Human Services, Substance Use Disorder Professional Counseling - Associate in Technical Arts (ATA)

Courses in the Human Services Specialty Program offer sound theoretical framework and practical experiences. Professionals who wish to upgrade certification can enroll in courses dealing with current practices in human services and Substance Use Disorder. For those entering a new career, this program provides theory and practice in human services principles and arranges field experiences to exchange ideas with those currently working in the field.

This Degree is designed for students who wish to fulfill the education requirements for certification as Substance Use Disorder Professionals through the Department of Health in Washington State (WAC 246-811-030).

Program Learning Outcomes. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Understand addiction and the ways it affects individuals throughout the life course.
2. Apply key principles in developmental and abnormal psychology to the experiences of chemically dependent and addicted patients.
3. Understand the pharmacological actions of alcohol and other drugs.
4. Demonstrate familiarity with substance abuse and addiction treatment methods, addiction placement, continuing care, and discharge criteria (including American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria).
5. Be effective in treatment planning, case management referral, use of community resources, and service coordination.
6. Effectively utilize the techniques used in individual counseling; group counseling; and counseling for families, couples and significant others who are affected by chemical dependency.
7. Develop an understanding of effective drug and alcohol prevention and relapse prevention programs as well as local client, family, and community drug prevention education opportunities.
8. Successful completion of 4-hour HIV/AIDS risk-intervention training for the chemically dependent.
9. Effectively communicate orally and in writing in ways that minimize conflict and maximize clarity with diverse people.
10. Work collaboratively with others (family members/agency representatives) to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
11. Access and use a variety of resources and services that match the needs of the individual or family.
12. Coach and mentor others. Others include co-workers, colleagues, and family members.
13. Behave professionally and ethically which includes being respectful, reliable, culturally sensitive, respecting a client’s personal boundaries, the rules of confidentiality, and adhering to mandatory reporting laws.