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 period for the 2026-2027 Academic Year will open in April 2026. *Notice: The CRSS HRSA Pathways program is anticipated to begin in September 2026, dependent on federal grant funding.
