Spotlight Archive
Two TROSA Staff Members to Become Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS)
Two TROSA staff members have completed their training and will receive their certification as Peer Support Specialists (CPSS). A Certified Peer Support Specialist is an individual in recovery from a substance abuse and/or mental health disorder who has been specially trained to assist others with their recovery process. The state of North Carolina recently introduced this form of licensure. In fact, TROSA's Randy Garcia and David Overton are among the first certified Peer Support Specialists in the state. Requirements for certification include 60 hours of training and at least 6 months of employment with a provider of mental health services.
(l. to r.) David Overton and Randy Garcia
TROSA is a licensed Therapeutic Community and is committed to ongoing professional development for its staff members. Counselors who have experienced the challenges of addiction firsthand are an especially important resource for TROSA's residents. They offer hope and serve as examples of successful recovery. Both Randy and David became staff members after completing TROSA's residential program in 2002. 75% of TROSA's staff members have had personal experience with addiction to drugs or alcohol.
David Overton coordinates TROSA's Aftercare Program, which includes housing, transportation and support groups for TROSA graduates. He said that the PSS training gave him skills to better use his own experience of substance abuse to help his clients. In his role as House Manager and Phase One coordinator, Randy Garcia has a lot of one-on-one contact with individuals in the residential program, especially during their first six months at TROSA. He said that the PSS training addressed a number of issues with which he was already familiar and experienced through his work at TROSA. Randy added that the training prepared him to better help individuals in recovery who are dually diagnosed with a mental health disorder in addition to their substance abuse issues.