New Hope School of Counseling – CRSS/CPRS Program

The New HopeSchool of Counseling CRSS/CPRS Program is designed for individualswith lived experience in recovery from mental health challenges, substance use challenges,or co-occurring conditions who are passionate about supporting others on theirrecovery journey. Through this program, students learn how to transform theirpersonal experiences into professional skills that promote hope, healing,resilience, and long-term recovery within their communities. 

The program preparesparticipants to become: 

• Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS)  
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS)  

These certifications equip students to work in behavioral health, community organizations,hospitals, recovery centers, social service agencies, and other supportive careenvironments where peer support plays a vital role in recovery and wellness. 

Who Is This Program For?

This program is idealfor individuals who: 

• Have lived experience with mental health recovery and/or substance use recovery  
• Want to help others through peer support and mentorship  
• Are interested in beginning a career in behavioral health or human services  
• Desire to make a positive impact in their communities  
• Want professional training that values empathy, lived experience, and advocacy  
• Are seeking meaningful employment opportunities in the growing field of recovery support services

Whether you are beginning a new professional path or expanding your experience in the helping professions, this program provides the education, mentorship, and practical training needed to succeed. 

What Students Will Learn

Through classroom instruction, experiential learning, and internship opportunities, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to support individuals in recovery with compassion and professionalism. 

Coursework focuses on: 

1. 01 — Peer support and recovery coaching 
2. 02 — Advocacy and empowerment 
3. 03 — Ethics and professional boundaries  
4. 04 — Communication and active listening  
5. 05 — Mentoring and motivational support  
6. 06 — Trauma-informed care 
   07 — Cultural competency and community engagement  
   08 — Wellness planning and recovery-oriented systems of care  

Students will learn how to combine evidence-based recovery practices with their own lived experiences to provide a holistic and person-centered approach to care. 

Internship & Hands-On Experience

The CRSS/CPRS Program includes supervised internship opportunities that allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings. This hands-on training helps students build confidence, strengthen professional skills, and gain valuable experience working directly with individuals and families in recovery.

Tuition Assistance & Program Support

New Hope School of Counseling and Rincon Family Services are proud to offer this program with financial support provided in full or in part through a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Mental Health.

Eligible students may receive support for:

• Tuition assistance  
• Internship stipends  
• Educational resources and materials  
• Additional student support services  

Our goal is to reduce barriers to education and create accessible pathways into the behavioral health workforce.

Interested?

You can learn more about the program in the following ways:

• Email the Dean of New Hope School of Counseling (NHSC), Kimberly Skoczelas, at kskoczelas@rinconfamilyservices.org  
• Visit the program webpage and submit your application  
• Call any Rincon Family Services office location, and one of our care representatives will guide you through the process and answer your questions

New Hope School of Counseling – CADC Program

The New Hope School of Counseling CADC Program is designed for individuals who are passionate about helping others overcome substance use challenges and build healthier, recovery-focused lives. Through comprehensive education, professional training, and hands-on experience, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders with compassion, professionalism, and evidence-based care.

This program prepares students to pursue certification as a:

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

The CADC credential equips graduates to work in a variety of behavioral health and human service settings, including treatment centers, hospitals, community agencies, recovery programs, correctional facilities, and private practice environments where substance use counseling and recovery support services are essential.

Who Is This Program For?

This program is ideal for individuals who:

• Are passionate about helping individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders
• Want to pursue a career in behavioral health, addiction counseling, or human services
• Desire professional training in counseling techniques, recovery support, and treatment planning
• Want to expand their current experience in healthcare, social services, or community support roles
• Are interested in developing the clinical and interpersonal skills needed to work in the growing field of substance use treatment

Whether students are beginning a new career path or advancing their current professional goals, the CADC Program provides the education, mentorship, and practical training needed for success in the behavioral health field.

What Students Will Learn

Through classroom instruction, experiential learning, and supervised internship opportunities, students will develop the competencies necessary to provide ethical, effective, and recovery-oriented substance use counseling services.

Coursework focuses on:

1. 01 — Substance use disorders and recovery principles
2. 02 — Counseling theories and techniques
3. 03 — Screening, assessment, and treatment planning
4. 04 — Ethics and professional responsibilities
5. 05 — Group counseling and facilitation skills
   06 — Trauma-informed care
   
6. 07 — Cultural competency and community engagement
7. 08 — Relapse prevention and recovery support strategies
8. 09 — Crisis intervention and client advocacy

Students will learn how to apply evidence-based counseling practices while developing the communication, empathy, and professionalism required to support individuals throughout the recovery process.

Internship & Hands-On Experience

The CADC Program includes supervised internship opportunities that provide students with real-world experience in behavioral health and substance use treatment settings. These hands-on learning experiences allow students to strengthen their counseling skills, build professional confidence, and apply classroom knowledge directly in clinical environments.

Interested?

You can learn more about the program in the following ways:

• Email the Dean of New Hope School of Counseling (NHSC), Kimberly Skoczelas, at kskoczelas@rinconfamilyservices.org  
• Visit the program webpage and submit your application  
• Call any Rincon Family Services office location, and one of our care representatives will guide you through the process and answer your questions