Recovery assistants on their training and employment - a survey

To assess the opinions of graduates of courses preparing them for the role of recovery assistant regarding the training they completed. Additionally, to gather information on any need for further education among these graduates. Furthermore, to obtain data on whether graduates secured employment as recovery assistants (RAs).

A survey method was used, with a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 48 completed questionnaires were analyzed.

Between 79.2% and 97.9% of participants (depending on the module) rated the course content as useful or very useful. 97.9% of respondents see a need for further training. 63.8% of the graduates took up work as a recovery assistant after the course, of whom 40% are employed full-time. 83.9% of respondents find working with patients satisfying. 87.1% perceive a high sense of purpose in working with patients. 73.3% stated that working as an RA improved their mental health. Recovery assistants observe several significant changes in their clients resulting from their work. The most important of these are greater motivation to undergo treatment (79%) and clients starting to make plans for the future and engage in various activities (72%).

The results indicate the validity of conducting courses and training recovery assistants at both basic and advanced levels. The introduction of recovery assistants into therapeutic teams has positive effects for both the assistants themselves and the individuals they support. It is necessary to deepen research on the scope of RAs' work and their role in therapeutic teams.