Accelerate Career Pathways for Substance Use, Problem Gambling Treatment, and Recovery Services (ACP) Project

With funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nevada Health Workforce Pipeline Grant, the Accelerate Career Pathways for Substance Use, Problem Gambling Treatment, and Recovery Services Project (ACP) will focus on providing funding opportunities that are intended to offer financial relief and incentivize individuals to pursue careers in Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC). This will be accomplished by providing tuition and support services to eligible applicants to complete one of three CASAT academic programs:

• 12-credit Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certificate
• 18-credit undergraduate minor or certificate in Addiction Treatment Services (ATS)
• 12-credit advanced certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services (ATPS)

If you are interested in becoming a Nevada Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) or Drug and Alcohol Counselor and committed to working and maintaining employment in a Nevada behavioral health agency post completion, this program may be the right fit for you.

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• 18 years of age or older;
• Nevada resident or can become one by time of enrollment; and
• eligible to work in a behavioral health setting in Nevada.

In addition, applicants must meet one or more of the following:

• unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours per week);
• currently employed and seeking opportunities for career or economic advancement;
• returning Veteran;
• taking fewer classes due to higher tuition fees;
• willing to work in in rural Nevada communities; and/or
• shared ‘lived experience’ (i.e., in recovery from mental health, problem gambling or substance use disorder)

Nevada is facing a critical shortage of behavioral health counselors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is expected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

There is a drastic need for behavioral health workers in the state of Nevada. You can be part of the solution!