Apps AODA Counselor Application Instructions

Apps AODA Counselor Application

Product Information

The product in question is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) application manual. It is designed to guide professionals through the process of applying for CRSS certification. The manual provides instructions on how to complete the application form, as well as important information regarding fees, documentation requirements, and the review process. The manual emphasizes the need for accurate and neatly printed or typewritten application forms. It also highlights the importance of submitting all required documents, including validation from employers, supervisors, and trainers. Successful completion of the application process makes an applicant eligible to sit for the CRSS examination.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Print or type your application forms neatly.
2. Staple or paperclip all materials together, avoiding binders, folders, report covers, etc.
3. Make a photocopy of the entire completed application, including attachments, for your records.
4. Send the original copy of the application and copies of all other documents.
5. Ensure all sections of the application are completed and signed where required.
6. Notify ICB in writing of any changes to your name, work/home address, and work/home telephone numbers.
7. Applications in process will be held by ICB for one year. If not completed within that time, reapplication will be required.
8. ICB may request further information from employers and other persons listed on the application forms.
9. Send the completed application to the following address: ICB 401 East Sangamon Avenue Springfield, IL 62702

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The initial application is a brief sketch of the professional’s qualifications that is meant to be an assessment for review purposes. The manual is a recording and compilation of documents demonstrating competency in the knowledge and skills specifically related to the functions of a Certified Recovery Support Specialist. This process includes validation from employers, supervisors, and trainers. An approved application means an applicant is eligible to sit for the CRSS examination.

1. Application forms must be neatly printed or typewritten.
2. Staple or paperclip your materials to keep them together. Do not place your application materials in binders, folders, report covers, etc.
3. Checks and money orders for $75.00 should be made payable to ICB. All fees are non-refundable. No refunds will be given.
4. Make a photocopy of the entire completed application including all attachments for your records. Send the original copy of the application and copies of all other documents.
5. Applications will not be reviewed until all sections are completed and signed where required. Applicants will receive email notification of any deficiencies with the application.
6. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify ICB in writing of any changes to name, work/home address and work/home telephone numbers
7. Applications in process will be held by ICB for one year and then destroyed if not completed, requiring reapplication
8. ICB reserves the right to request further information from employers and other persons listed on the application forms.
9. Send completed application to: ICB 401 East Sangamon Avenue Springfield, IL 62702

APPLICATION FOR CRSS

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE

PLEASE NOTE: ICB, INC., RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST FURTHER INFORMATION FROM ALL EMPLOYERS AND OTHER PERSONS LISTED ON THE APPLICATION FORM. ICB, INC., AND ITS REVIEW COMMITTEES RESERVE THE OPTION TO REQUEST AN ORAL INTERVIEW WITH THE APPLICANT. THIS INFORMATION WILL BE USED STRICTLY TO EVALUATE THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF THE CRSS AND WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL BY ICB, INC. FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE REQUESTED IN ORDER TO VERIFY TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, ETC. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE TO OTHER PERSONS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE APPLICANT.

WORK EXPERIENCE FORM

I hereby attest that the applicant is working/volunteering in a position where a minimum of 51% of his/her time is spent providing mental health recovery support services. The applicant minimally has primary responsibility for providing recovery support services to an individual and/or group, preparing recovery plans, documenting client’s progress and is supervised by an individual who is knowledgeable in the Recovery Support Performance Domains.

To determine eligibility of current and previous employment/volunteer work, the following must apply to and be clearly documented by applicant: You must be currently employed or volunteer in a recovery support specialist position to be eligible for CRSS Certification;
Acceptable employment is one in which the applicant is working in a position where a minimum of 51% of his/her time is spent providing mental health recovery support services. The applicant minimally has primary responsibility for providing recovery support services to an individual and/or group, preparing recovery plans, documenting client’s progress and is clinically supervised by an individual who is knowledgeable in the Recovery Support Performance Domains.
BE SURE TO ATTACH A JOB DESCRIPTION FOR YOUR CURRENT POSITION. Job descriptions must be on agency letterhead and dated and signed by applicant and supervisor. All relevant former employment must be verified by job descriptions from employers. Please reproduce this form as needed to record work experience.

OTHER CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES: List any other certifications or licenses you hold, and the state in which the credential is issued; if credential is national, please note.

All answers are correct to the best of my knowledge. I authorize any educational institution or, other body having knowledge of my academic status, to release information to the ICB regarding my status.
Signature of Applicant
Date

SUPERVISED PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

To Supervisor: Please complete this form indicating applicant’s supervised practical training. This form is not intended to document applicant’s total number of hours worked, but rather the hours of supervision you have provided the applicant directly or indirectly. PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM DIRECTLY TO ICB, 401 East Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702.

