Recovery Training Institute of Alberta

Skills, Knowledge, and Confidence

Recovery Training Institute of Alberta (RTIA)

In Alberta, there are currently no accepted professional standards, formalized career pathways or support systems to train the next generation of accredited recovery-oriented professionals. The Recovery Training Institute of Alberta (RTIA) aims to change this by equipping recovery professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to support people in establishing meaningful professional careers and enhancing their recovery journeys.

The Problem

A Critical Workforce Shortage in Alberta’s Recovery Sector

When Alberta’s provincial recovery model was first conceptualized, one central question emerged: Where will the workforce come from?

The addiction and mental health sector faced a shortage of trained professionals, particularly for peer-oriented roles, recovery coaches, and case managers. Unlike traditionally credentialed healthcare professionals, these roles often require a blend of lived experience, specialized training, and cultural competency—qualities not readily available through conventional post-secondary programs.

Reports from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) have consistently highlighted the lack of addiction-specific training pipelines, noting that over 60% of community-based recovery providers cite “workforce development” as the biggest barrier to expanding their services (CCSA, 2021).

In Alberta, where the government invested in building a recovery-oriented system of care (ROSC), the gap between available services and a trained workforce became increasingly apparent.

The Solution

Creating Alberta’s Recovery Workforce

The Recovery Training Institute of Alberta (RTIA) was created as a direct response to this challenge.

Its mission was to professionalize and develop the recovery workforce by offering specialized, applied learning programs focused on peer-oriented roles, clinical staff, and leadership development.

Unlike traditional training models, RTIA’s programs are embedded within Alberta’s addiction and recovery infrastructure, allowing for real-world training in therapeutic living units, recovery communities, and navigation centres.

Workforce Development Approach

Professionalizing Peer and Lived-Experience Roles

RTIA places a unique emphasis on training and credentialing people with lived experience—a foundational pillar of Alberta’s recovery-oriented care model.

Historically, lived-experience roles were informal and undervalued, despite evidence that peer support dramatically improves client outcomes (Evans & White, 2020). RTIA seeks to close this gap by transforming lived-experience professionals into recognized, credentialed members of Alberta’s integrated recovery workforce.

1. Scaling Credentialing Programs
2. Creating Applied Learning Hubs
3. Policy and Research Development

Expanding the Behavioural Health Navigator certification as a national standard

Embedding training sites within Alberta’s recovery communities for experiential learning

Conducting research to inform government policy on addiction workforce development

Case Study

Indigenous Recovery Communities Workshop

Project Overview

In October 2024, RTIA facilitated a landmark three-day Indigenous Recovery Communities Workshop at Lakeview Recovery Community. The event brought together leaders from the Enoch Cree Nation, Tsuu T’ina Nation, Siksika Nation, Blood Tribe, and the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Challenge

The development of five Indigenous-operated recovery centres required both operational frameworks and a trained Indigenous workforce capable of running culturally grounded programs.

Solution

RTIA worked with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and recovery professionals to create a tailored training curriculum that integrated cultural practices such as ceremony, storytelling, and traditional medicine use.

Outcomes

Five Governance Models Finalized: Each Nation developed an operational framework aligned with its cultural vision.
Over 60 Participants Certified: Graduates received cultural competency certifications and operational leadership credentials.
Sustainable Workforce Pipeline: Indigenous community members were equipped with the tools to lead and operate recovery programs in their communities.

Training Delivery

Cultural Healing Modules: Participants received direct mentorship from Elders and cultural advisors.
Operational Workshops: Facilitators provided training on governance, staff development, program management, and financial sustainability.
Recovery Coaching Development: Indigenous recovery coaches were trained using culturally relevant case studies and therapeutic scenarios.