INTERESTED IN BECOMING A RECOVERY COACH? Pathways Now Available at Malcolm X College including one to Help Fight the Opioid Epidemic

 INTERESTED IN BECOMING A RECOVERY COACH?
Pathways Now Available at Malcolm X College including
one to Help Fight the Opioid Epidemic

Like many other states, Illinois faces a shortfall in
trained behavioral health workers. Strengthening the behavioral
health workforce requires alignment of resources and
pathways. Through grants, Malcolm X College now offers
pathways to certification in Certified Recovery Support
Specialist (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
(CPRS) at no cost to participants.

Awarded by the Health Resources & Service Administration
(HRSA), the Opioid-Impacted Family Support
Program (OIFSP) is now offered at Malcolm X College. These
community and behavioral health training programs in opioid
use disorders (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD)
will work to expand the number of Peer Support Specialists and
Community Health Workers available in Chicago and in Illinois.

“Our city must have a robust pipeline of behavioral health
specialists to address the traumas negatively impacting many of
our communities,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “These certifications
will strengthen our trained behavioral health workforce helping
us to fight the opioid crisis and foster thriving communities. I
commend Malcolm X College for deepening health education
with the implementation of this program.”

“Malcolm X College is a leader in health education with
broad roots in our communities. We are excited to provide people
from learners across the city and the state, the opportunity to
work in behavioral health and expand the workforce dedicated
to fighting opioid and substance use disorders,” said David A.
Sanders, President of Malcolm X College.

Participants will be trained to work in teams, providing
services to children whose parents are impacted by OUD and
SUD, and other family members also impacted. The work has
a special focus on children, adolescents and transitional aged
youth in high need areas.

“The peer-to-peer support model has been proven to be
beneficial to individuals in recovery along with their loved ones.
The focus on growing this workforce is intentional and essential.
The need has never been greater than now,” said Veronica
Sek, Director of Medical programs at Malcolm X College.
Awarded in December 2021 by the IL Department of
Human Services, the grant supports Malcolm X College’s
Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) and Certified
Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) pathways at no cost to the
student.

Collectively these two grants offer a pathway to earn
multiple credentials in the Community Health Worker
program with a specialization in SUD/OUD and recovery
support.

The Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program Focus
(OIFSP) can be completed in 18 months; tuition and the cost
of book are included.
Those interested in helping fight the opioid epidemic
will have to complete two levels of academic and in-field
training.

Level One

Complete Community Health Worker Basic Certificate in 1
to 2 semesters (Part-time and Full-time Options Available, Fall
Semester Start)

Includes five (5) foundational courses with an emphasis on
opioid crisis support curriculum
Participate in an 80-hour field experience
Living stipend available

Level Two
Students can apply for an OIFSP CHW Apprenticeship
opportunity

A commitment of one-year (minimum)
Part-time or full-time paid opportunities are available
Ongoing training and mentorship as you work towards
completion of the program

Additional stipend available once hired
Placement support to complete required field hours to sit
for the credentialing exam, and will cover the fees for both the
prep course and the exam for students who complete the first
two levels.

Later this year, the college will also offer a CRSS/CPRS
exam prep course with placement support to complete required
field hours to sit for the credentialing exam, and will cover the
cost for both the prep course and the exam for students in the
program.

For more information about the Community Health Worker
Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program and to apply, click
here or copy the URL to your browser: https://pages.ccc.edu/
apply/chwoifsp/

For more information about City Colleges offerings, visit
www.ccc.edu or call 773-COLLEGE.

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