Chemical Dependency, Certificate

The Chemical Dependency Certificate offers those with and without prior academic experience a pathway to a career in substance abuse prevention and treatment. The curriculum aligns with the coursework required by the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of NJ (certbd.org) to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and is designed as the first step toward a high demand, livable wage career. The CCD offers direct access to employment along with transferable academic credit, and opportunities for career advancement. Students can simultaneously begin working the field of substance abuse as a counseling intern as they complete additional coursework toward an Associate Degree in Human Services/Pre-Social Work, or further higher education. The Certificate in Chemical Dependency is the first step in a multi-layered process culminating with state certification and or licensure. Upon completion of coursework, students begin a 300-hour practicum experience, leading toward paid employment as a “counseling intern.” While offering a career path for individuals without prior academic experience, students possessing a Master’s Degree in social work or another counseling field can also use the certificate program to meet the coursework requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (LCADC) as well.

Graduates are able to:

• apply professional values and the Code of Ethics to client situations
• apply a strengths-based approach to client assessment and treatment
• conduct a bio-psycho-social assessment to identify the presence of addiction in accordance with the DSM and other standard protocols under supervision
• identify treatment approaches appropriate to specific addictions and client situations
• access community resources and make appropriate referrals for specific target populations with whom they work
• demonstrate effective interviewing and supportive counseling skills with individuals and groups, including families