Substance Use Counselor Assistant Microcredential

Substance Use Counselor Assistant
Microcredential

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The Substance Use Counselor Assistant microcredential is intended for individuals with lived and/or professional experience in addiction. The microcredential consists of a combination of four, 3-credit Human Service (HS241, HS231) and Chemical Dependency (AS201, AS202) courses. Through this coursework, students will gain foundational knowledge of substance use and its impact on the individual and family systems emphasizing issues related to legal and policy aspects. In addition, students will develop basic counseling skills and insight into different treatment approaches. One non-credit portfolio workshop provides students with an opportunity to improve professional writing and reflection skills through the creation and presentation of a professional portfolio that reflects the knowledge and skills appropriate for a Substance Use Counselor Assistant. Examples of skills associated with this role are assisting with crisis intervention, organizing clinical activities, and supporting group counseling sessions. Graduates will be equipped to assist credentialed professionals in providing client-centered, culturally responsive support to individuals and families affected by substance use. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares students for roles including Substance Use Counselor Assistant, Addiction Services Assistant, Recovery Support Specialist, Peer Specialist, Behavioral Health Technician, Residential Counselor, Intake and Referral Assistant, Case Management Assistant, and Group Program Assistant.

*Students need to receive a grade of C or better in HS241, HS231, AS201, AS202. Substance Use Counselor Assistant

NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance

Students taking this microcredential may be eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials. Learn more about NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance

Stackable

Chemical Dependency Practitioner AAS

Gain these in-demand skills

Crisis intervention
Organizing clinical activities
Supporting group counseling sessions
Case management

Course List (4)

Chemical Dependencies HS241 3 cr.

This course provides an overview of drug abuse and alcoholism including pharmacology, causes and legal aspects of drug abuse, intervention and prevention, physiology, and psychological aspects of alcoholism. The role of the professional and non-professional in counseling and intervention is examined. Emphasis is placed on alternatives to chemical substance abuse and the self-destructing behaviors that produce them.

Ethics Policy and Law HS231 3 cr.

This course introduces the field of social services with emphasis on ethical and policy considerations faced by human service practitioners, chemical dependency counselors, and educators. Ethical decision making, professional competence, self-disclosure, confidentiality, and related topics are covered as they apply to working in counseling and educational settings. It examines legislation affecting the role of the practitioner and the economic security of the client.

Introduction to Alcoholism/ Substance Abuse Counseling AS201 3 cr.

This course provides a foundation in alcoholism/substance abuse counseling knowledge and skills, including practice in basic counseling skills.

Alcoholism/Addictions & Family AS202 3 cr.

This course provides an in-depth look at the effects of alcoholism and substance abuse on the family system. Topics include a variety of approaches to viewing the family, a general overview of co-dependency, and aspects of family and co-dependency treatment, including how counselors can be affected.