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.

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.

Students engage in a total of 210 hours contact 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 mental health centers, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, day habilitation programs, schools, community and senior centers, rehabilitation facilities, homeless shelters, supported living and residential environments, vocational and supported employment, child welfare, youth treatment programs, and treatment programs within the criminal justice system.

Degree option

The associate degree program prepares students with knowledge and skills 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 mental health centers, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, day habilitation programs, schools, community and senior centers, rehabilitation facilities, homeless shelters, supported living and residential environments, vocational and supported employment, child welfare, youth treatment programs, and treatment programs within the criminal justice system.

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 program have fulfilled a portion of the requirements necessary for licensure as a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA I) through the State of Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDP).
• Graduates will have additional coursework completed for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II) via OCDP as they complete the Chemical Dependency Certificate in conjunction with their Associate of Applied Science in Social Work and Addictions. This involves completion of electives that include SWA2630 Chemical Dependency (CD): Ethics, SWA2640 CD: Introduction to Pharmacology, and SWA2660 CD: Etiology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Certificate option

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.

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)

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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, and family systems.
• 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.

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Career Opportunities

• Case Manager
• Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
• Family Services Advocate
• Human Services Employee
• Mental Health Technician
• Social Worker Assistant
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Residential Coordinator
• Peer Recovery Supporter
• Care Management Specialist
• Recovery Coach

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Application Requirements

• MTC Application for Admission and nonrefundable application fee.
• 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.

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