Social and Human Services Associate in Applied Science Degree Addiction & Recovery Career Track

Social and Human Services Associate in Applied Science Degree Addiction & Recovery Track - Hero
Program Code: A45380AC

Social and Human Services Associate in Applied Science Degree Addiction & Recovery Career Track

The Social and Human Services curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies that provide social, community, and behavioral health services. Along with core courses, students take courses that prepare them for specialization in specific human service areas.

Coursework includes the development of professional knowledge, skills, and values in human services. Opportunities for experiential learning allow students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.

Graduates should qualify for positions in government, private, and nonprofit social and human services agencies. Graduates may choose to transfer and continue their education at a variety of colleges and universities.

 

Specific Requirements

  • General college admission requirements.
  • Students pursuing the degree should be aware that employers in the human services field (substance abuse and otherwise) can require prospective volunteers, interns, and employees to pass medical examinations, criminal background, drug & alcohol screening, immunization, and citizenship verification checks before they will be allowed to work at an organization.

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA, BIO, ENG, HSE, HUM, PSY, SAB, SOC, SWK, and WBL

Courses in this program

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition.

This course introduces the human services field, including the history, agencies, roles, and careers. Topics include personal/professional characteristics, diverse populations, community resources, disciplines in the field, systems, ethical standards, and major theoretical and treatment approaches. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the knowledge, skills, and roles of the human services worker.

This course covers the purpose, structure, focus, and techniques utilized in effective interviewing. Emphasis is placed on observing, attending, listening, responding, summarizing, and documenting with instructor supervision. Upon completion, students should be able to perform the basic interviewing skills needed to facilitate the helping relationship.

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.

This course provides an overview of the core concepts in addiction and recovery. Topics include the history of substance use, effects on society members, treatment of addiction, and preventive measures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the origins of substance use, addiction, prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations.

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts.

This course introduces the concepts of group processes and group dynamics. Emphasis is placed on essential tools for understanding, participating in, and contributing to group processes. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain how people are influenced by their interactions in group settings and facilitate various groups.

This course introduces the types of crises and the principles of intervention. Emphasis is placed on identifying culturally competent techniques for intervening in various crisis situations. Upon completion, students should be able to assess crisis situations and respond effectively.
 

This course covers processes for rapport building and procedures used to identify and evaluate individuals' strengths and weaknesses. Topics include diagnostic evaluation and placement, effective interviewing and communication techniques, and use of assessment tools. Upon completion, students should be able to establish rapport with individuals, recognize disorders, and obtain information for referrals and placement.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course provides a basic survey of human biology. Emphasis is placed on the basic structure and function of body systems and the medical terminology used to describe normal and pathological states. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology and the appropriate use of medical terminology.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of foundational theories and practical techniques essential for those working in diverse human services settings. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness, problem-solving, decision-making, and personal growth. Upon completion, students should be able to apply these theories to real-life scenarios, and develop professional skills crucial for fostering supportive relationships in various settings.

This course covers the physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural aspects of the addictive process. Emphasis is placed on disorders related to addictions to alcohol, drugs, food, sex, work, gambling, internet, and relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the effects, prevention strategies, and treatment methods associated with addictive disorders.

This course introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions. Topics include socialization, research methods, diversity and inequality, cooperation and conflict, social change, social institutions, and organizations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of sociological concepts as they apply to the interplay among individuals, groups, and societies. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.

This course examines the historical development, values, orientation, and professional standards of social work and focuses on the terminology and broader systems of social welfare. Emphasis is placed on the various fields of practice including those agencies whose primary function is financial assistance, corrections, mental and behavioral health, and protective services. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work professional.

This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers a variety of tasks associated with professional case management. Topics include needs assessment, service planning, referral procedures, documentation, follow-up, and integration of services. Upon completion, students should be able to effectively manage the care of the whole person from initial contact through termination of services.

This course provides a comparison of diverse roles, interests, opportunities, contributions, and experiences in social life. Topics include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and religion. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze how cultural and ethnic differences evolve and how they affect personality development, values, and tolerance. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences.

This course provides theory and skills acquisition by utilizing intervention strategies designed to obtain therapeutic information, support recovery, and prevent relapse. Topics include counseling individuals and dysfunctional families, screening instruments, counseling techniques and approaches, recovery and relapse, and special populations. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss issues critical to recovery, identify intervention models, and initiate a procedure culminating in cognitive/behavioral change.

This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the role of diversity and ethical considerations within the human services profession. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills in the evolving landscape of human services. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical decision-making, demonstrate an understanding of diverse perspectives, and identify current trends in the human services field.

This course introduces systems of diversity, ethics, and trends in addiction and recovery. Topics include confidentiality, assessment of personal values, professional responsibilities, competencies, and ethics relative to multicultural service provision. Upon completion, students should be able to apply and discuss multiple diversity and ethical scenarios applicable to addiction and recovery services.

 

Total Credit Hours Required:
64

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Career Opportunities

CADC - Take the exam in NC and begin working as soon as hired after passing the exam. Enhance skills used in positions where addiction and addictive behaviors show up in the work.

  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Case Manager in Addictions Treatment Facility

Good To Know

Porscha Rae Orndorf — Department Chair

Hannah Yamouti — Adjunct

Sarah Stamey — Adjunct