Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant

Diane Haller, LISW-S, ACSW, LICDC-CS, Coordinator
Phone: (419) 995-8202
Email: haller.d@rhodesstate.edu
Office: TL 102K

The Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant degree program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to support people with diverse challenges and needs. They are employed in settings such as community service centers, job and family services, mental health agencies, addictions centers, correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, recovery houses, homeless shelters, and so many more.

Graduates may be eligible for registration as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, and the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. For students interested in a bachelor’s degree, this degree program is a great start by obtaining employable skills, while also having transfer opportunities into the Bachelor’s of Social Work or Addiction Studies programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the student will be able to:

Explain the scope and main features of the field, such as its development, theories, practices, and interactions of human systems.
Demonstrate competency in core helping skills such as listening, writing, speaking, observation, interviewing, intake assessment, social assessment, intervention methods, record-keeping, goal planning, case management, group facilitation, crisis intervention, referrals, advocacy, cultural competence, orientation, education and prevention services.
Behave professionally, ethically and legally in their responsibilities to consumers, colleagues, practice settings, employers, society, to self, and to the profession.
Assess awareness of their own strengths, limitations, attitudes, values, personalities, interpersonal/ reaction styles and how these may affect their professional practice.
Perform entry-level skills competently in a professional setting by having participated in experiential training and reflection (learning by doing/experience).

Grading Policy

Academic standards are found under Grading and Credit System of the Student Handbook section of this catalog. Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant students must attain a “C” grade in each Human Service (HUM) course. Any Human Service (HUM) course in which a grade below a “C” is received must be repeated.

Curriculum Options

Students are encouraged to review their individual needs with the department chairperson when considering full-time and part-time alternatives. Additionally, students should review educational needs in conjunction with current work experiences.

Articulations (2+2 Option)

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree should speak to a an Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant Faculty Advisor early in their Rhodes State College career.

Technical Standards
See here for details.

Tech Prep Partner
See here for details.

Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant

Associate of Applied Science Degree

First Year
First Semester		Hours
COM 1110	English Composition	3
HUM 1111	Introduction to Social Work	3
HUM 1150	Interviewing Techniques in Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work	3
PSY 1010	General Psychology	3
SOC 1010	Sociology	3
SDE 1010	First Year Experience	1
	Term Hours	16
Second Semester
HST 1620	American History Since 1877	3
MTH 1151 or MTH 1260	Quantitative Reasoning or Statistics	3
HUM 1900	Professional Preparation and Engagement	2
HUM 2100	Case Management in Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work	3
HUM 2230	Issues and Ethics in Helping	3
Technical Elective		2-3
	Term Hours	16-17
Second Year
First Semester
COM 2110 or COM 2213	Public Speaking or Verbal Judo	3
PSY 1730	Abnormal Psychology	3
HUM 1710	Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders	3
HUM 2400	Crisis Management	3
HUM 2991	Practicum I	2
Technical Elective		2-3
	Term Hours	16-17
Second Semester
HUM 2170	Dynamics of Mental Health and Substance Use	3
HUM 2310	Group Dynamics/Intervention	3
HUM 2710	Addictions Counseling	3
PSY 2150	Lifespan Psychology	3
HUM 2992 	Practicum II	2
	Term Hours	14
	Total Hours	62-64

	Capstone Course
¹	If planning to pursue a bachelor degree, choose from one of the OTM/TAG approved Math courses. See MTH courses in Course Description section of this catalog.

See here for Capstone information.

Prerequisites:
Students should check course prerequisites before registering. Prerequisites are listed in the Course Tab.

Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant Electives

Technical Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
HUM 1990	Independent Study in HUM	1-3
HUM 2000	Special Topics in Human Services	1-3
HUM 1212	Social Welfare in the United States	3
HUM 1720	Aging and Gerontology	3
HUM 1980	The Color of Justice	2
HUM 2040	Psychology and the Legal System	2
HUM 2030	Criminal Minds	3

Please see an advisor when considering a 2+2 option.

HUM 1111 — Introduction to Social Work

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Provides an introductory understanding of the human service and social work professions. Topics such as historical developments, underlying assumptions, core values, ethical principles, functions, major social problems, and methods of human service/social work will be covered. Goals of the human/social service system and the role of human service professionals, social work assistants, and social workers will be examined. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall
Transfer: TAG.

HUM 1150 — Interviewing Techniques in Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 4.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00 Lab Hours: 1.00

Covers the principles and practices of interviewing clients in the human service area. Students will be taught a model of interviewing and learn to use various techniques such as verbal/nonverbal communication skills. Students will practice skills through role playing. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall.

HUM 1212 — Social Welfare in the United States

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Introduces the history, structure, functions, and challenges of the American social welfare system. Various social problems along with societal/student values and beliefs on social welfare topics will be examined. Topical areas include factors in the delivery of social services, issues of diversity and discrimination, empowering at-risk and vulnerable populations, and fields of practice. 'C' grade policy applies for Human Service majors.
Offered: Spring
Transfer: TAG.

