How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Maryland

In Maryland, recovery coaches offer guidance and assistance to folks receiving addiction treatment.

Your responsibility as a recovery coach is to empower and motivate patients, equipping them with the necessary tools to overcome substance dependency and lead fulfilling lives.

This article aims to explore the field of recovery coaching, highlighting its significance and providing insights on how to pursue a rewarding career in this profession.

Job Description of a Professional Recovery Coach in Maryland

The primary focus of a recovery coach is to provide support and guidance to clients, helping them navigate the challenges of addiction and work toward sustainable recovery.

Recovery coaches can work with individuals struggling with various forms of addiction.

The key responsibilities of a recovery coach include:

• Educating clients on essential life skills, such as cooking and cleaning, that contribute to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
• Collaborating with clients to establish realistic goals and develop actionable plans to achieve them.
• Performing safety and wellness checks to ensure clients’ well-being throughout their recovery journey.
• Monitoring clients’ progress and holding them accountable for their actions and commitments.
• Facilitating access to additional recovery resources, like:
  • Support groups
  • Counseling services
  • Vocational training
• Adhering to HIPAA guidelines to maintain their privacy and establish trust.
• Meeting with clients and their families to provide comprehensive support and address any challenges or concerns that may arise.

Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Maryland

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a recovery coach in Maryland, here are the steps to take:

1. Obtain a High School Diploma:

Having a high school diploma is a fundamental requirement for entering this profession across the nation.

Some didn’t finish high school and they can show a GED certificate instead.

2. Seek Relevant Education

While specific certifications may not be required to work as a recovery coach in Maryland, attending classes that concentrate on addiction can be helpful.

These educational opportunities can enhance your knowledge and skills in supporting individuals on their recovery journey.

3. Become certified

You can also take the certification test provided by the IC&RC.

The test will be taken on the computer and you need a score of 500 to pass.

The certification will be viable for 2 years.

After that, you need to apply again to get certified.

But, you don’t need to take the test again if your certification expired less than 12 months before.

You will also need to take extra education classes as follows:

• 20 hours of MABPCB-approved classes within 24 months of certification
  • Out of these hours, 6 should concentrate on Ethical Considerations.

4. Maintain Sobriety

To pursue a career as a recovery coach in Maryland, it is a requirement to have a minimum of one year of sobriety.

This ensures that individuals have personal experience in overcoming addiction before assisting others.

5. Practical Experience and Recommendations

While receiving proper training and obtaining the necessary licenses are vital steps toward becoming a qualified recovery coach, practical experience is also important.

Volunteering at recovery centers and similar organizations allows you to gain hands-on experience and further develop your skills in the field.

Furthermore, recommendations from professionals in the field can significantly enhance your qualifications as a recovery coach.

Training and Education Opportunities in Maryland

In Maryland, there are various training programs available for aspiring recovery coaches.

You can either choose to train virtually or enroll in a physical program at a Maryland Training Center.

Some of the training centers that have programs are:

• 3C’s Recovery Training Institute
• Maryland Harm Reduction Training Institute
• University of Maryland School of Medicine

3C’s Recovery Training Institute

The training at this institute takes place through:

• Case studies
• Self-study
• Group training
• Other methods

This program is available through a grant from the Open Society Institute-Baltimore.

The goal of each group is to achieve its goals within a year.

At the end of the program the students, called here “MPAC ALP Fellows,”  will take the certification exam to become Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialists.

Maryland Harm Reduction Training Institute

This institute offers several courses for those who use drugs.

Some of these courses are:

• Harm Reduction 101
  • This class has 33 lessons
• Overdose Response Programs
  • There are 77 lessons in this program
• Outreach and Engagement of People Who Use Drugs
  • A class with 48 lessons

Other classes are added throughout the year, with a varying number of lessons.

All courses are free of charge and anyone can attend.

At the end of each course, a certificate of completion will be issued.

Those hoping to accumulate credits or seeking CEUs to continue their education will have to look at other institutions.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

The program offered here was created in 2015.

The classes are offered free of charge and they meet the requirements of the behavioral-health Professionals Certification Board, (MABPCB).

Salary Outlook for Recovery Coaches in Maryland

When considering a career path, it is natural to have an interest in the potential financial opportunities it offers.

In Maryland, you can expect a projected annual income of $35,403.

Your salary may depend on aspects like experience, qualifications, and location.

Regional Salary in Maryland

Professional Recovery Coach by State