Social Services Assistant program curriculum
Working with individuals with a history of substance abuse requires understanding and patience. Our course is designed to provide professional-level knowledge of the different types of substance abuse and how to approach them. From dealing with crisis situations to evaluating an individual’s eligibility for addiction-related services, you’ll graduate with the ability to help clients with a range of backgrounds get the help they need.
Although you will need further education to get a job as a substance abuse counsellor, this program will provide a foundation to continue your journey toward a rewarding career helping others.
Orientation: Ashworth College Career Program
Orientation: Ashworth College Career Program
In this course, you’ll examine the goals and values of Ashworth College: time management, creating a realistic weekly and monthly study schedule, the nature and purpose of assessments, how to study effectively to prepare for and take an online examination, and developing the skill sets necessary for success in the twenty-first century. You’ll also learn about the different allied health careers that are available.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Lesson Group 1: Introduction to Human Services and Counseling
Lesson Group 1: Introduction to Human Services and Counseling
This course will offer an introduction to the training, licensing requirements, and responsibilities associated with a career in substance abuse counseling. You’ll study different models of substance abuse alongside the various theories and approaches of individual and group counseling.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Explore the roles, responsibilities, and characteristics associated with substance abuse counselors.
Recognize the principles and practices of substance abuse counseling in different environments.
Understand models of substance abuse and dependence.
Analyze theories and approaches to counseling with both individuals and groups.
Lesson Group 2: Drugs, Addiction, Diseases, and Special Populations
Lesson Group 2: Drugs, Addiction, Diseases, and Special Populations
This course will investigate the effects of alcohol and substance abuse—psychological, social, and physical. You’ll study the patterns and progress of addiction, the likelihood of relapse, and the options for recovery using an occupational resource. The course will then examine substance abuse and treatment opportunities with special populations or subgroups.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Identify the psychological, social, and physical reasons for substance abuse.
Identify the psychological, social, and physical effects of substance abuse.
Utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in combatting the progression of addiction, avoiding relapse, and promoting recovery.
Examine various counseling approaches with special populations or subgroups.
Lesson Group 3: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention
Lesson Group 3: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention
This course will detail the assessment process for determining a treatment program and coordinating services. You’ll then identify the three levels of substance abuse prevention along with strategies for harm reduction. Lastly, the course will also explore how to accommodate co-occurring disorders while offering proper treatment and recovery management.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Employ the assessment process with determining a plan for treatment and coordinating services.
Examine the three levels of substance abuse prevention.
Provide a process for harm reduction and goal setting.
Manage co-occurring disorders for treatment and recovery purposes.
Lesson Group 4: Communication, Case Management, and Legal and Ethical Issues
Lesson Group 4: Communication, Case Management, and Legal and Ethical Issues
This course will examine the interactions and interdependence of healthcare professionals in forming a treatment team. You’ll study the case management process, from roles and responsibilities to documentation and recordkeeping. The course will finish by explaining legal and ethical occupational issues as part of detailing the characteristics of a healthy, supportive counseling process.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Understand the interactions of health professionals in forming an effective treatment team.
Explore the roles, responsibilities, and documentation associated with the case management process.
Identify legal and ethical issues for substance abuse counselors.
Recognize the elements of a healthy and supportive counseling process.
Program Description
The Social Services Assistant: Substance Abuse Career Diploma is designed to provide students with extensive knowledge of the requirements and responsibilities associated with a professional career in substance abuse counseling, incorporating an understanding of the dangers of addiction and abuse with the assessment and selection of treatment programs, counseling as part of a treatment team, and offering supportive and ethical case management.
After completing the Social Services Assistant: Substance Abuse program, students will be able to:
Identify the skills and knowledge required for success as a substance abuse counselor.
Recognize and adhere the professional and ethical standards of behavior for substance abuse counselors.
Recognize systematic substance-disorder screening and assessment procedures to determine an individual’s eligibility for addiction-related services, even in crisis situations.
Work collaboratively with clients and other members of the healthcare team to develop written treatment goals with measurable, time-sensitive action steps toward outcomes.
Identify administrative, clinical, and evaluative activities that facilitate the client’s ability to focus on identified issues and needs.
Identify counseling techniques that are both sensitive to the client’s needs and considerate of the client’s cultural norms, societal norms, and family situation.
Recognize how to create professional written records that include all treatment information and data, such as screening and intake results, assessment and treatment notes, clinical reports, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
Identify how to create and professionally present information on substance abuse, prevention, and treatment to clients, families, and community groups.
Develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates educational and professional steps in the pursuit of substance abuse training.
Guiding your career path
Ashworth College's API Program Name Career Diploma program helps you develop the confidence you need to reach for your career goals because we integrate job search prep into your studies. With the online tools at the Ashworth College Central Network, you’ll get step-by-step guidance as you create polished, professional resumes and letters. After you graduate, you’ll keep your Ashworth College Central Network account so you can revisit the tools any time you need to make a good impression on a potential employer. Learn more about it at the Career Services page.
