Apply for the Community Health Worker or Recovery Support Specialist programs at Malcolm X CollegeEdith Mauro2023-09-20T21:09:43+00:00
Opioid Epidemic.
Consider these programs if you want to….
Build a career that helps communities thrive
Begin a career in public health
Connect families to resources
Help fight the opioid epidemic
A Community Health Worker certificate allows you to become an advocate and liaison for your community. You will learn to mediate between healthcare providers and patients, connect communities to health and social resources, and help people navigate the health and social care systems.
The Community Health WorkerOpioid-Impacted Family Support Program Focus (OIFSP)will prepare participants to provide services to youth and families impacted by opioid use disorders (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD).
OIFSP Scholars will pursue their Community Health Worker basic certification with additional training in opioid crisis support.
Those interested will complete two levels of academic and work-based training.
- Level One
- Level Two
- Level One
- Complete Community Health Worker Basic Certificate in one semester (full-time) or two semesters (part-time) (Fall semester start)
- Includes five (5) foundational courses with an emphasis on opioid crisis support
- Participate in an 80-hour field experience
- Living stipend available
- Tuition coverage and book voucher provided
- Receive one-on-one and group mentorship
- Level Two
- Students can apply for an OIFSP CHW Apprenticeship opportunity
- A commitment of one-year (minimum)
- Part-time or full-time paid opportunities are available
- Ongoing training and mentorship as you work towards completion of the program
- Hire-on stipend available
Are you ready to earn your Community Health Worker basic certificate?
Follow the steps below to apply and register for the CHW program at Malcolm X College.
Step 1: Become a City Colleges of Chicago – Malcolm X College Student
Click here to Apply for Malcolm X College.
If you are a previous (within 2 years) or current CCC MXC student, check to make sure your portal is active by logging in at my.ccc.edu. If it isn’t, please reapply. If you are a CCC student but at a different campus, please apply to Malcolm X.
If you’re new to MXC or taking online courses, please attend or re-watch MXC Student Orientation for Online Learning.
*Make sure to complete ALL application items including submitting any previous transcripts, proof of residency, etc. to not delay your ability to register.
Step 2: Attend an Information Session
Click here to attend an Information Session.
We want to make sure you know what the CHW program is about and what to expect.
Step 3: Complete the Intent Form
Click here to complete the Intent Form.
This form is your intent to apply and register for the upcoming semester. This is your first step to securing your seat in the program.
Step 4: Complete Read-to-Write Exam
Click here to complete Read-to-Write Exam.
You must place into English 96 or higher. If you’ve already completed a college-level English course, you should be eligible to skip this step. Double-check with an Advisor to make sure your transcripts reflect your eligibility.
Please note that the R2W exam can take up to 2 weeks to receive results. Complete ASAP.
Step 5: Complete your FAFSA
Click here to learn about completing your FASFA.
If you are interested in the Opioid Crisis Response Focus, you must complete the FAFSA even if you are ineligible to get funding. You may review your other financial aid options with a FA Advisor.
Step 6: Submit Statement of Interest (Opioid Crisis Response Focus ONLY)
Click here to submit the statement of interest.
Your statement should explain WHY you are genuinely interested in this focus and HOW you plan to utilize your certificate upon completion. Students will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis until all seats are filled.
Step 7: Attend Course Assignment & Registration Zoom
Click here to join the zoom meeting.
During this meeting, you will be assigned to sections and be able to register for your coursework. It is best to attend via computer so you can screen share while registering.
Step 8: Complete Program Documents
These include:
Step 9: Purchase Your Textbooks
Click here to purchase your textbooks.
You will want to get this done at least a few weeks before classes start so there is enough time for them to ship to you! (Opioid Crisis Response Focus students please wait for your book voucher before purchasing.)
Step 10: Attend Orientation Days
You will receive an introduction to the program and prepare for a successful semester! It is mandatory to attend. They will be held at Malcolm X College.
Paid for by HRSA
Do you have lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery? Are you interested in supporting others in their recovery? Malcolm X College is now offering an additional opportunity for students to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). The CRSS Success Program will provide students with lived experience the opportunity to gain a credential in recovery support.
The role of a CRSS/CPRS includes helping peers make and reach goals for recovery, learn and practice new skills, monitor their progress, support them in treatment, and develop recovery plans.
Those interested will have to complete both classroom education and practical experience training.
Program Fun Facts
You will complete 110 hours of classroom education and 300 internship hours over the course of 18 weeks
Classes take place during the Fall and Spring semesters
This program fulfills the application requirements to qualify for the CRSS or CPRS credentialing exam
A stipend is available
Tuition coverage and books provided
Follow the steps below to apply for the CRSS Success Program at Malcolm X College.
Step 1: Attend an Information Session
Step 2: Submit your application for the CRSS Success Program
Submitting this application does not guarantee entry. After you submit your application, you will be contacted by a program staff member at Malcolm X College within 7-10 business days to complete a brief interview.
If your application is accepted:
Step 3: If your application is accepted, you will be contacted by a CRSS Success Program team member for a brief interview
After the interview, you will be notified via email if you are selected for admission to the program.
Step 4: You will receive a link to register for the upcoming semester.
Course registration opens up approximately one month before class begins. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible.
Learn more about Adult Education at MXC by clicking here.
Connect with us on Virtual Student Services by clicking here.
Paid for by IDHS
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the classes in person?
The classes will be a combination of in-person and virtual, over Zoom. You will receive a schedule before the first day of class so that you know which classes will be in-person and which will be virtual.
When are the classes offered?
Most classes take place on weekday evenings.
I haven’t been in school for a long time. How can I prepare to succeed in the classroom?
Malcolm X College has all the tools to help you succeed. Adult Education classes are offered to support computer skills, learning English, or completing your GED/high school equivalency. Instructors are available outside of classroom time for office hours and by email. Take advantage of the writing center and tutoring center –both places have staff to assist with assignments. You can also access these services virtually at ccc.edu/vss.
I am having trouble enrolling online. Is there someone I can speak to in person?
If you’re having trouble enrolling online, visit us in person at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago , IL 60612. Assistance with Admissions, Academic Advising, or Financial Aid can be found in “The Heart” – Room 1412.
Is the CHW basic certification mandatory, or am I able to take just the CRSS/CPRS class?
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend that students complete the Community Health Worker basic certificate in one semester as a full-time student or two semesters as a part-time student before moving on to the CRSS/CPRS class. Students who are currently working as a recovery specialist who are not interested in the CHW basic certificate may be considered for enrollment in the CRSS/CPRS class.
I don’t have lived experience in recovery. Can I still take the CRSS/CPRS class?
At this time, the CRSS/CPRS program is only for students with lived experience in recovery. If you’re interested in continuing your education in mental health and/or substance use and do not have lived experience in recovery, City Colleges offers other options for you. Reach out to the Academic Advising department to learn more.
I am currently working as a CHW or peer recovery specialist and just need the certification. Do I still need to complete internship hours?
Yes. This is a requirement for both programs.
Contact Us
Elizabeth Thompson, Director-Grants Administration
MXC-CRSS@ccc.edu