I hereby attest to the fact that I have provided the applicant supervision for the number of hours noted below.
Realizing that supervision may take place in a variety of settings and have many faces, ICB determined not to place limiting criteria on qualifications of a supervisor. Rather, it was determined that supervision should be as broadly defined as in the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Technical Assistance Publication Number 21. TAP 21 defines supervision/clinical supervision as: the administrative, clinical, and evaluative process of monitoring, assessing, and enhancing performance.

EDUCATION FORM

Please reproduce this form as needed to record all RELEVANT education. Be sure to attach documentation (i.e. transcripts, certificates) that supports participation. Lack of documentation will result in the inability to apply these hours towards certification.

STATEMENT OF SELF-DISCLOSURE
A Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) is a mental health consumer who has been trained and certified to help other consumers identify and achieve specific life goals. The CRSS cultivates the consumer’s ability to make informed, independent choices, and assists consumers in gaining information and support from the community to make their goals a reality. As a CRSS, an individual accepts and agrees that his or her experience as a mental health consumer will be known by their colleagues, consumers and others with whom s/he may share that s/he has achieved this certification. Additionally, a CRSS will follow the “Model Code of Ethics” outlined in the Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist Model. “I understand the terms stated above, and I accept and agree to these terms. I understand that, upon successful completion of the application and examination, I will be issued a certificate as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) under the terms stated above.”
Signature
Date

ASSURANCE AND RELEASE

The Illinois Certification Board (ICB) may request further information from all persons listed on the application form, in order to verify training, employment, etc. This information is not available to others outside the certification process without the written consent of the applicant. “I give my permission for the ICB Board and staff to investigate my background as it relates to information contained in this application for certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist. I understand that intentionally false or misleading statements, or intentional omissions, shall result in denial or revocation of certification.” “I consent to the release of information contained in my application file, and other pertinent data submitted to, or collected by the ICB, to officers, members, and staff of the afore mentioned board.” “I further agree to hold the ICB, it’s officers, board members, employees, and examiners free from civil liability for damages or complaints by reason of any action that is within the scope of the performance of their duties which they may take in connection with this application and subsequent examinations, and/or the failure of ICB to issue certification.” “I certify that I have read and subscribe to ICB, Inc.’s Code of Ethics for Certified Recovery Support Specialists. “I further certify that my CRSS classification and status is public knowledge.” “I hereby affirm that the information provided on this form is correct and that I believe I am qualified for the certification for which I am applying.”
Signature of Applicant
Date

CODE OF ETHICS FOR CERTIFIED RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

CODE OF ETHICS FOR CRSS PROFESSIONALS
A code of ethics is a set of guidelines which are designed to set out acceptable behaviors for members of a particular group, association, or profession. The CRSS code of ethics serves to:

1. Protect consumers of recovery support services
2. Set a professional standard
3. Increase confidence in the profession
4. Identify core values which underlie the work performed
5. Create accountability among CRSS professionals
6. Establish occupational identity and maturity

