Peer Recovery Training and Vocational Development 


Your Path to Continuous Learning and Professional Growth

Embark on a journey of continuous learning at KISS, where you'll evolve into a potent student and a valued member of a thriving peer professional workforce. The Peer Recovery Training and Vocational Program illustrates KISS's comprehensive pathway to becoming a potent advocate and professional in supporting those at risk. Meticulously designed, this program imparts life-saving and life-changing techniques in recovery coaching and peer advocacy. Through a unique blend of peer recovery training and vocational development, participants are prepared for impactful roles within the field, contributing to personal and professional growth. These acquired skills seamlessly align with KISS's broader goal of fostering a community dedicated to positive change.      

Why Choose KISS as Your Learning Guide?

Choosing KISS as your learning guide makes you an integral part of a dedicated community actively preventing drug-related deaths and overcoming hardship for those affected by substances. Choosing to learn with KISS goes beyond a commitment to learning or professional growth; it signifies a shared dedication to creating a safer, simpler, and more supportive environment. People choose KISS as their learning guide for various reasons, including seeking self-sufficiency, admiring our impactful work, fulfilling personal passions, transforming adversity into purpose, giving back to their community, and actively addressing the drug and overdose epidemic. The skills acquired with us are transferable, empowering you to support yourself and your peers effectively. This collective effort shapes a future where individuals, armed with KISS skills, actively prevent drug-related deaths and provide vital support to those in need.

Join KISS and embark on a journey where continuous learning, professional growth, and a commitment to positive change converge. Your path to making a lasting impact begins below.

Training for Professional Development


Our Peer Recovery Training Program inspires others to guide someone in finding or maintaining long-term recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. The thoughtfully structured curricula below provide a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and strategies for effective recovery coaching and peer advocacy. What distinguishes our training model is the recognition from many trainees that KISS delivers each matter with greater potency, personalization, and practicality than other trainers, and surpasses the impact of original content. Furthermore, our active and longstanding in-community work sets us apart, informing and enriching our addiction-related training. Choosing our model means gaining conceptual insights and the tangible, community-informed expertise that enhances your ability to excel in peer recovery.

Recovery Coach Academy (RCA)

Training Description: CCAR's RCA is a 30-hour training that equips someone with the skills to guide, mentor, and support those seeking to enter or maintain long-term recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction, or learn more for their recovery. This training is approved for CRPA (NYS) Foundational, CARC Foundational, CCAR's RCP designation, and NCPRSS.

Value as a Peer Professional: TBA.

Peer Ethics

Training Description: KISS teaches two curriculums on ethical considerations for recovery. CCAR's Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches training, and the NYCB-standardized Peer Ethics training known as Dona Pagan Ethics, spans 16 hours and thoroughly introduces the ethical considerations specifically for peer professionals. The CCAR ethics training is approved for CCAR's RCP designation and NCPRSS. The NYCB-standardized ethics training is approved for CRPA (NYS) and CARC Foundational certification.

Value as a Peer Professional: Participation in Peer Ethics training is invaluable and essential for peer professionals as it enhances ethical awareness, improves decision-making, strengthens professionalism, establishes clear boundaries, builds trust, ensures legal compliance, fosters professional growth, and enables a positive impact on those in recovery, collectively elevating the peer professional's ability to provide responsible and principled support.

Medication-Enhanced Recovery (MER) ©

Training Description: Our 7-hour Medication-Enhanced Recovery (MER)™ curriculum offers a groundbreaking approach to recovery and treatment. Developed by father-daughter team Walter and Desiree Bell, this training is designed for a wide audience—people in recovery, those struggling with substance use, aspiring peer professionals, behavioral health practitioners, and those unfamiliar with substance use. It reframes medication as a vital element of recovery and goes beyond previous support models.

We're challenging outdated, segmented models with a holistic understanding of recovery. Our approach blends structured, evidence-based methods with our signature "90-Day Rule®," which transforms positive interventions into lasting lifestyle changes, accessible to anyone, regardless of background. This training transcends basic recovery concepts, offering innovative strategies like medication-specific plans and risk reduction frameworks. We even explore lesser-known medications and cutting-edge practices that many would only discover years later, giving participants a competitive advantage and access to the latest knowledge.

Our approach prioritizes the person over their substance use. We advocate for a system where people in recovery regain control of their lives, whether or not they achieve full sobriety—stabilized and revitalized through proper support, including medication. This training equips participants to advocate for themselves and others while advancing the recovery landscape. Prepare to challenge traditional beliefs, expand your understanding, and gain cutting-edge insights that will set you apart as a peer and professional. This isn't just a training—it's a chance to join a new wave of recovery practices that prioritize real change and long-term well-being. Join us to get the tools you'll wish you'd known earlier, positioning yourself as a leader in recovery. This training is approved for both CRPA (NYS)CARC, and RCP foundations and renewals (usable once).

Value as a Peer Professional: Peer Professionals become beacons of information, dispelling myths, fostering informed decision-making, and navigating the complex landscape of medication options. Skilled at articulating the phases of taking medications for SUD, they emerge as mentors, breaking down barriers and making MER relatable to someone navigating their unique path to recovery. By challenging the idea that habits are formed in 21 days, they bring a realistic understanding to addiction, emphasizing the need for a prolonged and comprehensive approach, championing a paradigm shift that values sustained well-being. Committing to the '90-Day Rule®,' they establish a clear framework for tracking MER progress, cultivating resilience, and empowering individuals to navigate their recovery with purpose.

