Georgia Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES)
MISSION
The mission of Georgia CARES’s is to promote long-term recovery from substance use disorders
by providing experienced peer support and advocating for self-directed care.
CARES Vision Statement
We envision a recovery-oriented system of care that supports self-directed pathways to recovery
by building on the strengths and resilience of individuals, families and communities.
VALUES
Hope Recovery
Wellness Integrity
Diversity Commitment
WHAT
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse has received funding from the State of Georgia, Department of
Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Addictive Diseases to develop and implement
a training and certification program for addiction peer specialists. Certified Addiction Recovery
Empowerment Specialists (CARES), commonly referred to as recovery coaches, will deliver recovery peer
support services. Peer-based recovery support services enhance existing addiction treatment programs and
support on-going recovery efforts in local communities, including mutual aid recovery groups. CARES may
also facilitate engagement in recovery activities in a variety of settings, including shelters, crisis stabilization
programs, emergency rooms, treatment courts, churches and other community-based programs and
services
WHO
People in recovery who meet or exceed the below minimum qualifications should apply to the Georgia
Council on Substance Abuse. The CARES Selection Committee then identifies qualified applicants for the
training. The minimum requirements, in order of priority, are:
Two years of continuous sobriety.
• Currently employed by a public or private provider of Medicaid billable services.
• Distinguished recovery peer leadership and service to diverse groups.
• Currently working in a peer-based recovery service or treatment program that does not bill Medicaid
• A consumer who is seeking certification to improve their marketability.
WHEN & WHERE
A minimum of 40 addiction peer specialists will be trained in 2011 with the first CARES Academy
occurring the week of February 14th, in the metro-Atlanta area. Additional academies are
scheduled for April, June and August.
HOW to Apply – Important Dates for CARES Academy 1:
January 18th Applications for the first CARES Academy 1 are due. Mail, email or fax all application
materials to:
Kara Stewart, CARES Program Coordinator
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 1685; Atlanta GA 30303
Email: kara@gasubstanceabuse.org ; Fax: 404-523-3649
January 24th CARES finalists for Academy 1 are interviewed
February 1st CARES trainees notified of acceptance
February 14th – 18th First CARES Academy