Also called peer recovery specialists, a peer recovery coach is someone who has lived experience with addiction and recovery.
They may also be someone that has lived with someone (parent, spouse, etc) that struggled with addiction.
The coaches are trained professionals who use their education and personal experiences to help others that are in similar situations.
A recovery coach is not a therapist, nor do they diagnose anyone.
Rather, they act as role models, advocates, and mentors.
The client can lean on the coach for support in setting goals and planning for a healthier, sober future.
The recovery coach tasks will vary depending on individual needs, but usually include, encouragement, helping with job searches, housing, finding community resources, and organizing and improving life skills.
A recovery coach may also help individuals bridge the gap with family members that formed while the individual was actively using.
They may also accompany the client to 12-step meetings or other places that they feel anxious about.
Recovery coaches can work in a variety of settings, including emergency rooms, detox centers, in/out patient facilities, halfway houses, and veterans’ hospitals.
Growth in this profession is expected to rise by 12% over the next 10 years.
If you’re interested in becoming a recovery coach in Delaware, read on for some useful information.
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Steps To Becoming A Professional Recovery Coach In Delaware
If you’re interested in becoming a recovery coach in Delaware, there are several requirements that must be fulfilled before you can become certified.
They include the following.
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have direct experience with addiction and be willing to disclose it.
- Attend Peer 101 training to learn the basics and see if it’s right for you.
- Volunteer or work in an approved facility for at least 500 hours.
- You can choose to take the 9 day (50 hour) course offered by the state, or enroll in the program of your choice. But it must be one that offers a certificate and prepares you for the exam.
- Take and pass the exam. Then apply for a certificate.
- Sign the code of ethics.
Schools/Programs That Offer Courses For Recovery Coaches
1. The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
About The Center
The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health provides services for people with addiction and mental health issues.
They also offer no-cost educational courses in the area of substance use to help people achieve their goals of helping others.
About The Course
The division offers a peer recovery coaching course twice a year.
The 9 day course is a 50 hour long in person program.
The course will help prepare students to take the exam and become the best mentors possible to their peers in need.
Topics covered include the foundations of addiction, terminology, mentoring, inspirational and motivational techniques, legal and ethical issues, coping strategies, and documentation.
There is no cost for the course.
Address: 1901 North DuPont Highway
New Castle, Delaware 19720
Phone: (302)2552700
Website: https://www.icarol.info/ResultDetails.aspx?org=2065&agencynum=5133183
2. Copeland Center For Wellness And Recovery 
About The Center
The Copeland Center is a community-based nonprofit that promotes individual and community wellness and empowerment in the state of Delaware.
They act as advocates and support resources for people with substance-use disorders and their families.
They also offer educational services for those interested in working to help those individuals.
About The Program
Copeland offers a recovery coach certificate program for people in recovery, so that they may help people, including themselves.
The course runs for 10 days from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
In addition to classroom theory, instruction is provided by modeling.
Trained instructors, with lived experiences, model step by step what recovery coaches do.
They go through several situations from handling triggers and emergencies to relapse.
The program is free, but students are required to have at least 12 months of volunteer experience.
Address: 100 West 10th Street
Willmington, Delaware 19010
Phone: (888)9596118
Website: https://copelandcenter.com/sessions/wrap-facilitator-refresher-wilmington-de
Recovery Coach Representative Schools in Delaware – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in Delaware
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health | 1901 North DuPont Highway New Castle, Delaware 19720, USA |
| Copeland Center For Wellness And Recovery | 100 West 10th StreetWillmington, Delaware 19010, USA |
Salary For Professional Recovery Coaches In Delaware
The average salary for a professional recovery coach in Delaware is $35,075 per year, according to salary.com.
However, depending on your experience and where you work, the salary could be closer to $40,000 per year.
Recovery coaches make the most in the towns of Rehoboth, Milford, Lewes, and Delaware City.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Professional Recovery Coachs in Delaware
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $36,054 |
| Dover | $36,150 |
| Newark | $36,026 |
| Milford | $36,332 |
| Seaford | $35,729 |
| Middletown | $36,031 |
| Ellendale | $36,332 |
| Smyrna | $36,069 |
| New Castle | $36,054 |
| Georgetown | $36,332 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 130 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the certification test need to be taken again in order to gain recertification in Delaware?
No.
However, you must take at least 20 hours of continuing education and provide proof in order to renew your certificate each year.
What is the cost of the recovery Coach exam?
The exam costs $100 for the first time.
If you must take it again, it’s $50.
Is a background check required to become a recovery coach in Delaware?
No.
A background check is not needed to become certified, but individual facilities may require one before they hire you.
What attributes should successful recovery coaches possess?
Recovery coaches should definitely be empathetic, patient, have excellent communication skills, and have good organizational skills.