HUM 1310 — Activity Directing I

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Introduces activity directing; specifically covers textbook knowledge, lecture, and in-field demonstrations to gain working knowledge of the activity profession. Students will also learn about the elderly as individuals and what makes them unique human beings, and what happens to them as they age. They will also learn about Resident Rights, activities of daily living and community resources. This is part one of a two part class. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall.

HUM 1320 — Activity Directing II

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Introduces the various aspects of management such as planning, organizing, hiring, creating job descriptions, and maintaining employee-employer relations. They also learn about the controlling function of management. They will also learn about the evaluating function of management: managing risks, establishing department and people performance standards, measuring performance, and correcting deviations from standards and plans. This class completes the MEPAPII 90 hour Advanced Class for Activity Directing this is required for National Certification by NCCAP (National Certification Council of Activity Professionals). This is part two of the two part Activity Directing class. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: HUM 1310.

HUM 1710 — Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Introduces a variety of topics in working with addicted populations such as chemicals of use, theories, diagnosis, treatment approaches, legal and ethical issues. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall.

HUM 1720 — Aging and Gerontology

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Provides an overview of the study of gerontology and aging. Covers a variety of theories, issues, the positives and challenges facing aging adults, their families, and their communities. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall.

HUM 1900 — Professional Preparation and Engagement

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00

Apply knowledge, skills and strategies to career preparation and development. Advises students of the requirements and preparation needed for entering practicum courses.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: HUM 1150.

HUM 1980 — The Color of Justice

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00

Examines race in the context of the criminal justice system. Emphasis on the treatment of racial minorities as victims and offenders by law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
Offered: Spring.

HUM 1990 — Independent Study in HUM

Credit Hours: 0.00 Total Contact Hours: 0.00

Provides individualized instruction with students working on a one-on-one basis with an instructor on a project entailing reading, writing, and discussion. The subject matter is set by the instructor and student and will relate to the Human Service field. A student may register for 1, 2, or 3 hours of Independent Study. Independent Study may be taken more than one time, BUT Human Service majors may not apply more than 3 hours in total of Independent Study toward their elective hours requirement. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall, Spring.

HUM 2000 — Special Topics in Human Services

Credit Hours: 0.00 Total Contact Hours: 0.00

Explores current topics in Human Services. This allows students to explore material in Human Services outside of the regular course offerings. Offered on demand as determined by the Chair of Human Services. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall, Spring.

HUM 2030 — Criminal Minds

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Provides an understanding of criminal behavior and antisocial behavior from a psychological perspective. Contemporary research, theory, and practice concerning the psychology of crime will be explored. Students will learn about the factors associated with the onset and maintenance of antisocial and criminal behavior.
Offered: Fall.

HUM 2040 — Psychology and the Legal System

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00

Describes the law from a psychological perspective. Students will be introduced to legally relevant science and how psychology plays a role in that science. The course explores a multitude of topics such as psychology of crime, psychology of police, crime victims, eyewitnesses, evaluating suspects, and forensic assessments.
Offered: Fall.

HUM 2100 — Case Management in Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Emphasizes case management process and the skills related to the management of client cases in human service agencies. The course will cover planning, implementing, coordinating and documenting. Students will also research and understand the various agencies that assist clients in various settings. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Spring.

HUM 2170 — Dynamics of Mental Health and Substance Use

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Explores the historical perspective of mental illness and how changes have occurred. Symptoms, causes, and treatment modalities will be discussed with emphasis on deinstitutionalization. Specific emphasis will be placed on developing a working knowledge of the mental health system and an introduction of the common treatment practices in mental health. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Spring.

HUM 2230 — Issues and Ethics in Helping

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Applies the Ohio Laws and Rules, Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals, and NASW Code of Ethics in the practice of social work assistants and human service professionals. Students will create their own style of intervention based on current and past learning. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Spring.

HUM 2310 — Group Dynamics/Intervention

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Examines group process, group behaviors and the application of group work in the human service field. Emphasis will be placed on current issues, ethical and specific needs of various populations. Students will practice group leadership skills and lead assimilated groups. They will also learn to research and write group proposals. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Spring.

HUM 2400 — Crisis Management

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 4.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00 Lab Hours: 1.00

Utilizes interview skills and learns how to use them in a crisis intervention format. Students will learn to deal with a variety of crisis situations ranging from suicidal situations to natural catastrophes. The class involves a combination of interpersonal communication skills and crisis intervention strategies for diverse populations. Emphasis will be placed on de-escalation techniques. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Fall.

HUM 2710 — Addictions Counseling

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Covers topics in addiction services such as basic principles, theoretical considerations, pharmacotherapeutics, treatment modalities, clinical skills, considerations of diversity, and ethics. 'C' grade policy applies.
Offered: Spring.

HUM 2991 — Practicum I

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 1.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 1.00

Provides on-the-job training for students in Human Service agencies. Students will work in the field learning and implementing human service skills. Students will complete a total of 180 hours of supervised experience, which is equivalent to 12 hours weekly at their practicum agency over a 15-week semester. In addition, the student is required to attend a 1-hour weekly class. This course is graded S/U.
Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: HUM 1150, HUM 2100, HUM 2230, HUM 1900.

