ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
To enroll in any of our Social Services training programs, a mandatory screening process is required. The screening links are provided under each course. Please be aware that in some cases, the screenings are conducted by our community partners, and we may not have access to the screening details or be involved in the decision-making process.
NYS-CREDENTIALED ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR (CASAC)
Overview:
Learn the dynamics of a strengths-based system designed for assisting individuals who are working toward breaking the cycle of active addiction through abstinence based and harm reduction models of recovery as a Credentialed Addiction Counselor. Completion of 8 modules allows you to earn your CASAC-T credential, the first step to become a fully credentialed addictions counselor. Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI.
Students may enroll in modules in any order and take as many as are available each semester.
In the modules, you will learn:
- Section 1 – Module 1: Knowledge of Substance Use Disorders
- Section 1 – Module 2: Addiction Neurochemistry and Pharmacology
- Section 2 – Module 1: Substance Abuse Counseling Theory
- Section 2 – Module 2: Group Counseling with Addicted populations
- Section 2 – Module 3: Family and Substance Abuse Counseling
- Section 3 – Module 1: Assessment, Clinical Evaluation, and Treatment Planning
- Section 3 – Module 2: Case Management and Community Education
- Section 4 – Module 1: Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Career Preparation
Please note: Prospective students must participate in an intake interview with the CASAC coordinator before enrolling to understand the scope of work in the classes, OASAS's credentialing process, and other essential information for understanding a career in substance use disorder counseling.
Summer 2025 CASAC intake appointments are open—use the link to share your interest and availability: https://forms.office.com/r/HuNmdUJ4y5
| Course duration: | varies by module |
|---|---|
| Course format: | Virtual |
| Course schedule: |
CASAC 3-01: Assessment, Treatment and Clinical Planning - 2 months - Mon, Thurs | Aug 25 – Oct 27 | 6:30pm to 9:30pm CASAC 3-02: Case Management - 2 months - Tues | Aug 26 – Nov 04 | 6:30pm - 9:30pm |
| Instructor Name: | Michael Squeglia |
| Tuition and inclusions: |
$500 per module which includes:
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| Certification or credentials earned: |
Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI. Official certification will be granted by the NY Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS) upon successfully review of CASAC-T application, documentation and approval. |
| Enrollment Requirements: |
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About your instructor:
Michael Squeglia is an Advanced CASAC, AC-2, Qualified NYS OASAS Instructor with 20+ years of experience in the field of Addiction/Recovery in all modalities of treatment including Medical Detox, Inpatient CD Program, Outpatient CD Program, MICA and Supportive Housing. He has been an Instructor and the Coordinator of The Addictions Study Program at the College of Staten Island since 2005.
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS (CHW)
Overview:
A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member or has a particularly good understanding of the community served. CHWs serve as a liaison between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and to improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI.
In this course, you will learn:
- Linking individuals to healthcare and social services
- Providing counseling, support, and follow-up
- Advocating for local health needs
- Offering basic health services and first aid
- Conducting home visits for high-risk individuals
- Translating and interpreting for clients
- Assisting with access to health insurance and care
- Facilitating client empowerment in healthcare
- Educating on health conditions and improvement strategies
- Promoting healthier behaviors and lifestyle choices
- Delivering culturally appropriate health information
If you would like to be considered for the next CHW cohort, please visit the SI PPS website: Staten Island PPS | Community Health Worker (CHW). PLEASE NOTE: Potential trainees are screened for CHW candidacy with the SI PPS Administrative team.
| Course duration: | 14 weeks |
|---|---|
| Course format: | Virtual |
| Course schedule: | TBD | 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
| Instructor Name: | Maribel Espinosa-Hernandez |
| Tuition and inclusions: | The Community Health Worker class is completely free for pre-screened, eligible applicants through partnership with Staten Island Performing Provider System (SIPPS). Please be aware that enrollment screenings are conducted solely by our community partners, and we may not have access to the screening details or be involved in the decision-making process. |
| Certification or credentials earned: |
Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI. Must attend all sessions of program, complete all required coursework and in-person, on-the-job learning and apprenticeship |
| Enrollment Requirements: |
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About your instructor:
Maribel Espinosa-Hernandez co-facilitates our Community Health Worker (CHW) and Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) programs. Maribel has in-depth experience working with many of Staten Island’s community-based organizations and is currently employed by the Staten Island District Attorney’s Office. Maribel has been involved for many years in the social services field and has extensive experience working with low-income populations with Medicaid needs. Maribel is a graduate of the College of Staten Island with a BA in Spanish.
CERTIFIED RECOVERY PEER ADVOCATE (CRPA)
Overview:
Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs) are individuals who have lived experience with substance use disorder and who are certified to provide non-clinical coaching, support, information, guidance, and motivation to those seeking or sustaining recovery from a substance use disorder. Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI.
In this course, you will learn:
- The effects of addiction on the brain’s right hemispheric control center
- To identify cravings, BEEPS and the process by which the brain is hijacked in addiction
- To define what Recovery Coaching is
- To Identify ways to build trust in the client/coach relationship
- To apply Cognitive Behavior Theory and Cognitive Restructuring
- To recognize relapse triggers and co-create relapse prevention plan
- Ethical standards of conduct and review legally required documentation
If you would like to be considered for the next CRPA cohort, please visit the SI PPS website: Staten Island PPS | Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA). PLEASE NOTE: Potential trainees are screened for CHW candidacy with the SI PPS Administrative team.
| Course duration: | 8 weeks |
|---|---|
| Course format: | Virtual |
| Course schedule: | Mon, Tues, Thurs | May 12 - Jun 30 | 6:30pm to 9:30pm |
| Instructor Name: | Dr. Susan Hudec |
| Tuition and inclusions: | The Certified Recovery Peer Advocates class is completely free for pre-screened, eligible applicants through partnership with Staten Island Performing Provider System (SIPPS). Please be aware that enrollment screenings are conducted solely by our community partners, and we may not have access to the screening details or be involved in the decision-making process. |
| Certification or credentials earned: |
Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI.
|
| Enrollment Requirements: |
|
About your instructor:
Dr. Susan Hudec is the co-facilitator of our Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) program. Dr. Hudec has extensive experience in higher education, has served as Vice President and Dean of Students at St. Joseph’s College, and has taught at numerous campuses throughout New York State. In addition, she is an advanced-level Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). Dr. Hudec holds an Associates from the College of Staten Island, a BA in English Literature and a MSEd from Wagner College, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration from New York University.