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CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY MAJOR - 435A (Semester)
HUMAN AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Associate of Applied Science Degree 
Total Credits: 67
Campus: North, South

Nature of Work: The Human and Social Services Chemical Dependency Major is designed to prepare students for careers in case management and
counseling of chemically dependent individuals and their families. Students are prepared for employment in entry level positions in a variety of settings including therapeutic communities, rehabilitation centers, inpatient facilities, residential programs, outpatient clinics, mental health centers, detox units, and other organizations focusing on addictions treatment, education, or prevention. They may organize and lead group activities, assist clients in need of emotional support or crisis intervention, or they may monitor and keep case records on clients and report progress to supervisors. The amount of responsibility and supervision they are given varies a great deal, as do actual job duties.

Related Job Titles: Case manager, caseworker, chemical dependency counselor, social work assistant, home visitor, residential treatment facility associate, addictions educator, intake specialist.

Program Design: The program provides students with a foundation in social and behavioral sciences, a focused study in addictions, and career-oriented
clinical/practicum experiences leading to the development of competent addictions counselors. The curriculum places strong emphasis on application of knowledge to problems and practices in the fields of human services and chemical dependency treatment, intervention, and prevention. Courses in the program address basic human services and counseling skills, pharmacology and addictions theory, as well as a selection of liberal arts topics to provide a broad understanding of the human experience. Academic and clinical application coursework is built around the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to help clients move from life threatening addictions to recovery. Classes focus on the following: psychological and sociological understanding of human interactions; addictive behaviors and various treatments utilized with chemically dependent persons; pharmacological effects of alcohol and other chemicals; understanding the various needs of special populations and their differing help seeking behaviors; ethical issues including confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, and dual relationships; and counseling theory and techniques.
Program requirements address the competencies identified by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS). Graduates will have completed the necessary coursework requirements for eligibility as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II, a credential awarded by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. Additional requirements for LCDC II include a period of supervised experience, some of which students are expected to complete after graduation from the program. Program graduates planning to work as chemical dependency counselors must apply for and receive this credential in order to practice legally in the State of Ohio. In addition, the program meets the educational requirements of the State of Ohio
Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board certification of Social Work Assistant.

A grade of “C” (2.00) or better is required in all courses for graduation. Any required course in which a grade below “C” is earned must be repeated. Life experience credit may not be used to fulfill graduation requirements in this program. Students completing the Chemical Dependency Major must complete their entire practicum experience at a chemical dependency counseling/treatment facility.
 

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