification process for individuals aspiring to become peer coaches in the state.
Behavioral Health Services Level 1 Training 
The journey begins with Level One Training, a self-paced online course available on the LearnWorlds platform.
Participants can enroll for free by creating an account.
Upon completion of Level One Training and achieving the required exam score, aspiring peer coaches must await approval from KDADS to proceed to Level Two Training.
During this stage, individuals can start working as peer mentors under supervision, with the ability to bill up to 20 hours per week.
Behavioral Health Services Level 2 Training
A minimum of 90 days of supervised work is required before progressing to the next level.
Once approved, candidates can register for Level Two Training through KDADS.
They have one year from the completion of Level One to finish Level Two.
While Level Two Training itself is free, any associated travel expenses are the responsibility of the trainee or their employing agency.
The training is conducted on two consecutive Saturdays, and multiple sessions are available throughout the year.
After successfully completing Level Two Training, individuals are eligible to apply for the CPM credential.
Once certified as a CPM, peer coaches can further advance their careers by taking additional courses on the LearnWorlds platform.
These courses cover various topics such as safety training, supervisor training, action plan training, and values and ethics training.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board | 700 SW Harrison St #420, Topeka, KS 66603 |
Salaries for Professional Recovery Coaches in Kansas
Exploring the financial prospects of a career is a natural and important consideration for many individuals.
In the field of recovery coaching, understanding the potential income opportunities can help guide career decisions and provide a sense of financial stability.
In Kansas, the projected annual income for recovery coaches is estimated to be around $32,696.
It’s important to note that this is a projected estimate and individual salaries may vary depending on factors like:
- Experience,
- Qualifications,
- Location,
- The specific organization or setting in which one is employed
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $33,667 |
| Overland Park | $33,568 |
| Lenexa | $33,568 |
| Shawnee | $33,568 |
| Olathe | $33,476 |
| Lawrence | $33,434 |
| Wichita | $32,380 |
| Hutchinson | $32,036 |
| Topeka | $31,758 |
| Manhattan | $31,415 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 30 | $48,740 | $23.43 | $74,820 | $24,290 |
| Topeka, KS | 40 | $56,770 | $27.29 | $79,090 | $41,870 |
| Wichita, KS | 70 | $49,750 | $23.92 | $73,700 | $31,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in Kansas can I find work as a professional recovery coach?
There are several places that need such professionals:
- Hospitals
- Recovery clinics
- Detox centers
- Various communities
What skills do I need to become a professional recovery coach in Kansas?
Any occupation is better suited for a certain set of skills.
Professional recovery coaches in Kansas need:
- Very strong interpersonal skills
- Empathy
- Very strong communication skills
- Organization skills
- Commitment
What’s the outlook for people who work in this field in Kansas?
More and more people abuse a variety of substances.
As such, the demand for professional recovery coaches will be steady and might even increase.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach
Professional Recovery Coach by State