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)
This course meets the educational requirements established by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) for individuals who wish to prepare for a career in substance abuse counseling and those who are looking to obtain a CASAC-T.
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.
Are you interested in joining the Spring 2025 CASAC cohort? (Classes Begin April 2025) Click to confirm your availability for an intake interview
CASAC 1-01: Knowledge of Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Timeframe: 4 Months | 14 Sessions | 40 hours | Virtual Course
Schedule: Mon | Apr 21 – Jul 28 | 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Instructor: Mike Squeglia
Tuition: $500.00
A one-time $30 Registration fee will be applied for all 8 modules.
CASAC 2-01: Substance Abuse Counseling Theory
Timeframe: 4 Months | 17 Sessions | 50 hours | Virtual Course
Schedule: Wed | Apr 23 – Aug 13 | 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Instructor: Mike Squeglia
Tuition: $500.00
A one-time $30 Registration fee will be applied for all 8 modules.
CASAC 4-01: Ethics and Professional Responsibilities
Timeframe: 4 Months | 15 Sessions | 45 hours | Virtual Course
Schedule: Thurs | Apr 24 – Aug 7 | 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Instructor: Mike Squeglia
Tuition: $500.00
A one-time $30 Registration fee will be applied for all 8 modules.
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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)
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are front-line public health workers who help individuals and families connect to healthcare/social resources to support their wellness. The Community Health Worker Certificate Training Program provides learners with the skills and knowledge to enter into the workplace as a CHW, Advocate, Navigator, Outreach or Resource Coordinator. CHWs are frequently employed in community-based organizations and are emerging in healthcare settings. Upon completing training, students receive a certificate issued by the City University of New York.
The College of Staten Island's Office of Workforce Development and Innovation offers CHW training in partnership with Staten Island Performing Program System (SI PPS)!
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.
Timeframe: 3 Months | 18 Sessions | 54 hours | Virtual Course
Schedule: Wed, Thurs | Oct 16 - Dec 19 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Instructor: Maribel Espinosa-Hernandez
Tuition: No cost for pre-screened, eligible applicants.
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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)
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (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. Training includes Advocacy, Mentoring/Education, Recovery/ Wellness Support and Ethical Responsibility. Upon successful program completion, students are eligible for paid work under the provisional CRPA credential (CRPA-P).
The College of Staten Island's Office of Workforce Development and Innovation offers CRPA training in partnership with Staten Island Performing Program System (SI PPS)!
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)
Timeframe: 2 Months | 20 Sessions | 60 hours | Virtual Course
Schedule: Mon, Tues, Thurs | Dec 2 - Jan 30 | 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Susan Hudec
Tuition: No cost for pre-screened, eligible applicants.
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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.