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.

Student Success Information

Program format(s)

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.

Degree option

The associate degree program prepares students with knowledge and skills to support individuals with diverse needs in a variety of settings. 

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).
• Students in the SWA degree program can stack the Addictions Studies Certificate to earn both the certificate and degree simultaneously. Two of three specific Chemical Dependency courses taken in the certificate may count as SWA electives, meaning most SWA students need only one additional SWA course to complete both the Addictions certificate and the degree. Required certificate courses that are electives in the SWA degree 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 fulfill 70 educational requirements by the OCDP State Licensing Board for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) II. Graduates will need to complete additional required training and work hours post-graduation as outlined by the OCDP Board. Those work hours, combined with having obtained their CDCA, will meet requirements to sit for the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam for their LCDC II, contingent on application to and approval by the OCDP Board.
• The Problem Gambling Certificate, which includes completion of SWA electives SWA2621 Problem Gambling & Treatment and SWA1100 Trauma & Resiliency, provides the coursework required for students to qualify to apply for the CDCA Preliminary Certification through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDPB).
  • Students in the SWA degree program can stack the Problem Gambling Certificate to earn both the certificate and degree simultaneously.
  • Graduates of the SWA degree and the Problem Gambling Certificate, who subsequently obtain their Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) II credential, will have met the educational hours to apply for the OCDPB Preliminary Gambling Endorsement. As with other credentials, graduates must complete additional supervised work hours post-graduation as required by the OCDP Board.

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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.

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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

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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.

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