Overview
About the Program
Social Work Assistants and Chemical Dependency Counselors have a professionally and personally challenging role in providing services to both children and adults with a variety of needs. Students in this program are prepared to provide support to persons in difficult life situations, persons with emotional/social/environmental concerns, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders as well as individuals who have co-occurring disorders. Graduates often work within multidisciplinary systems with a wide array of professionals.
The program stresses development and exploration of both personal and professional characteristics graduates will need to be effective helpers.
The associate degree program prepares students with knowledge, skills, and professional ethics to support individuals with diverse needs in a variety of settings. The four-semester program includes 210 hours of hands-on experience under the direct supervision of professionals in local and adjacent county agencies. Practicum experiences may occur in a variety of community agencies which include behavioral health/ mental health, psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery, drug and alcohol treatment and prevention, Developmental Disabilities, child protective/child welfare services, Head Start and Early Start programs, schools, community and senior centers, rehabilitation facilities, homeless shelters, supported living and residential environments, domestic violence programs, youth treatment programs, adult probation, drug court, prison settings, and re-entry programs.
The Associates of Applied Science degree is designed to be completed in two-years and four-semesters as a full-time student. Students may complete the degree going part-time and extending their completion time of the degree.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of counseling and interviewing strategies which include the use of active listening skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of multicultural perspectives and social justice theories.
- Display fundamental knowledge of social work theory and values, ethical guidelines, and legal regulations.
- Demonstrate professional behavior in accordance with social work practices.
- Demonstrate knowledge of psychopathology, case management, community resources, addictions theories, trauma, and family systems.
License/Credentialing Eligibility
- Graduates who have successfully completed the program are eligible to apply for registration as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT).
Graduates who have successfully completed the SWA degree program and who complete the Addictions Studies Certificate qualify for application both the CDCA Preliminary Certification and the CDCA Renewal Certification from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (ODCPB). Two of the three courses will meet SWA elective requirements, hence only one additional course needs to be completed. These courses are: SWA2630 CD: Ethics, SWA2640 CD: Introduction to Pharmacology and, SWA2660 CD: Etiology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Modalities
- Graduates of the SWA degree and the Addictions Certificate Studies courses also fulfil the educational requirements by the OCDP State Licensing Board for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) II. Graduates of the degree, along with the Addiction Studies Certificate, will have met all of the educational hours for this state license. They will need to complete additional required work hours after graduation as outlined by the OCDP Board. Those work hours combined with their degree and certificate will meet requirements for them to sit for an exam for their LCDC II.
- Graduates who complete the SWA degree, the Addictions Studies Certificate, and the Problem Gambling Certificate, which includes completion of SWA electives SWA2620 Problem Gambling & Treatment and SWA1100 Trauma & Resiliency, will additionally meet the educational requirements for the Gambling Endorsement through the OCDPB. As with other credentials, graduates must complete additional supervised work hours post-graduation as required by the OCDP Board. Those hours, combined with the degree and certificates, prepare graduates to apply for the LCDC II with the Gambling Endorsement.
Application Requirements
- MTC Application for Admission.
- Final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable).
- Demonstrate college-readiness by achieving the Level 4 Read/Write placement guidelines and/or successful completion of the American College Test (ACT) with a minimum Reading score of 18.
- Successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures, including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA for program entry and to remain in good standing in the program.
- Meet with SWA director or faculty advisor.
- Complete the SWA program application.
- A career in social work, counseling, and the behavioral health fields requires individuals to demonstrate emotional stability and personal and professional integrity. Practitioners must be able to work effectively with individuals and groups from many different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. In addition to academic requirements, students are required to maintain appropriate professional standards and meet minimum behavioral expectations in order to remain in the program.
Career Opportunities
- Behavioral Healthcare Specialist
- Mental Health Case Manager
- Psychiatric Services Case Manager
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
- Social Work Assistant
- Social Services Worker
- Mental Health Technician
- Community Based Caseworker
- Developmental Disabilities: SSA
- Program Coordinator
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Residential Coordinator
- Correctional Case Manager
- Probation Officer/Court Liaison
- Child Protective Services Worker
- Gerontology Specialist
- Problem Gambling Specialist (w/Gambling Endorsement)
- Prevention Specialist
- Recovery Support Specialist / Peer Recovery Supporter
- Community Outreach Worker
- Correctional Program Facilitator
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Family Support Specialist
- Facility Activity Coordinator
- Senior Center Coordinator
- Support Group Facilitator
- Patient / Health Navigator
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Service Coordinator
Curriculum
The following is a typical course sequence for completing this program for full-time students who have completed all prerequisites. Part-time students will require additional semesters of study. Students should consult their academic advisors to plan their schedules, as the actual time needed to complete the program will vary according to each student’s individual needs.
Note: Per program policy, a minimum grade of "C" is required to pass all SWA and GER courses and courses for approved electives. All SWA and GER courses require a demonstration of college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc. Minimum 2.0 GPA for program entry and to remain in good standing in the program.
Approved SWA Course Electives: SWA1100 Trauma and Resiliency, 3 credits; GER1000 Intro to Gerontology, 3 credits; GER1010 Aging: Cognitive and Emotional Health, 3 credits; GER1020 End-of-Life Care and Loss, 3 credits; SWA 2621 Problem Gambling & Treatment, 3 credits; SWA2630 CD: Ethics, 3 credits; SWA2640 CD: Intro to Pharmacology, 3 credits; SWA2650 Juvenile Delinquency, 3 credits; SWA2660 CD: Etiology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Modalities, 3 credits; CRJ1600 Intro to Corrections, 3 credits; NUR1003 Nurse Aid Training (STNA), 4 credits.
First Semester
| ENG1000 | English Composition I | 3 |
| PSY1100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SWA1000 | Introduction to Addiction Studies | 3 |
| SWA1040 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SWA1010 | Introduction to Social Welfare | 3 |
Second Semester
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
Total Credit Hours: 65