InUnity Alliance

InUnity Alliance

IUA-Peer Workforce Initiative (PWI)

Founded to support development of the recovery-oriented skills of the peer recovery professional workforce, IUA-PWI offers a catalogue of original role trainings leading to award of advanced professional certifications. 

These certifications are designed for individuals with significant role experience utilizing foundational certifications (CARC and/or CRPA, or a recognized equivalent from outside of NYS).  For information on foundational CARC and CRPA, please see our homepage here.  Applications for all certifications are available on the Certification Applications page.

Please click on the following links to access the PWI trainings and further information, including details of eligibility and requirements, and application instructions, for the associated certifications.

ALL PWI TRAINING (EXCEPT PSP, a non peer role) IS APPROVED FOR EITHER ROLE CERTIFICATION TRAINING OR CONTINUING EDUCATION, BUT NOT BOTH (one-time use only). For details of our Certification Renewal Program, please see the program page.

CRPA-parenthetics (must be full CRPA to qualify for certification)

CRPA-parenthetics are advanced certifications designed to confirm practitioner competence in Medicaid-reimbursement eligible roles in New York State.  Only pre-existing CRPA certificants in good standing are eligible to apply for parenthetic certifications. Other restrictions, including a role-specific “lived experience” requirement, may also apply:

  • CRPA-Family:

Certification:  See the dedicated program page for details of the certification, required training and other application standards.

Criminal Justice Supported Recovery (CJSR)

What is CJSR?

The Criminal Justice Supported Recovery (CJSR) certification was developed by the New York Certification Board (NYCB) for peer recovery professionals who serve individuals with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system. This specialty certification program is designed to address the growing demand for peer recovery professionals who not only have the core skills of advocacy, mentoring, and coaching, but who also understand the unique culture, language, and challenges experienced by individuals navigating the criminal legal system.

The CJSR training program consists of content specifically designed to meet the role knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) required to perform competently as a CJSR professional. These KSAs were identified in the CJSR Role Delineation Study-Job Task Analysis. For more information, click here.

CJSR Certification Standards

  1. Prerequisite: Candidates must hold a valid peer certification in good standing, including one of the following:
    • Certified Addiction Recovery Coach
    • Certified Recovery Peer Advocate
    • NY Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS-Mental Health)
    • Other nationally recognized peer recovery credentials
  2. Must hold a high school diploma (or jurisdictionally certified high school equivalency or higher education).
  3. Must compete the 20-hour NYCB-approved training. Email co-trainer Deb Rhoades for further information - deb@rhoadesrecovery.com
  4. Must have completed at least 6 months providing, directly or as part of a team, peer-related services to justice-involved individuals.
  5. Candidates must attest to abide by the NYCB Code of Ethical Conduct, as well as the CJSR Ethical Framework. For more information, click here

Candidates who have met all of the above requirements can click here to start the CJSR application process: Certification Applications page.

Peer Supervision Professional (PSP)

This competency-based certification is intended for individuals from any professional background or discipline who supervise peer professionals in settings where substance use disorder (SUD) is present.

The certification standards and requirements for demonstrating competence in the role of Peer Supervision Professional (PSP) are based on the findings of the ASAP-NYCB Peer Supervision Professional Role Delineation Study (2023).

Note: While the training is open to all, it is specifically intended for individuals in non-peer supervisory roles and does not qualify for CARC/CRPA renewal credit.

Certification Standards / Requirements

  • Education
    High school diploma, GED, or equivalent (higher education or matriculated status is also accepted).
  • Role Experience
    A minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience, with at least 6 months involving supervision of peer professionals, or serving on a team that includes peers.
  • Role-Specific Training
    Completion of 20 hours of role-specific training approved by IUA-NYCB.
  • Ethical Commitment
    Signed affirmation of adherence to the Ethical Framework for Peer Supervision Professionals (PSP).
  • Examination
    A passing score on the Peer Supervision Professional Competence Exam.
    The exam is scheduled by IUA-NYCB after the candidate’s certification application has been reviewed and approved.

Program Details:

  • Training: 20-hour role-specific training
  • Exam: Instructions will be sent via email after application approval by NYCB.
  • Application: PSP Candidates who have met the certification requirements can start the application process here: https://www.asapnys.org/apply-here/

Additional Resources:

Ready to Participate?

Connect with one of the approved trainers below to get started: