Individuals who’ve been through the challenges of recovery have so much to offer!
Recovery coaches use their lived experiences, education, work history, and skills to help others work on recovery from drug, alcohol, or other substance abuse and create a rewarding and sober lifestyle.
North Dakota needs more recovery coaches who help individuals by providing education, support, resources, and options for individuals in recovery.
While some recovery coaches volunteer because they’re passionate about the cause, certified coaches and support specialists can turn their passion into a meaningful and vital career.
Do you want to become a professional recovery coach in North Dakota?
In that case, you must meet some simple eligibility requirements, which include completing a training program, working in supervised peer support work and earning your hours, and learning and living the peer support Code of Ethics.
Page Navigation
How to Become a Professional Recovery Support Coach in North Dakota
North Dakota’s Behavioral Health and Human Services division delivers oversight and credentialing, offering two peer support options for recovery coaches:
Certified Peer Support Specialist I (PRSS I) and Certified Peer Support Specialist II (PRSS II).
The essential distinction between PRSS I and PRSS II is that the latter requires a much more significant investment in fieldwork hours, and PRSS II can supervise individuals at the PRSS I level.
Peer recovery support is a growing field of addiction and mental health treatment.
And individuals with PRSS I & II qualifications position themselves beautifully in this rewarding field.
Step-By-Step: How to Earn a PRSS I
To prepare for credentialing as a PRSS I, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Reside or work in North Dakota.
- A high school diploma or equivalency.
- Self-attest to personal experience with recovery from drug, alcohol, or other substance abuse, a mental health disorder, or a brain injury.
- Commit to sharing experiences in recovery with clients.
- Complete the required training courses.
How to Attain a PRSS II
PRSS II applicants must meet all of the above eligibility requirements plus:
- Completion of a peer support supervisory training course.
- A minimum of 500 service hours as a peer support specialist.
Application Process
First, complete the North Dakota Behavioral Health and Human Services website application.
Note: there’s a $50 application fee.
You also need to submit a list of required attachments:
- Proof of successfully finishing peer support training.
- Your personal statement concerning your lived experience with recovery.
- Three letters of recommendation: one professional reference, one personal, and one attesting to a commitment to recovery.
- A signed copy of the Code of Ethics.
North Dakota Recovery Coach Training Programs
Upcoming training sessions are shown on the state’s Peer Support website.
These sessions are in-person, although refresher courses are available online for recertification.
To be a professional recovery coach, you must be admitted to the training program.
You’re eligible to participate in training if you are:
- Working with or supervising peer support specialists in a work or volunteer role.
- You can self-attest to recovering from an alcohol, drug, or other substance abuse disorder, mental health disorder, or brain injury.
- Or if you have a family member living under the conditions mentioned above.
You can also get training from three other approved programs:
the University of North Dakota, the Center for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), and the Federation of Families.
The University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers a Professional Recovery Coach training program available entirely online via the Ed2go program.
This 60-hour course can be completed in about six months.
The cost is $1695.
The International Association for Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC) certifies the UND’s Professional Recovery Coach training program.
This course is also recognized by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
Center for Addiction Recovery
The Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) program, one of the most reputed in recovery training, offers live, virtual training via Zoom.
It’s an excellent option for people living in rural communities who can’t easily get to an in-person training location.
Training sessions last several days, and participants must attend the entire session.
Recovery Coach Representative Schools in North Dakota – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in North Dakota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States |
| Center for Addiction Recovery |
Salary
How much green does a professional recovery earn?
The pay scale ranges from $28,882 to $36,000, while the average salary for a recovery coach in North Dakota is $32,215.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Professional Recovery Coachs in North Dakota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Fargo | $32,287 |
| Bismarck | $33,595 |
| Grand Forks | $30,907 |
| Minot | $33,078 |
| Mandan | $33,595 |
| Dickinson | $33,078 |
| Jamestown | $32,425 |
| West Fargo | $32,287 |
| Williston | $33,078 |
| Wahpeton | $31,771 |
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 210 | $39,080 | - NA - | $63,270 | $22,570 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 500 | $48,300 | - NA - | $84,720 | $25,340 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 140 | $60,570 | - NA - | $96,420 | $25,270 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a professional recovery coach in North Dakota, where can I get a job?
The career of a recovery coach is a growing professional, and there’s an opportunity to practice your vocation with many government organizations, health institutions, and businesses that take a proactive approach to healthcare and wellness.
Consider options such as:
- State, muni, or local government organizations
- Nonprofit community organizations
- Hospitals
- Mental health clinics
- Outpatient treatment/Inpatient facilities
- Private treatment programs
Is there a type of professional recovery coach who aids families in North Dakota?
You bet!
There’s a certification option from the National Federation of Families.
A Certified Family Peer Specialist (CFPS) is the parent or family member of an individual in recovery who guides other families of recovering individuals.
Applicants for CFPS must submit the following:
- Resume
- Documentation of 1000+ hours of peer support within five years.
- 88 hours of training.
- A signed supervision verification of a minimum of 20 hours.
- $50 application fee + $300 certification fee.
Do recovery coaches in North Dakota need to be recertified?
Yes, every two years, with at least 20 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU) within that time frame.
What’s the job outlook for professional recovery coaches in North Dakota?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts professional recovery coaches in the Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers category and notes that this growing industry is expected to increase by 12% by 2031.
