The Human Services/Substance Abuse concentration prepares students to assist in drug and alcohol counseling, prevention-oriented educational activities, rehabilitation with recovering clients, managing community-based programs, counseling in residential facilities, and pursuit of four-year degrees.
Course work includes classroom and experiential activities oriented toward an overview of chemical dependency, psychological/sociological process, the twelve Core Functions, intervention techniques with individuals in groups, and follow-up activities with recovering clients.
Graduates should qualify for positions as substance abuse counselors, DUI counselors, halfway house workers, residential facility employees, and substance education specialists. With educational and clinical experiences, graduates can obtain certification by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Board.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:
- Analyze experiential learning in small groups and identify and explain the interactions of group members in group settings.
- Perform basic interviewing skills needed to function in a helping relationship using the Microskills Model.
- Demonstrate performance of counseling techniques.
- Assess crisis situations and respond with the appropriate differential techniques applicable to various crisis situations.
- Apply multicultural competence in service delivery.
- Apply the Ethical Principles of Conduct for a Substance Abuse Professional.
- Demonstrate competence in each of the 12 Core Functions of a Substance Abuse Professional:
- Screening
- Intake
- Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Client Education
- Referrals
- Report and Record Keeping
- Consultation with Other Professionals
Course Selection Information
Students, to help you progress in your degree program, take prerequisite courses along with English and Math early in your academic career. This will align you for greater success in completing your program of study. Click on the courses listed below to ensure you are aware of prerequisites. The order shown below under the student program priorities is a guide.
Student Program Priorities:
- HSE 112 , PSY 150
- HSE 110 , SAB 110
Return to: