Veteran Supported Recovery

What is VSR?

NYCB's Veteran Supported Recovery (VSR) is a peer specialty certification for professionals interested in offering specialized peer support to Veterans. The VSR certification and associated role-specific training have been developed in response to demand from the field.

The Orientation 5-hour training module, required for non-Veteran certification candidates, is now available online.  This module is designed to give non-Veterans a more complete understanding of military culture and values.  The core 20-hour VSR training is available here.  Both trainings are offered online only.   

Both the Orientation Module and the VSR Training are also NYCB approved for continuing education credits (CARC, CRPA, CRPA-parenthetics) when not applied to VSR certification.

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What is the VSR training program?
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The Peer Workforce Initiative (PWI), working with military, including Veterans, and peer recovery subject matter experts, has developed the required training for VSR candidates.  See details on APWI sidebar (at right).  This online-only training (either or both parts) is also approved by NYCB for continuing education credits (CARC and CRPA, and CRPA-parenthetics).

Training is offered to participants interested in:

• Expanding their peer recovery knowledge base
• Preparing for certification as VSR; or
• Earning approved continuing education hours for renewal of NYCB peer recovery certification (CARC, CRPA, CRPA-Parenthetics) - https://www.asapnys.org/ny-certification-board/renewal-program/
• Learning how to effectively navigate the challenges of supporting a Veteran with Substance Use Disorder

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Where do VSR Professionals work?

VSR professionals work in diverse settings, including community-based substance use programs, recovery centers, mental health agencies, Veterans hospitals, housing and employment programs, and other services supporting Veterans. Simply put, they work wherever Veterans are served.

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VSR Certification Standards

Prerequisites:

In good standing as one/more of the following:

• Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC);
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA);
• NY Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) (Mental Health);
• Equivalent initial peer recovery credential (nationally)

To be eligible for VSR certification, candidates must meet one of the following:

• Veterans: Must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable.
• Non-Veterans: Must complete a 5-hour NYCB-approved VSR Orientation to demonstrate military cultural competence and trust-building skills.

All candidates must:

• Complete a 20-hour NYCB-approved VSR training covering four domains: Advocacy, Recovery for Veterans, Military Culture & Resources, and Ethical Responsibility.
• Agree to follow the NYCB Code of Ethical Conduct, including the VSR-specific addendum.

To maintain certification, VSRs must complete at least 3 hours of NYCB-approved continuing education every three years in any of the four domains. Approved trainings are listed and updated monthly at NYCB Certification Renewal Program.

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Are there scholarships for VSR training and/or certification fees?

VSR is not currently eligible for publicly-funded scholarships.  Privately-funded scholarship opportunities may be available.

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How do I apply for the Veteran Supported Recovery (VSR) certification?

Application & Instructions: Now available on the Certification Applications page - https://www.asapnys.org/apply-here/