Community Services Addictions Certificate
Program Overview
The 40-week program integrates theoretical knowledge and practical application of skills to enable graduates to respond to the impact of addictions on Aboriginal people, as well as on society as a whole. The program is recognized by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF), Canadian Council of Professional Certification (CCPC), and the First Nations Wellness / Addictions Counsellor Certification Board (FNWACCB).
Courses
(click item to view course description)Students who successfully complete the required academic courses offered in Semesters 1 and 2 participate in a four-week practicum. The practicum gives students a chance to use the skills they’ve learned in an actual workplace environment. It also provides an important opportunity to experience the dynamics of the field through exposure to team building, the language and technical realm of addictions work and variety of workplace practices. Practicums are monitored and performance is assessed throughout in order to provide each student with opportunities to develop and refine practical skills.
Contact Hours: 120
Students develop and practice foundational communication skills crucial to counseling situations and interpersonal interactions. The use of appropriate and timely selfdisclosure and the importance of the therapeutic relationship are key components. Students build their skills in effective listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, assertiveness training and conflict management.
Contact Hours: 90
This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in academic and employment related skills. Academic Management provides students with a foundation in academic writing and research skills, basic budgeting, time management and school/life balance. Personal Development encourages self examination on the impact of various issues on the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual self. Ethical Considerations explores appropriate codes for ethics, confidentially and conduct. The role of the Additions Worker is also examined, as well as professional accreditation and resources available through the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF).
Contact Hours: 90
In this course, students gain an understanding of the family life cycle/system theories from both an Aboriginal and Western worldview, and explore the diverse perspectives and approaches that may be applied when working with families. Genograms and eco-maps are introduced and students begin to critically examine theories regarding family systems. Students are encouraged to use a strength based approach when working with families.
Contact Hours: 70
This course incorporates current research and best practices in the Addiction field. Students examine the impact of addiction on the individual, family and community. A key component of the course is the pharmacology unit, in which students learn about the various drugs of abuse, including their administration, effects, attendant culture, treatment modalities and harm reduction strategies will be provided.
Contact Hours: 90
This course includes two units: Communities & Crisis, and Grief & Loss. Students examine the role of the addictions worker as a member of the community network, and the skills required for effective crisis response based on the roles and responsibilities of this position. Legal issues and ways of working as part of a collaborative team are discussed from the addiction counsellor perspective. Specific skills in addressing grief and loss will be included in the course materials.
Contact Hours: 70
This course examines key issues impacting work in the addictions field. Concurrent Disorders explores issues related to the coexistence of addiction and mental health concerns. Critical Issues with Youth and Addictions examines the dynamics of addiction related to youth. Cultural Implications for Practice examines the dynamics associated with cross cultural work and implications for communications.
Contact Hours: 90
Students receive an introduction to the methods and skills required to conduct effective counselling sessions. The course builds on an understanding of the theory of counselling and techniques required to engage clients in change and decision–making through effective client-centred interactions. Knowledge and skill development of best practices are incorporated throughout the course. Units include Human Development, Theory and Practice of Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, Group Counseling Theories and Practice.
Contact Hours: 90
This course provides students with a functional level of computer skills in Windows and Office 2007. Units of instruction include keyboarding, Windows 2007, Windows XP, the Internet, Email and Word 2007
Contact Hours: 54
Students receive an introduction to a variety of treatment models and approaches designed to promote recovery from additions and wellness. The course examines best practices as well as emerging issues. Units include Recovery Models and Relapse Management, Case Management and Assessment.
Contact Hours: 90
Students begin to develop oral and written communication skills essential in today's workplace. Students identify and apply skills for proposal writing, facilitation and pubic presentation skills necessary for Addictions Workers.
Contact Hours: 90
Students receive an overview of the principles involved in building progressive communities. Risk and protective factors that influence community resiliency and health are identified and explored. Students learn strategies for identifying and working with the strengths inherent in all communities. They also develop and hone skills that increase employability prior to entering the labor force, including interviewing, resume writing and job search skills.
Contact Hours: 65
This course will provide students with a functional level of computer skills in Microsoft Power Point 2007 and Microsoft Excel 2007.
Contact Hours: 60
