2023-2024 Catalog

Human Services TechnologyAddiction and Recovery Services A.A.S.

A4538E

The Human Services Technology/Addiction and Recovery Services concentration prepares students to assist in drug and alcohol counseling, prevention-oriented educational activities, rehabilitation with recovering clients, managing community-based programs, counseling in residential facilities, and pursuit of four-year degrees.

Course work includes classroom and experiential activities oriented toward an overview of chemical dependency, psychological/sociological process, the Twelve Core Functions, intervention techniques with individuals in groups, and follow-up activities with recovering clients.

Graduates should qualify for entry level positions as substance abuse workers, DUI workers/assistants, halfway house workers, residential facility employees, and substance education specialists. With educational and clinical experiences, graduates may apply for certification by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. Students should consult their advisor for information about course scheduling.

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical issues in the human services field
  • Apply skills and knowledge of the principles of group dynamics
  • Perform a formal intake interview
  • Practice crisis management skills in a variety of settings
  • Identify behavioral and substance addictions and associated standard treatment modalities
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the 12 core functions of addiction counseling  

Program Progression Policy

Counselor training programs raise sensitive issues for both the client and the counselor. The counselor must be able to identify and deal with these sensitive issues in both the client and the self. Students must demonstrate growth in ethical and professional conduct, counseling skills and appropriate attitude. Faculty may conduct subjective interviews following the freshman year and prior to internship. Validation of emotional health may be required, and in that case the Dean of Business and Public Services, the Human Services Coordinator, Director of Admissions, and an outside clinician will serve as a review committee.

A student judged deficient in any area may be withdrawn from the program. A student may apply for readmission through the review committee after one year. Students receiving two “D”s in core or concentration courses will be immediately withdrawn from the program. Students may apply for readmission after one year. In addition, this program raises sensitive personal issues, and it is strongly recommended that students in recovery be chemical-free for one year prior to admission.

Each student in the Substance Abuse Technology program must satisfactorily complete a two part Work-based Learning Experience in order to meet degree requirements. Any conduct by a student which results in termination from their Work-based Learning placement will result in course grades of "F" for both the Seminar and Work-based Learning Experience. In addition, the student will be immediately terminated from the Human Services and Substance Abuse Technology Programs for a minimum of one calendar year. Students may apply for readmission after one year to either program.

A student must satisfactorily complete ("C" or higher) Work-based Learning I (WBL 111) before he/she may enroll in Work-Based Learning II (WBL 121).

In order for a Substance Abuse Technology program student to enroll in a Work-based Learning course (WBL 111, 115, 121, 125), the student must first meet several requirements: 1) complete a minimum of 18 semester hours in core program courses; 2) have a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA; 3) meet with the Human Services/Substance Abuse Technology Programs Coordinator for site approval; and 4) register with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB). Registration with the Board is subject to currently established NCSAPPB fees. These fees are separate from WPCC student tuition and the charges are paid directly to the NCSAPPB. Work-based Learning experience work sites may require background checks, drug screens, physicals, or immunizations prior to final agency approval.

Also see Career and College Promise for additional options for high school students.

General Education

Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3

FA, SP, SU
ENG 114Prof Research & Reporting

3

FA, SP, SU
PSY 241Developmental Psychology

3

FA, SP, SU

Mathematics

Select 3-4 semester hours credit from the following courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
MAT 110Math Measurement & Literacy

3

FA, SP
MAT 143Quantitative Literacy

3

FA, SP, SU
MAT 152Statistical Methods I

4

FA, SP, SU

Humanities/Fine Arts

Select 3 semester hours credit from the following

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ART 111Art Appreciation

3

FA, SP, SU
DRA 111Theatre Appreciation

3

FA, SP, SU
DRA 126Storytelling

3

FA, SP, SU
HUM 115Critical Thinking

3

HUM 230Leadership Development

3

MUS 110Music Appreciation

3

FA, SP
PHI 240Introduction to Ethics

3

FA, SP, SU
REL 110World Religions

3

FA, SP

Major Courses

Core Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
HSE 110Introduction to Human Services

3

FA
HSE 112Group Process I

2

SP
HSE 123Interviewing Techniques

3

FA
HSE 125Counseling

3

SP
HSE 210Human Services Issues

2

SP
HSE 225Crisis Intervention

3

FA
PSY 150General Psychology

3

FA, SP, SU
PSY 281Abnormal Psychology

3

FA, SP, SU
SOC 210Introduction to Sociology

3

FA, SP, SU

Required Concentration Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
SAB 110Substance Abuse Overview

3

FA
SAB 120Intake and Assessment

3

SP
SAB 125Substance Abuse Case Management

3

FA
SAB 135Addictive Process

3

SP
SAB 240Sab Issues in Client Serv

3

SP
WBL 111Work-based Learning I

1

FA, SP, SU
WBL 115Work-Based Learning Seminar I

1

As Needed

Other Major Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
CIS 110Introduction to Computers

3

FA, SP, SU
SOC 213Sociology of the Family

3

FA
WBL 121Work-based Learning II

1

FA, SP, SU
WBL 125Work-Based Learning Seminar II

1

As Needed

Total Credit Hours: 65