RHODE ISLAND PEER RECOVERY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION (RIPRPA)

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Creating a Professional Recovery Workforce for Rhode Island

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Support and Development for Your CPRS Journey

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRSs) use their own lived experience to support others in recovery. RICARES provides support throughout the certification process and beyond, helping you to grow both professionally and personally.

Start Your CPRS Journey 

Step 01 | Train

Complete 46 hours of CPRS training, covering recovery and wellness, advocacy, mentoring, and ethics. 
Step 02 | Gain Experience

Log  500 hours of peer work experience and 25 hours of supervision across the core CPRS domains, either on the job or through volunteering. 
Step 03 | Apply

Submit your application to the Rhode Island Certification Board. 
Step 04 | Certify 

Pass the Peer Recovery Specialist Certification exam through Rhode Island Certification Board and receive your CPRS credential

BENEFITS

Why Become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist?

CPRSs use their own recovery journey as a tool to help others. There’s training, mentorship, and a professional community behind them every step of the way. 

Turn lived experience into a career
Free CPRS training in Rhode Island
Stipend-based internship opportunities available 
Ongoing supervision and mentorship 
Help shape Rhode Island's recovery system

OPPORTUNITIES

CPRS Training

CPRS Training is a 46-hour foundational course covering the education requirements for Rhode Island's Peer Recovery Specialist certification. 

Learn more 
CPRS Internship Program

CPRS interns work 20 hours a week at a partner site with weekly supervision and professional development by RICARES staff.

Apply Here
Learning Central

A centralized hub of trainings, workshops, and continuing education for peer recovery specialists across Rhode Island. 

Learn More
CPRS Mentorship

Get one-on-one help preparing your CPRS application or renewing your credentials every two years.  

Book an Appointment 
RIPRPA

RIPRPA, the Rhode Island Peer Recovery Professional Association, connects CPRSs to training, supervision, and a statewide peer network. 

Join
Peer Workforce Conference

Rooted in Recovery Conference is the only peer workforce conference in Rhode Island, built for peer recovery specialists and other recovery workers to learn and connect.  

Participate

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PEER INTERNS PLACED AT PARTNER SITES

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CPRS CERTIFICATION EXAM STUDY SESSIONS HELD

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NEW PEER RECOVERY SPECIALISTS TRAINED

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS OFFERED

Strengthening the recovery workforce through education, resources and support is a focus of our workforce development program. Creating pathways to employment through the internship program gives people entering the workforce to do so in a way that fits in their life.

STACEY LEVIN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR

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Job Board

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists are in demand across Rhode Island. Explore open CPRS roles or apply for a PRS internship to prepare you for your career in peer support. 

View Open CPRS Jobs 

Apply for the Next Internship Cohort  ➔