| Speaker Name: Bill Caldwell Session Description: The recovery sector is expanding rapidly, yet the development of a trained and professional recovery workforce has not always kept pace with the growing demand for recovery-oriented services. The Recovery Training Institute of Alberta (RTIA) was established to address this gap by building structured training pathways and strengthening the capacity of individuals and organizations working within recovery systems of care. RTIA’s mission is to support the development of a skilled, ethical, and recovery-oriented workforce through education, training, and knowledge exchange. This presentation examines the training model and practice framework used by RTIA to support the professionalization of the lived-experience workforce and to expand the reach of recovery-oriented services. The programs focus on training recovery coaches, peer support workers, and other emerging roles within recovery systems of care. Participants in these programs include individuals with lived and living experience of addiction and recovery, professionals seeking to integrate recovery-oriented approaches into their work, and organizations seeking to strengthen their workforce capacity. Learning Objectives: Describe the mission and workforce development role of the Recovery Training Institute of Alberta within recovery-oriented systems of care. Explain the training model and practice framework used to prepare recovery coaches, peer support workers, and other lived-experience roles. Identify the core competencies and educational structures required to professionalize the recovery support workforce. Examine how structured training pathways can strengthen recovery systems of care and improve service delivery for individuals in recovery. Discuss high-level outcomes and sustainability strategies, including funding approaches that support recovery workforce development initiatives. BIO Bill brings more than two decades of experience in addictions treatment, program development, and mental health leadership. He currently serves as Senior Director of Programs for ROSC Solutions Group (RSG), where he oversees bed based services and program development across multiple treatment sites and subsidiaries. Throughout his career, Bill has worked as a counsellor, clinical supervisor, director, and consultant in program design and leadership development within the mental health and addiction sector. His work has taken him across Canada supporting the development and management of treatment and recovery programs in multiple provinces. Bill has a strong interest in strengthening recovery systems of care and expanding the recovery workforce. He is a CCAR certified Recovery Coach and Recovery Coach Trainer, a CCAC and a CCC-S with the CACCF, and is actively involved in training and workforce development initiatives. Outside of work, Bill enjoys scuba diving, working on motorcycles, and spending time with his daughter. |
Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Conference
