Substance Abuse Counselor Training Available at SCC

Shawnee Community College is the only community college in Southern Illinois accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA). The Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse certificate and degree programs offered by SCC provide counselor training that an individual needs to successfully complete the Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) certification examination offered by IAODAPCA.

Four of the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse program courses are offered this fall at the Shawnee Community College main campus near Ullin. ACPT 0111 Orientation to Human Services will meet on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. ACP 0125 Intro to Addictions Counseling will meet from 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Tuesdays. ACP 0129 Addictions Counseling II will meet on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. ACP 0291 Practicum in Human Services will also be open for enrollment. All ACP classes will meet on the main campus near Ullin. The fall semester begins Wednesday, August 18th.

Dan Selock, MS, LCPC is the program coordinator and main instructor for the program, with SCC Student Counselor Monica Brahler, MSW, LCSW, as the instructor for ACP 0111. Selock is dedicated to his profession and will share his knowledge of the credentialing of Human Service professionals and his extensive experience in the field. Selock will utilize the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination Study Guide published by the Illinois Certification Board, Inc. as the program textbook. The study guide was created to help candidates to prepare for taking the written examination to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) in Illinois.

Addiction Counselors assist individuals who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. They work under the direct supervision of counselors, social workers or psychologists. Addiction Counselors assess the client's patterns of abuse and try to help the client stop the abusive behavior. They also may assist the client and their families with their social, emotional, and spiritual needs. Other duties may include helping clients develop skills in everyday living, communication, and conflict resolution or assisting with group activities.

With a CADC certification, individuals are qualified for employment at community mental health agencies and residential facilities. For more information, contact program coordinator and instructor Dan Selock at 618-457-1111, extension 116 or Jean Ellen Boyd at 618-634-3240. Caption: Program manager Dan Selock shares his knowledge with the summer semester Addictions Counseling I class.