CRSS professionals will, when appropriate, openly share their stories of hope and recovery and will likewise be able to identify and describe the supports that promote their recovery and resilience.| Science has shown that having hope is integral to an individual’s ability to recover. Hearing stories of recovery helps people develop hope, particularly when those stories are relevant to others’ lives and helps them to identify supports for their own recovery.
CRSS professionals will practice safe and healthy disclosure about their own experience through general sharing focused on providing hope and direction toward recovery.| The experience of recovery and what is helpful is different for each person. Sharing one’s recovery story can promote hope, but must not be prescriptive.
CRSS professionals will maintain high standards of personal conduct and will also conduct self- care in a manner that fosters their own recovery.| As a role model, a CRSS professional’s integrity and health choices influence the practices of persons served.
CRSS professionals will fairly and accurately represent themselves and their capabilities to individuals they serve and to the community.| The goal is to get a person to the right source of support for their current need. Damage occurs when a professional misrepresents what services they are qualified to provide.
CRSS professionals will keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to recovery and openly share their knowledge.| Persons served deserve to make choices based on the best information possible. Information and understanding regarding mental health recovery is ever evolving and expanding.
CRSS professionals will not abuse substances under any circumstances.| As a role model, a CRSS professional’s integrity and health choices influence the practices of persons served.
CRSS professionals will provide services to meet the identified needs of the individuals they serve as indicated within their service plan. They will avoid providing services that are unnecessary or not capable of producing the desired effect.| Persons served deserve individualized services with demonstrated effectiveness.
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CRSS professionals shall only provide service and support within work hours and locations approved by the agency.| Persons must be afforded protection from abuse, misconduct and conflicts of interest which are more likely to occur outside the scope of professionally sanctioned hours and settings.
CRSS professionals will be guided by the principle of consumer self- determination while also considering the needs of others and society. The primary responsibility of CRSS Professionals is to help individuals they serve achieve their goals, based upon their needs and wants.| While personal responsibility and individual choice are cornerstones of recovery, these are balanced by the need for support and safety not only of the individual, but of others and the greater society.
CRSS professionals will advocate for the full involvement of individuals they serve in communities of their choice with services in safe and least restrictive environments possible.| Recovery is the process by which persons with mental illnesses live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities. All individuals have the right to live in a safe and least restrictive environment.
CRSS professionals must not discriminate against individuals based on race, religion, age, sex, disability, ethnicity, national ancestry, sexual orientation or economic condition.| Individuals have the right to be treated with equality and esteem.
CRSS professionals will never intimidate, threaten, harass, financially exploit, use undue influence, physical force or verbal abuse, or make unwarranted promises of benefits to the individuals they serve.| Even when providing peer support services, the CRSS professional is at least implicitly in a position of power as a staff person and must be careful how that influence or perceived authority might place pressure upon individuals.
CRSS professionals will avoid relationships or commitments that conflict with the interests of individuals they serve, impair professional judgment, imply a conflict of interest, or create risk of harm to individuals they serve. When dual relationships are unavoidable, it is the responsibility of the professional to seek supervisory consultation to conduct him/herself in a way that does not jeopardize the integrity of the helping relationship.| Even when providing peer support services, the CRSS professional is at least implicitly in a position of power as a staff person and must be careful how that influence or perceived authority might place pressure upon individuals.
CRSS professionals will never engage in romantic or sexual/intimate activities with the| The real and perceived power between a human service professional and the persons they
individuals they serve. They will not provide services to individuals with whom they have had a prior romantic or sexual relationship.| serve creates an imbalance of power that is advantageous to the professional and disenfranchising to the person served. This removes the possibility for a genuine consensual relationship. Relationships of this type also cloud the professional’s needed objective judgment, which reduces the quality of services the person deserves.
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CRSS professionals will not accept gifts of significant value from individuals they serve. They do not loan, give, or receive money or payment for any services to, or from, individuals they serve.| Even when providing peer support services, the CRSS professional is at least implicitly in a position of power as a staff person and must be careful how that influence or perceived authority might place pressure upon individuals to give. A gift of significant value from a consumer is essentially payment for a service that is already being paid for by other means. Receiving a gift from an individual may also unintentionally impact the treatment of that individual and other persons served in an unfair manner.
CRSS professionals will, at all times, respect the rights, dignity, privacy and confidentiality of those they support. CRSS Professionals will respect confidential information shared by colleagues in the course of their professional relationships and interactions.| Individuals have rights, including the right to privacy, and CRSS professionals should not only honor, but advocate for the necessity and enforcement of such rights.
CRSS professionals have a duty to inform appropriate persons when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to an individual they are serving or other identifiable person. CRSS Professionals working in the human services field are mandated reporters of abuse, neglect and exploitation.| The professional has a duty not only to protect persons served, but also other individuals and society at large.
CRSS professionals will avoid negative criticism of colleagues in communicating with individuals they serve and other professionals.| CRSS professionals must use their influence for constructive purposes and not engage in activities that detract from the recovery support of persons with mental health challenges. Persons served benefit from a thoughtful, team based approach where their welfare is the primary concern.

Adapted from the Peer Specialist Code of Ethics and Professional Standards by Colorado’s Northeast Behavioral Health Partnership (2011)

PERSONAL STATEMENT
As a Certified Recovery and Support Specialist, I shall strive at all times to maintain the highest standards in all services I provide, valuing competency and integrity over expediency or ability, providing services only in those areas where my training and experience meet established standards. I shall always recognize that I have assumed a heavy social and vocational responsibility due to the intimate nature of my work, which touches the lives of other human beings. My signature below indicates my agreement with and willingness to abide by this Code of Ethics.
NAME
DATE
NOTARY SIGNATURE
DATE
NOTARY STAMP

CRSS Application Checklist

The following should be included in your CRSS Application:

When application is complete, send all materials to ICB, 401 East Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702.

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