The Substance Abuse Counseling Program is designed for those entering higher education for the first time as well as those who already have an advanced degree but are seeking the State of Illinois’ Certification as an addiction recovery counselor helping people as counselors or in substance abuse treatment centers. All courses are taught by experienced instructors in the human services field.
Accreditation
The Human Services Substance Abuse Counselor Program is accredited by the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Certification Board (IAODAPCA), the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), and the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE).
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Students must provide their own transportation to and from field experience sites.
Persons recovering from drug and/or alcohol dependency and considering substance abuse counseling as a program of study are strongly encouraged to have two consecutive years of abstinence before enrolling in SUB 201 Field Experience I and Seminar and before seeking employment.
To earn the advanced certification from Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA), ECC students must:
- Successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in human services, substance abuse counseling option; or
- Have an associate degree or higher in a related field and complete the Vocational Specialist certificate in substance abuse counseling; and
- Successfully pass a certification exam administered by IAODAPCA.
To earn preparatory certification as a substance abuse counselor through IAODAPCA, ECC students must:
- Successfully complete a minimum of the Vocational Specialist certificate in substance abuse counseling.
- Successfully pass a certification exam administered by IAODAPCA; and
- Complete 4,000 hours of related, paid, supervised work experience. (The number of hours required will be decreased with advanced degrees.)
The Associate of Applied Science in human services transfers to many four-year institutions. See a list of these institutions at https://elgin.edu/areas-of-study/human-services
Human Services Overview
All HSG, HUS, and SUB courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
Human Services - Core Courses
The Human Services Generalist and Substance Abuse Counseling programs of study require students to complete each of the following core courses in order to earn a certificate or degree in these areas.
HUS 102 Principles & Prac. of Human Services (3)(3,0)
This course introduces students to the human service professions. Students analyze how the integration of information is used to provide services to people as well as begin exploring assessments and service planning. The impact of structures and dynamics of organizations, communities, and society on human services delivery is emphasized. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available NOTE: This course is one of four core courses (HUS 102, HUS 110, HUS 200, HUS 205) students must complete for the Human Services Generalist, and Substance Abuse Counseling programs of study.
HUS 110 Issues in Human Services (3)(3,0)
Students are introduced to a range of challenges, dilemmas, and issues in the human services field. Examples include welfare, domestic violence, racism/diversity, health/wellness, poverty, etc. Historical and current legislation affecting the delivery of human services is examined. Approaches used to provide services are explored. Students also study the changing family structure as well as organizational structures and communities. (1.2) NOTE: This course is one of four core courses (HUS 102, HUS 110, HUS 200, HUS 205) students must complete for the Human Services Generalist, and Substance Abuse Counseling programs of study. Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
HUS 151 Rules and Regulations (3)(3,0)
This course will review the regulations and ethics across a spectrum of human service endeavors. This will include the relevant laws and regulations regarding human services, mental health, substance abuse, and partner violence. This course will also review and discuss the ethical issues pertinent to all human services practitioners, and specifically to those working in the above specialties. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
HUS 200 Pre-Field Experience (3)(3,0)
This course will prepare the student for a successful field experience class. A successful field experience includes three significant aspects of student's development: personal, professional, and civic. Students will develop skills to prepare them for the field experience courses required as part of their program of study. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EI) Pass/No Credit Not Available NOTE: This course is one of four core courses (HUS 102, HUS 110, HUS 200, HUS 205) students must complete for the Human Services Generalist and Substance Abuse Counseling programs of study.
HUS 205 Introduction to Group Processes (3)(3,0)
A course designed to introduce the student to the history of groups. A study of how small groups are used in human services settings, theories of group dynamics, and a strong emphasis on group facilitation skills. The course also covers the importance of diversity in managing small groups. The course provides students with the understanding of confidentiality, and the appropriate use of client data. Also, students have the opportunity to practice managing conflict, and establishing rapport with clients. (1.1) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available NOTE: This course is one of four core courses (HUS 102, HUS 110, HUS 200, HUS 205) students must complete for the Human Services Generalist and Substance Abuse Counseling programs of study.
HUS 212 Behavior Problems (3)(3,0)
This course surveys the biological, psychological, and sociological causes of differences in behavior. Classification and diagnostic categories will be discussed. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
HUS 214 Crisis Intervention (3)(3,0)
The purpose of this course is to give students a working knowledge of how to deal with persons in crisis. Special application of the concepts will be stressed. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
HUS 223 Behavior Management (3)(3,0)
This course will introduce students basic techniques of behavioral management used in the Human Services field. Emphasis will be placed on applying the strategies as well as ethical and legal considerations. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
Human Services - Substance Abuse Courses
SUB 106 Experiential Learning in Human Svcs (1-3)(1,0)
(1-3, 0) This course is designed to promote growth and development as a professional in the area of Human Services that the student is studying. The student will participate in a variety of workshops, conferences, meetings, and/or service-learning opportunities as agreed upon by the instructor and the student. Verification and reflection of learning will be assessed by the instructor. This course will be taught as an independent study.This course is repeatable 3 times. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available NOTE: This course is offered concurrently as HSG 106. The student must decide whether to earn credits in Human Service (HUS) or Substance Abuse (SUB) prior to enrolling.
SUB 122 Substance Abuse Pharmacology (3)(3,0)
This course will address the impact that substances of abuse have on the neurological functioning of the human organism; the impact of substances of abuse on other organ systems; the effect of substance use and addiction on behavioral functioning and human development; the physical process of addiction and recovery; the impact neurological and physical dysfunctions have on assessment and treatment planning; and the history of classifications of substances of abuse. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
SUB 125 Special Populations (3)(3,0)
This course will address special populations in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Special populations will be identified and issues regarding addiction and mental health; engagement strategies; treatment planning; and client and community education strategies will be discussed. Methods to gain cultural competence and to become a lifelong learner will be addressed. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Available NOTE: This course is offered concurrently as HSG 125. The student must decide whether to earn credits in Substance Abuse Counseling (SUB) or Human Services Generalist(HSG) prior to enrolling.
SUB 201 Field Experience I and Seminar (4)(0,15)
Training is a supervised opportunity for the student to have first-hand experience in an institutional setting that meets his/her area of interest. In this setting, it is expected that the student will develop proficiency and display the skills required to perform adequately on-the-job. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
SUB 202 Field Experience II and Seminar (4)(0,15)
Training is a supervised opportunity for the student to have firsthand experience in an institutional setting that meets his/her area of interest. In this setting, it is expected that the student will develop proficiency and display the skills required to perform adequately on the job. (1.2) NOTE: Two hundred and forty (240) hours of field work is required as well as weekly class sessions with the instructor. Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
SUB 215 Substance Abuse & Treatment (3)(3,0)
This course will introduce the student to the nature and extent of substance abuse. Clinical manifestations and methods of treatment will be discussed. Concepts and resources in helping the substance abuser and his/her social environment will be included. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available NOTE: This course is offered concurrently as HSG 215. The student must decide whether to earn credits in Substance Abuse Counseling (SUB) or Human Services (HSG) prior to enrolling.
