Substance Abuse Counselor

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Substance Abuse Counselor will provide a student with a thorough background and experience in counseling techniques specific for substance abuse services. The substance abuse education and the accumulation of supervised experience will prepare an individual for the Wisconsin Statutes & Rules Exam and the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADC), NCAC I exam. Upon successful completion of the ICRC exam, the student may be eligible to gain employment in a variety substance abuse services.

• Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science degree will be prepared to:
  • Interview prospective candidate to determine client’s eligibility for substance abuse services.
  • Follow the procedures for admission, signed documents and consents.
  • Describe the services, goals and rules of the program to the individual.
  • Administer & interpret comprehensive developmentally appropriate substance abuse assessments.
  • Formulate individualized treatment plans with the client based on their needs.
  • Implement evidence-based, culturally sensitive counseling techniques to engage client in their recovery.
  • Explain the rationale for coordinated services and resources to the client.
  • Recognize the elements of the client crisis events to enhance overall treatment.
  • Provide relevant information about available services and resources for the client.
  • Identify unmet needs of client and suggest a referral to appropriate resources.
  • Prepare reports and maintain records to facilitate client’s recovery.
  • Consult with other professionals to provide effective treatment services.
     
• At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree, the state of Wisconsin will recognize 360 hours of substance abuse use disorder specialized education toward the state license of a Substance Abuse Counselor-In Training (SAC-IT).

The Wisconsin State Legislature requires a thorough background check
under the Caregiver Law § 48.685 and 50.065 Stats.
Students may not be able to work in this field with certain legal convictions.

In addition to the Bureau of Labor Statistic's Standard Occupational Classification, or "SOC" Code, the following are examples of job titles that degree-holding individuals have gone on to attain.