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Recovery coaches play a crucial and irreplaceable role in providing essential non-clinical support to individuals determined to overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting recovery.
Your core responsibility as a recovery coach is to empower and motivate patients, equipping them with the necessary tools to conquer substance dependency and lead fulfilling lives in sustained recovery.
If you want to learn more about professional recovery coaches in North Carolina, read this article!
Article Table of Contents
Job Description of a Professional Recovery Coach in North Carolina
It is important to recognize the distinct role of recovery coaches separate from therapists, as they do not engage in diagnosing or providing treatment to individuals.
The main goals of a professional recovery coach are:
- To provide support and guidance to clients,
- To assist them in their pursuit of sustainable recovery
- To offer personalized assistance based on needs
The fundamental responsibilities of a recovery coach include:
- Educating clients on essential life skills, such as cultivating a healthy and balanced lifestyle through activities like cooking and cleaning.
- Collaborating with clients to establish realistic goals and develop actionable plans to achieve them.
- Conducting regular safety and wellness checks to ensure clients’ overall well-being throughout their recovery journey.
- Monitoring clients’ progress and holding them accountable for their actions and commitments.
- Facilitating access to additional recovery resources, including support groups, counseling services, or vocational training, based on individual needs.
- Adhering to HIPAA guidelines to maintain privacy and foster trust.
- Engaging 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 North Carolina
If you aspire to pursue a career as a recovery coach in North Carolina, here are the steps you can take:
1. Obtain Your High School Diploma
To embark on a career as a recovery coach, it is essential to have a high school diploma or an equivalent.
If you do not have a high school diploma, a GED can be earned as well.
2. Gain Experience
Practical experience plays a vital role in developing the necessary skills.
Consider volunteering at recovery centers or organizations dedicated to addiction recovery within your local area to gain hands-on experience.
3. Get certified
The certification program for North Carolina’s peer support specialists, known as CPSS (NC-certified peer support specialist), is overseen by the Division of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.
To qualify for CPSS certification, individuals must meet certain requirements.
You must be 18 years of age and have at least one year of recovery experience.
This recovery should be detailed in the application form, along with any tools that aided the recovery process.
It is not necessary to have received professional mental health or drug rehabilitation services to be eligible for certification.
When applying to become a certified recovery coach in North Carolina, two letters of recommendation are required.
One letter should be from someone who has known the applicant for at least 12 months, while the other should attest to the applicant’s recovery journey.
In terms of education criteria, applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or a college/university transcript.
They must also provide a certificate indicating the completion of 40 hours of state-approved NCCPSS training within the past 24 months.
Certification also requires 20 hours of coursework in subjects like psychology, counseling, substance use, and social work.
Training Options for Professional Recovery Coaches in North Carolina
Several organizations in North Carolina offer peer support specialist courses that the NCCPSS approves.
Let’s explore them!
Little Gerald Services 
Little Gerald provides community-based services to individuals facing challenges in society, at home, or at school.
They offer the “Empowered Life: Recovery Support Peer Training” program multiple times throughout the year.
This 40-hour course incorporates real-life experiences to equip participants with the knowledge for effective service provision to individuals with mental health or addiction-related complications.
Successful completion of this program prepares trainees to become certified recovery coaches and find suitable employment immediately after certification.
Therapeutic Advances, PLLC 
It provides training in various community service areas, including therapy, behavioral health, and clinical supervision.
They offer classes at different times throughout the year.
This 40-hour course is divided into 20-hour phases held over two consecutive weekends.
Trainees gain essential skills such as crisis intervention, communication, and creative expression.
Therapeutic Advances offers a WRAP course, which fulfills the 20-hour additional training prerequisite for NC-certified peer support specialists.
On Track Wellness and Recovery Center 
It provides a 50-hour recovery coach course.
Participants complete at least 40 hours of in-person training.
The remaining study time is self-paced, allowing for flexibility.
This course utilizes adult learning principles, experiential exercises, and didactic information to facilitate training.
It also offers the mandatory WRAP course, an 8-hour in-person class.
Vaya Health 
It offers an intensive 40-hour course with interactive sessions.
Classes are available in multiple locations throughout the state.
The course teaches participants to continuously assess their mental health and maintain their recovery journey.
Applicants should be willing to identify as recipients of addiction recovery or mental health services and provide two references.
Vaya Health may provide accommodations for participants with disabilities upon request.
NC-HOPE (Helping Our Peers Excel) 
NC-HOPE offers a 40-hour peer support specialist curriculum that meets the requirements for NCCPSS certification.
This week-long class is held in various locations such as Chapel Hill and Raleigh.
It fosters optimistic thinking, which is crucial for positive life outcomes in individuals recovering from substance use.
Participants experience a supportive and fun environment that encourages learning and interaction.
Alternatively, participants can choose to take the 20-hour extra class.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Little Gerald Services | 1112 Skyway Drive Monroe, NC 28110 |
| NC-HOPE (Helping Our Peers Excel) | online |
| On Track Wellness and Recovery Center | 1425 McArthur Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28311 |
| Therapeutic Advances, PLLC | 9711 David Taylor Dr Suite 140 Charlotte NC 28262 |
| Therapeutic Advances, PLLC | 1451 S. Elm Eugene St Greensboro, NC, 27405 |
| Vaya Health | 200 Ridgefield Ct #218, Asheville, NC 28806 |
Salary Outlook for Recovery Coaches in North Carolina
In terms of the financial aspect of pursuing a career as a recovery coach in North Carolina, the projected yearly income is approximately $32,963.
Your income depends on experience, the geographic location within North Carolina, and the specific organization.
This table offers specific information regarding the financial aspects associated with this profession in the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Gastonia | $33,681 |
| Charlotte | $33,543 |
| Raleigh | $33,468 |
| Cary | $33,468 |
| Hickory | $33,315 |
| Durham | $33,268 |
| Greenville | $33,266 |
| Rocky Mountain | $33,266 |
| Hillsborough | $32,958 |
| Kill Devil Hills | $32,373 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 80 | $52,090 | $25.04 | $61,420 | $38,390 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 240 | $56,210 | $27.03 | $83,600 | $37,060 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 60 | $51,640 | $24.83 | $63,050 | $39,290 |
| Raleigh, NC | 140 | $65,580 | $31.53 | $125,470 | $40,470 |
| Wilmington, NC | 50 | $73,230 | $35.21 | $122,560 | $37,920 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 40 | $45,670 | $21.96 | $77,020 | $37,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to become a professional recovery coach in North Carolina?
Any occupation is better suited for a certain set of skills.
Professional recovery coaches in North Carolina need:
- Very strong interpersonal skills
- Empathy
- Very strong communication skills
- Organization skills
- Commitment
Where can I find work as a professional recovery coach in North Carolina?
There are several places that need recovery coaches, like:
- Hospitals
- Recovery clinics
- Detox centers
- Various communities
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.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach
Professional Recovery Coach by State