Overdose Prevention and Response

Training Description: A one-hour Overdose Prevention and Response Training, authorized through NYCDOHMH, is a crucial session KISS prepares to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to opioid overdoses. This concise and focused training covers essential information on identifying overdose signs, administering Narcan (Naloxone) properly, and implementing emergency response procedures.

Value as a Peer Professional: It is strongly encouraged for all peer professionals to participate in the Overdose Prevention and Response training through KISS. This comprehensive one-hour session delivers vital life-saving skills, making it impactful for a diverse audience, including drug-affected community members and anyone dedicated to addressing the opioid and overdose crisis. Participants get essential life-saving skills efficiently within a condensed timeframe, fostering heightened community preparedness and instilling confidence in responding to opioid overdoses. The training contributes to broader public health by equipping community members, including peer professionals, with the knowledge needed to prevent an overdose death. Its convenient format accommodates busy schedules while efficiently delivering essential information. Also, participants gain advanced insights into major organ shutdowns resulting from an overdose, aftercare protocols, Narcan use reporting, risk factors and strategies for risk reduction, the Good Samaritan Law, and overdose mortality data. This comprehensive approach enhances their ability to address the complexities of the opioid epidemic thoroughly. Overall, the training empowers peer professionals to play a pivotal role in fostering a safer and healthier community response to the opioid crisis.

Recovery Coaching and Professionalism 

Training Description: In CCAR's 12-hour "Recovery Coaching and Professionalism" training, KISS addresses the critical importance of professional conduct for coaches and advocates. This training empowers trainees to excel in their roles by instilling the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior. This training is approved as a CARC Elective, as well as CRPA (NYS) and CARC Renewal (usable once). Also, it is approved for CCAR's RCP designation and NCPRSS.

Value as a Peer Professional: This training is valuable for peers across various disciplines, either seeking employment or pursuing self-employment as a peer professional. In this training, KISS instills a profound sense of professionalism, emphasizing the critical aspects of maintaining high ethical standards, establishing clear boundaries, and upholding professional conduct within the peer support role. Through KISS, peer professionals gain a comprehensive skill set that not only cultivates a culture of accountability but also enhances professionalism in terms of appearance, etiquette, and communication skills. This holistic development empowers peer professionals to effectively build trust, establish positive relationships, and navigate diverse contexts. Ultimately, these developed skills contribute significantly to their success in their role, by navigating their responsibilities to effectively support those on their recovery journey. 

Recovery Coaching in the Emergency Department

Training Description: CCAR's "Recovery Coaching in the Emergency Department" training, spanning 12 hours, is explored by KISS to address the urgent demand for proficient coaches capable of seamlessly navigating the dynamic and fast-paced environment of an Emergency Department (ED). In alignment with CCAR's vision, we recognize the distinctive training needs of those choosing to serve in this specialized role. This training is approved as a CARC Elective, as well as CRPA (NYS) and CARC Renewal (usable once). Also, it is approved for CCAR's RCP designation and NCPRSS.

Value as a Peer Professional: Participating in our Recovery Coaching in the Emergency Department training equips peer professionals with expertise, specifying professionalism, accountability, and crisis intervention for EDs. The training covers a spectrum of roles, responsibilities, collaboration strategies, and communication techniques, enhancing adaptability and engaging with recovering patients at a critical point. By addressing stages of change and pathways to recovery, KISS promotes a holistic approach, positioning peer professionals as valuable assets in emergency healthcare settings. Emphasis on ongoing personal and professional development ensures that peer professionals are well-prepared to navigate the unique challenges of their roles effectively. Furthermore, the training provides a comprehensive understanding of addiction-related causes leading people to the emergency department, such as overdose. It underscores the importance of staying in one's lane, separating it from clinical lanes. The program equips peer professionals with the skills to advocate and educate staff, patients, families, and others, demonstrating accountability within their crucial roles.

Coachervision

Training Description: TBA. This training is approved as a CARC Elective, as well as CRPA (NYS) and CARC Renewal (usable once). Also, it is approved for CCAR's RCP designation and NCPRSS.

Value as a Peer Professional: TBA.

Recovery Coaching in Justice Settings

Training Description: TBA. This training is approved as a CARC Elective, as well as CRPA (NYS) and CARC Renewal (usable once). Also, it is approved for CCAR's RCP designation and NCPRSS.

Value as a Peer Professional: TBA.

Spirituality and Recovery Coaching

Training Description: TBA. This training is approved as a CARC Elective, as well as CRPA (NYS) and CARC Renewal (usable once). Also, it is approved for CCAR's RCP designation and NCPRSS.

Value as a Peer Professional: TBA.

We are an accredited training provider and an authorized vendor for ACCES-VR. If you are seeking financial support for vocational training, you can choose us as your designated training provider through ACCES-VR.

Vocational Development

At KISS, we believe in fostering vocational development by offering certification and designation programs. These programs focus on providing you with role experience and proficiency, ensuring that you are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the field of recovery coaching and peer advocacy.

Role Experience

TBA.

Role Proficiency

TBA.

Successtimonials™

Part of the Solution (POTS)


Here, we successfully trained three POTS staff members as Recovery Coaches, enhancing their ability to provide social support to people struggling with socioeconomic challenges, many of whom also face drug-related issues.

Bronx Community College (CUNY)

Here, we conducted successful training sessions on Recovery Coaching and Peer Ethics for seven working-class students, collaborating through Zoom in partnership with Bronx Community College (CUNY).