HUM 2992 — Practicum II 

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 13.00 Lecture Hours: 1.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 12.00

Provides continuing on-the-job training either at the same agency as HUM 2991 or at a different agency. Upon completion of HUM 1900 or 2500, HUM 2230, HUM 2991, and HUM 2992, students should be familiar with the operations of a human service agency including client/staff relationships and employee responsibilities. Students will complete 180 hours of practical experience, which is equivalent to 12 hours weekly at their practicum agency over a 15-week semester. In addition, the student is required to attend a 1-hour weekly class. This course is graded S/U.
Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: HUM 1990, HUM 2230, HUM 2991.

Admission Requirements

See the General Admissions Procedures in the College catalog.

Students who begin the curriculum in spring semester or who need developmental course support should recognize that it may take longer than four semesters to complete the program.

Individuals must recognize that to be successful in the Human Service field, there are important disposition and professional conduct factors, such being emotionally mature, respectful, dependable, and responsible.

Certificates

To be eligible for the following certificates, students must have received a grade of 'C' or better for each course required for the certificate and completed all required courses within four years of earning the certificate.

Prerequisites may be required for courses listed for each certificate. Please see the course descriptions for more details.

Addiction Services Certificate

Prepares entry-level addiction professionals by providing two addiction-specific courses that have the education content areas and hours that meet standards for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Certification (CDCA-Pre and CDCA-Renewable) through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDP). Students must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED for the CDCA. Additional information about the addictions credentialing process can be found on the OCDP website. A grade of "C" or higher is required for the courses.

Addiction Services Certificate

First Year
First Semester		Hours
HUM 1710	Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders	3
	Term Hours	3
Second Semester
HUM 2710	Addictions Counseling	3
	Term Hours	3
	Total Hours	6

Family Services Worker Certificate

The Family Services Worker certificate was developed at the request of West Ohio Community Action Partnership to provide their employees with training for the position of family service worker at their agency. Interested students should contact the Coordinator.

First Year
First Semester		Hours
HUM 1150	Interviewing Techniques in Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work	3
HUM 2100	Case Management in Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work	3
	Term Hours	6
Second Semester
HUM 2230	Issues and Ethics in Helping	3
HUM 2310	Group Dynamics/Intervention	3
	Term Hours	6
	Total Hours	12

Forensic Mental Health Certificate

The Forensic Mental Health certificate is designed to explore the dynamics of mental health as it relates to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. This certificate is an enhancement for students who are interested in the field of human services/social work within the realm of criminal justice. This certificate provides an advantage of knowledge to criminal justice or helping professionals who are looking to get a better understanding and influence of mental health by an individual’s involvement in the criminal justice system.

The certificate focuses on areas including mental health/substance abuse diagnoses, ethical behavior whether in criminal justice or human services, the examination of race in the criminal justice system, crisis interventions, criminal behavior, and the psychology of the legal system.

Forensic Mental Health Certificate

First Year
Fall		Hours
LAW 2022 or HUM 2030	Criminal Minds or Criminal Minds	3
HUM 2400	Crisis Management	3
LAW 2010 or HUM 2040	Psychology and the Legal System or Psychology and the Legal System	2
	Term Hours	8
Spring
LAW 1980 or HUM 1980	The Color of Justice or The Color of Justice	2
HUM 2170	Dynamics of Mental Health and Substance Use	3
HUM 2230 or LAW 1660	Issues and Ethics in Helping or Ethics in Criminal Justice	3
	Term Hours	8
	Total Hours	16

Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant

Program Learning Outcomes

Grading Policy

Curriculum Options

Articulations (2+2 Option)

For More Information, Contact:

Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant Electives

Technical Electives

HUM 1111 — Introduction to Social Work

HUM 1150 — Interviewing Techniques in Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work

HUM 1212 — Social Welfare in the United States

HUM 1310 — Activity Directing I

HUM 1320 — Activity Directing II

HUM 1710 — Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

HUM 1720 — Aging and Gerontology

HUM 1900 — Professional Preparation and Engagement

HUM 1980 — The Color of Justice

HUM 1990 — Independent Study in HUM

HUM 2000 — Special Topics in Human Services

HUM 2030 — Criminal Minds

HUM 2040 — Psychology and the Legal System

HUM 2100 — Case Management in Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work

HUM 2170 — Dynamics of Mental Health and Substance Use

HUM 2230 — Issues and Ethics in Helping

HUM 2310 — Group Dynamics/Intervention

HUM 2400 — Crisis Management

HUM 2710 — Addictions Counseling

HUM 2991 — Practicum I

HUM 2992 — Practicum II 

Admission Requirements

Certificates

Addiction Services Certificate

Addiction Services Certificate

Family Services Worker Certificate

Forensic Mental Health Certificate

Forensic Mental Health Certificate

Print Options