Social Work and Addictions Technology

Overview

About the program

Social Work Assistants and Chemical Dependency Counselors have a professionally and personally challenging role in providing services to both children and adults with a variety of needs. Students in this program are prepared to provide support to persons in difficult life situations, persons with emotional/social/environmental concerns, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders as well as individuals who have co-occurring disorders. Graduates often work within multidisciplinary systems with a wide array of professionals.

The program stresses development and exploration of both personal and professional characteristics graduates will need to be effective helpers.

The associate degree program prepares students with knowledge, skills, and professional ethics to support individuals with diverse needs in a variety of settings. The four-semester program includes 210 hours of hands-on experience under the direct supervision of professionals in local and adjacent county agencies. Practicum experiences may occur in a variety of community agencies which include behavioral health/ mental health, psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery, drug and alcohol treatment and prevention, Developmental Disabilities, child protective/child welfare services, Head Start and Early Start programs, schools, community and senior centers, rehabilitation facilities, homeless shelters, supported living and residential environments, domestic violence programs, youth treatment programs, adult probation, drug court, prison settings and re-entry programs.

The Associates of Applied Science degree is designed to be completed in two-years and four-semesters as a full-time student. Students may complete the degree going part-time and extending their completion time of the degree.

Assess client needs; plan and implement direct and indirect services for individuals and families; make referrals and enable linkage to social service agencies; advocate for client rights and services; and provide case management within the context of a multidisciplinary team. Graduates will be able to complete state requirements for CDCA and work directly with clients in treatment, recovery and as part of the support team.

Graduates who have successfully completed the Certificate of Addiction Studies will be able to apply to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) certification.

Program format(s)

The Associates of Applied Science degree is designed to be completed in two-years and four-semesters as a full-time student. Students may complete the degree going part-time and extending their completion time of the degree.

Degree option

The associate degree program prepares students with knowledge and skills to support individuals with diverse needs in a variety of settings.

License/Credentialing Eligibility

Graduates who have successfully completed the program are eligible to apply for registration as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT).
Graduates who have successfully completed the SWA degree program and who complete the Addictions Studies Certificate qualify for application both the CDCA Preliminary Certification and the CDCA Renewal Certification from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (ODCP). Two of the three courses will meet SWA elective requirements, hence only one additional course needs to be completed. These courses are: SWA2630 CD: Ethics, SWA2640 CD: Introduction to Pharmacology and, SWA2660 CD: Etiology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Modalities
Graduates of the SWA degree and the Addictions Certificate Studies courses also fulfil the educational requirements by the OCDP State Licensing Board for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) II. Graduates of the degree along with the Addiction Studies Certificate will have met all of the educational hours for this state license. They will need to complete additional required work hours after graduation as outlined by the OCDP Board. Those work hours combined with their degree and certificate will meet requirements for them to sit for an exam for their LCDC II.

Certificate option

Occupational Certification Opportunities

Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board - Meets the educational requirements for CDCA Phase I & II (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, Phase I & II)
LCDC II (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II)

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of counseling and interviewing strategies which include the use of active listening skills.
Demonstrate an understanding of multicultural perspectives and social justice theories.
Display fundamental knowledge of social work theory and values, ethical guidelines, and legal regulations.
Demonstrate professional behavior in accordance with social work practices.
Demonstrate knowledge of psychopathology, case management, community resources, addictions theories, trauma, and family systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity.
Display fundamental knowledge of addictions and the ethical guidelines that are a part of working in the field of dependency treatment.
Demonstrate knowledge of the development of addictions.
Demonstrate knowledge of case management and service coordination in prevention, treatment and the referral process in addictions.
Describe various substances, their classification and long-term effects.

Career Opportunities

Behavioral Healthcare Specialist
Mental Health Case Manager
Psychiatric Services Case Manager
Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
Social Work Assistant
Social Services Worker
Mental Health Technician
Community Based Caseworker
Developmental Disabilities: SSA
Program Coordinator
Rehabilitation Specialist
Residential Coordinator
Correctional Case Manager
Probation Officer/Court Liaison
Child Protective Services Worker
Gerontology Specialist
Case Manager
Human Services Employee
Peer Recovery Supporter
Care Management Specialist
Recovery Coach

Application Requirements

Completed MTC Application for Admission.
Final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable).
Successful completion of the American College Test (ACT) with a minimum composite score of 15.
Demonstrate college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc.