Social Services-Addiction Studies

The Social
Services-Addiction Studies Program focuses on Social Work – Addiction Studies
philosophy, knowledge-based, and practicum field instruction experiences. The
progra​​m offers an opportunity for students to major in a generalist
practice-oriented sequence which is directly related to the delivery of social
services – mental health from a global perspective.  The major objectives of the Social
Services-Addiction Studies Program are to prepare students to function as
generalist social work – mental health practitioners, to begin a career in
social welfare services advocating social justice for all.                

Specifically,
the Advanced Social Services/Addiction Studies curriculum is designed to address
the advancement in industry standards, which requires social workers to
demonstrate the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of
chemical dependency and mental disorders (COPD I / COPD II… formerly MISA) in a dual
capacity.                 

The target
audience for the proposed program is intended for individuals seeking entry-level
employment for advancement as well as cross-training opportunities for existing
employees, as well as for individuals looking to increase their skill set
through specialized education and training. 
Social Services – Addiction Studies practitioners find employment in
both medical and non-medical environments. 
Some facilities include detoxification centers, rehabilitation programs,
community mental health centers, family service centers, halfway houses,
therapeutic communities, hospitals, clinical services, nursing homes, home
health, hospice care, business settings, or related industry.           

The Mental Health Practicum Application​ for the fall semester is due the third week of October; the Mental Health Practicum Application​ for the spring semester is due the third week in March. There is a
mandatory orientation for students entering into the practicum. Orientations
take place in the fall and spring semesters: the third Friday in November during
the fall semester and the third Friday in April during the spring semester.  Please review the ​​Documentation Requirements for Addictions Studies/Social Service Programs.        

​Upon
completion of the program students   would be eligible to complete the Illinois
CADC examination through advance standing status, which waives the 2 years paid
work experience hours prior to examination.  
In addition, students would be awarded the Illinois 40 Domestic Violence
certification (completion of a practicum at an approved Illinois Domestic
Violence Organization) and a Basic Anger Management /Conflict Resolution
Certification which meets the minimum Illinois standard for offering Anger
Management /Conflict Resolution services.                  

 **Please
Note Financial Aid Restrictions                  

Pathways:                   

1. Social Services-Addiction Studies AAS Degree (Mental Health 229
   & Social Services 229 Practicums are covered under financial aid)
2. Addiction Studies AAS (Mental Health 229 Practicum only covered
   under financial aid)
3. Addiction Studies Basic Certificate (Mental Health 229 Practicum only covered under financial aid)
4. Addiction Studies Advanced Certificate (Mental Health 229 Practicum only covered under financial aid)​

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