Human Services/Substance Abuse Counseling: Certificate of Competence

Description

Care, Connect, Collaborate

Substance use disorder counseling is a demanding, yet rewarding field of human service that requires patience, compassion, a keen desire to assist others healing from substance use disorders, field-specific knowledge and counseling skill development, as well a good deal of psychological maturity.

In this part-time, two-year substance use disorder counseling program, the focus is on developing both basic and intermediate-level knowledge and skills required of entry-level substance use disorder counselors and emphasizes developing a personal and professional maturity through a self-exploration process. One is prepared for entering the field through exposure to the entire range of the 12 Core Functions required of the substance use disorder counselor. The learner will engage in the development of micro skills and group facilitation skills, mock assessments, and goal development, as well as an introduction to multiple theories of counseling, interventions, and techniques for working with clients.

Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Gwen Williams
Location: FA 206
Phone: (808) 455-0365
Fax: (808) 455-0633
Email: gwenw@hawaii.edu

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to do the following:

• Recognize the medical, societal, psychological, and family effects of use disorder and addiction with regard to alcohol and other drugs
• Identify Hawai‘i’s prevention/intervention and treatment system, its strengths and limitations
• Develop an awareness of issues and other personal values/biases that might impact one’s effectiveness as a substance use disorder counselor
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Twelve Core Functions engaged by the alcohol and drug use disorder counselor, and know how these functions apply to the continuum of care
• Demonstrate an ability to do an effective biopsychosocial assessment and display a basic knowledge of counseling approaches used with individuals and groups
• Identify the ethical and legal issues that confront the counseling professional, and abide by them when in the field
• Distinguish the stages of the treatment process, including aftercare, relapse prevention, and the issues relevant to their clients involved in each stage of intervention
• Display attending, active listening, and other counseling skills in their work with individuals and groups