Recovery University is a 60-hour advanced training and certification program funded by the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for persons in recovery from psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring disorders. Upon successful completion of the course and the certification test, graduates will be state certified as Recovery Support Specialists, Peer Delivered Services. There are two new Medicaid initiatives that will offer employment opportunities for people who become certified RSS workers. Initially, only a few RSS jobs will be needed for these Medicaid funded services, but we expect this may increase over time. See the General Information about Certification Exam and Recovery University for more information about the Medicaid initiatives.

Course topics will include the following Certification Exam Competency Areas:

• Effective, Empathetic Communication Skills
• Legal and Ethical Practice, Boundaries, Client Rights
• Introduction to Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Co-Occurring Disorders
• Principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation
• Medicaid Mental Health Waiver / Money Follows the Person
• Using Your Recovery Story, Role of Peer Supports on Teams, Recovery Culture
• Role Challenges, Conflict Resolution, Self Care
• Recovery Planning and Documentation
• Entitlements and Benefits Management
• Cultural Awareness

Advocacy Unlimited cannot offer transportation. For CT Transit bus schedules, see CT Public Transportation.

Before applying… be sure to also read General Information about Certification Exam and Recovery University which includes the Recovery University schedule as well as information regarding the application processing and exam fees (MS Word document, opens in a new browser window)

Waiver Program… also referred to as "Testing Out," peers with training and work experience may apply to AU for a Waiver that allows them to take the Certification Exam without attending Recovery University. Applicants who do not pass the exam may choose to apply for the next session of Recovery University. For more information about the Waiver Program including dates for training sessions to help you prepare for the certification exam, see "Testing Out" in the General Information about Certification Exam and Recovery University. Also refer to the Waiver Point System table. You will need to submit three letters of reference with your other documentation to be considered for the waiver program.

For questions or more information… contact Linda Lentini, Director of Training, by email at llentini@mindlink.org or (toll-free in CT only) 1-800-573-6929.

Please note that applications cannot be submitted online. They must be mailed or delivered to the AU Office with the appropriate fees.

Applicants must follow all instructions. Before applying, read and/or download and print the application instructions to make sure your application is complete and that you are providing all the necessary materials. Any applications that are incomplete or do not follow the instructions exactly will NOT be accepted.

   Read and/or download and print the Application Instructions  (MS Word document).

Before completing the application form, be sure you have read the General Information about Certification Exam and Recovery University and the Application Instructions.

(Please note that the application form also includes the instructions and an optional Equal Opportunity Form.)

You cannot submit the application form online because there is other material as well as the appropriate fees that must be included with the form. However, you can download and print a copy of the form online. Complete your printed form, then combine it with the other required materials and mail or hand deliver it to the AU Office with the appropriate fees. If you are just submitting an application to get on the Waiting List, you do not need to submit any fees at this time.

   Download and print the…
Recovery University Application Form - MS Word format
Recovery University Application Form - Adobe Reader format   

Mail or hand deliver your complete application and fees to:

   Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.
   Recovery University Application
   300 Russell Rd.
   Wethersfield, CT 06109  [directions]

For questions, contact Linda Lentini, Director of Training, Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.

Job opportunities relating to Recovery Support Specialists, especially positions appropriate for graduates of the Recovery University program, will be listed here as well as on AU's Job Opportunities web page.

• Recovery/Peer Specialist - CMHA, New Britain, CT
  Community Mental Health Affiliates (CMHA) is looking for a paraprofessional to work within the Assertive Community Treatment Center (ACTT) Recovery Team. Position is primarily responsible for providing outreach and engagement to individuals being served on the ACTT for Recovery or referred to the team… (see the full posting)