Addiction is a big problem in West Virginia.
You can help by becoming a professional recovery coach.
Recovery coaches are in demand in the state, because of the addiction epidemic.
If you are looking for a stable career that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of others, consider becoming a recovery coach.
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Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in West Virginia
West Virginia’s requirements for becoming a recovery coach are stricter than many states, perhaps because they take addiction and recovery very seriously.
However, you can begin a career as a recovery coach relatively quickly, without the time and financial commitment you would need to complete a degree.
1. Recover From Addiction
The first step to becoming a professional recovery coach in West Virginia is to recover from addiction yourself.
You’ll need at least 9 months clean and sober before applying for certification.
You’ll also need to be stable in your own recovery.
Can you handle temptation?
Can you discuss your addiction experiences without romanticizing them?
Do you know how to deal with relapse triggers?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then you are ready to begin the process of becoming a recovery coach.
2. Be 18 Years Old
To apply for certification, you’ll need to be 18 or older.
Some training programs may allow you to begin the program before you turn 18.
However, you’ll need to be 18 before applying for certification.
3. Get a Diploma or GED
You’ll need a diploma or GED before you begin training as a recovery coach in West Virginia.
4. Get Training
The next step to becoming a professional recovery coach in West Virginia is to gt the proper training.
This training is required to become certified.
You’ll need 46 hours of education that covers 4 domains.
These domains are:
- Advocacy
- Ethical Responsibility
- Mentoring and Education
- Recovery/Wellness Support
6 hours of ethics training is included in this requirement.
If you have college credit, 3 relevant college courses are considered the same as 45 hours of training.
If you choose this method, you’ll need to send your college transcript with your application.
5. Supervised Experience
You will also need to complete 25 hours of supervised work as a recovery coach.
You’ll report to a case manager or supervisor during this time.
Most education programs also help you connect with an organization to complete this aspect.
In addition, you need 500 hours of experience that covers each of the four domains.
This experience can be volunteer or paid.
6. Take the IC&RC Peer Recovery Exam
The next step in this process is to take the IC&RC Peer Recovery Exam.
Your training program should prepare you for this exam, and many will also help you schedule testing.
The test lasts 3 hours, and consists of 125 questions.
You’ll also need to pay the exam fee, which is currently $110.
7. Apply for Certification
Now you are ready to apply for certification.
The certification costs $75.
You’ll need to complete an application.
You’ll need to provide documents showing you’ve met all the requirements.
Your personal recovery story is also required.
8. Stay Up to Date On Certification
You’ll need to complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain your certification.
This should include 6 hours of NAADAC/NCC AP National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) specific ethics training.
Once you’ve met the training requirement, you’ll need to recertify.
Schools in West Virginia
If you want to become a professional recovery coach in West Virginia, you’ll need to complete a training program.
Recovery Point West Virginia 
Recovery Point West Virginia is an addiction recovery program that also provides peer recovery credential training.
They are certified by the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP).
There are two components to training. Live classes are held one day a week for 5 weeks.
You’ll participate in these classes via distance learning.
This means you can complete the training no matter where you live in West Virginia.
This is a relief for many students, especially those who live in rural areas.
The other component of the course is completed using the school’s Learning Management System.
The system includes lessons and two topic papers, as well as tests and quizzes.
This part of the course can be completed at your own pace.
Recovery Point also helps students find the supervised experience required for certification.
WV Peer Recovery Training Hub
The WV Peer Recovery Training Hub also provides peer recovery training.
The hub is a coalition of West Virginia organizations, including the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and the Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH).
The Hub explains that they offer free or low-cost training, as well as support for those who are currently applying for certification.
Training includes ethics, evidence-based practices, core training, and basics.
You can apply for training or learn more here.
Recovery Coach Representative Schools in West Virginia – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in West Virginia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Recovery Point West Virginia | 1040 Adams Ave., Huntington, WV, United States |
| WV Peer Recovery Training Hub |
Salary
The average salary for a recovery coach in West Virginia is $30,900.
Salaries range from $27,720 to $34,582 for experienced recovery coaches.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Professional Recovery Coachs in West Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $31,278 |
| Huntington | $30,670 |
| Parkersburg | $30,491 |
| Wheeling | $33,616 |
| Morgantown | $33,616 |
| Weirton | $33,475 |
| Fairmont | $33,616 |
| Beckley | $31,003 |
| Clarksburg | $30,217 |
| Martinsburg | $38,052 |
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 40 | $49,820 | - NA - | $61,260 | $38,140 |
| Charleston, WV | 110 | $56,940 | - NA - | $77,960 | $30,240 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 140 | $60,060 | - NA - | $103,490 | $22,170 |
| Morgantown, WV | 150 | $100,930 | - NA - | $# | $35,780 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 100 | $44,910 | - NA - | $75,430 | $22,910 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 110 | $58,320 | - NA - | $91,740 | $30,270 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are recovery coaches in demand in West Virginia?
Yes, recovery coaches are in high demand in West Virginia.
Unfortunately, between March 2021 and 2022, there were 1,400 overdose deaths in the state.
The majority of these overdoses involved synthetic opioids.
Do I need to Recertify?
Yes, you’ll need to recertify every 2 years.
You’ll also need to complete 20 hours of continuing education during this time.
How long does it take to become a recovery coach in West Virginia?
How long it takes to become a recovery coach in West Virginia will depend on your time commitment and previous experience.
Most people can meet the requirements within a few months.
Is a recovery coach different than a counselor?
Yes.
Counselors are required to complete 2 to 4 years of education before beginning work as a counselor.
Recovery coach training is much shorter, and has a heavy emphasis on your personal addiction experience.
You will work in a supporting role, providing guidance and encouragement for people in recovery.
