The evidence is conclusive that extended care facilities are a part of the continuum of care in the State of Illinois. Therefore, behavioral health providers have a responsibility to assist recovering persons who are leaving treatment or assessed as needing continuing support to be referred to such a facility.

In Illinois, the NCRS credential fosters continuing professional development and recognizes unique skills required in programs that promote individual, family and community recovery. National Certified Recovery Specialists share and upgrade skills by means of specialized education and training and peer-oriented experiential learning.

The NCRS credential provides affirmation, encouragement and peer recognition of staff (employees & volunteers) that work in Halfway Houses, Recovery Homes, Sober Rooming Houses, Neighborhood Recovery Centers and other Social Model Programs and Centers.

The overlap of roles and responsibilities in this continuum of care has resulted in greater communication and interdependence among treatment and recovery specialist professionals. The development of a national certification for a recovery professional is designed to strengthen the supervision and rehabilitative potential provided by our continuum of care.

Minimum Requirements
Below, you will find a chart detailing the minimum requirements for certification based on work experience, supervised experience and training/education:

LEVEL	Direct Services/Work Experience	Hours of Direct Supervision	Hours of Education	Written Exam/Other Fees
Recovery Home Operator	2000 hours of work experience or 4000 hours of volunteer experience*	150 hours (50% under supervision of QTP per 2060.309)	120 hours	Exam: Yes - NCRS Fee: $100 Initial
Recovery Home Manager	1000 hours of work experience or 2000 hours of volunteer experience	75 hours	60 hours	Exam: Yes - NCRS Fee: $100 Initial

*1500 hours shall have been in direct recovery support systems services. (i.e., Residential Extended Care Facility or Recovery Home)


NCRS TESTING - At the present time, the Illinois Association of Extended Care, Inc.,  administers the NCRS testing. 

To learn more, call (630) 240-1215