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In July, Community Education Centers' (CEC) Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Academy will complete its first cycle since it opened and many employees will finish their required 270 classroom hours necessary for CADC certification. CEC established the Academy in April 2001 to provide certification training for its employees. The Academy, which is approved by the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey, reflects CEC's investment in its employees and their future with the Agency. "Every employee who comes through the program leaves with more knowledge about addiction and counseling and a greater understanding of our residents," said Cody Barrett, Director of Training and Development at CEC. Referring to the Academy, Mr. Barrett said, "It's a win-win situation. Employees gain qualifications and obtain credentials documenting their expertise, while the residents receive better care." Having CADC certification also opens up opportunities for CEC counselors interested in becoming senior counselors since certification meets a requirement for that position at CEC's facilities, according to Mr. Barrett. Thirty-six CEC employees are currently enrolled in the CADC Academy and there is a waiting list of 18 employees. The classes cover a variety of topics that fall under five major domains: assessment, counseling, case management, client education and professional responsibility. Course work is presented through lectures, videotapes, and handouts. "Hands-on-experience is critical to the program's success," according to Mr. Barrett. "Students are required to give presentations in class. This gives them the opportunity to practice their communications skills," he explained. "Students also practice doing bio-psychosocial assessments and addictions education outside of class. All CADC classes are led by Cody Barrett, Michael Oliver of Bo Robinson, Angela Boyett of Talbot Hall, Debra Mallory of Delaney Hall, Fred Cohen of Tully House, Shaheed Shabazz of Bo Robinson and Tom Brady of Roseland. To receive CADC certification, New Jersey requires students to complete 270 classroom hours, an internship, a written and an oral exam. Students who receive their CADC certification through the State of NJ are also certified in other states through a reciprocity agreement. The required internship hours vary according to the student's level of education. For students with a Master's degree or equivalent experience, an internship that consists of 2000 hours (1 year) is required; 4000 hours (2 years) are required for students with a Bachelor's degree, and; 6000 hours (3 years) are required for those with no college degree. Work hours at one of CEC's facilities count towards internship hours. The oral exam is based on questions about 12 core functions of the alcohol and drug abuse counselor. The questions are designed to evaluate clinical judgment. Applicants are also required to attend a variety of self-help meetings such Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous as part of their training. After initial certification, re-certification is required every two years. The requirements for re-certification vary depending on the subspecialty, but on average 60 classroom hours are required. Employees with their CADC certification who are seeking recertification hours can attend any of the classes offered through the Academy. The Academy primarily serves employees of CEC's New Jersey facilities. Mr. Barrett is currently working with Melvin Stokes, Deputy Director of Coleman Hall, to start a Pennsylvania certification program in Philadelphia. In the future, CEC hopes to develop similar certification training programs in other states where it has treatment facilities. Any employees interested in enrolling should speak with their facility director. When space becomes available in a class, students may be admitted to the program based on the recommendation of their facility director. |