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:
Make a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. The CASAC training Program provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to begin a rewarding career in addiction counseling, recovery support, and behavioral health services.
Through a strengths-based approach, students explore both abstinence-based and harm reduction models of recovery while learning how to support individuals on their journey toward wellness and long-term recovery.
CASAC modules offered during Spring semester:
- CAC 1-01: Knowledge of Substance Use Disorders
- CAC 2-01: Substance Abuse Counseling Theory
- CAC 4-01: Ethics and Professional Responsibilities
CASAC modules offered during Summer semester:
- CAC 3-01: Assessment, Clinical Evaluation and Treatment Planning
- CAC 3-02: Case Management
CASAC modules, offered during Fall semester:
- CAC 1-02: Neurochemistry of Addiction Pharmacology
- CAC 2-02: Group Counseling Theory
- CAC 2-03: The Family and Substance Abuse Counseling
Students may enroll in modules in any order and take as many as are offered each semester, allowing progression at a pace that fits their schedule.
Please note: Before registering, all prospective students must participate in an intake interview with the CASAC Coordinator. This conversation helps students understand the realities of the profession, the OASAS credentialing process, program expectations, and the opportunities available within the field. Summer 2026 Intake Link: Summer 2026 CASAC Intake – Fill out form
| Course duration: | Varies per module (350 total training hours) |
|---|---|
| Course format: | Virtual |
| Course schedule: |
CAC 3-01: Assessment, Clinical Evaluation and Treatment Planning CAC 3-02: Case Management |
| Instructor Name: | Michael Squeglia |
| Tuition and inclusions: |
$500 per module which includes:
|
| Certification or credentials earned: |
Successful completion of all eight required modules fulfills the educational requirements for the CASAC-T (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee) designation; the first step toward becoming a fully credentialed addiction counselor. Official certification is awarded by the NY Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS) upon successful review and approval of the CASAC-T application and required documentation. |
| Enrollment Requirements: |
|
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 professional who serves as a trusted member of the community they serve. CHWs help connect individuals and families to health and social services, support access to care, advocate for community health needs, and help individuals navigate systems that can improve their overall well-being.
CSI's Office of Workforce Development and Innovation is planning to offer Community Health Worker training beginning in November/December 2026. The upcoming program is currently being developed, and additional details regarding the schedule, format, tuition, and eligibility will be announced as they become available.
Interested in CHW training at CSI?
If you would like to be considered for the next CHW cohort, add your name to the CSI CHW Interest List below. Joining the interest list does not guarantee enrollment; however, it ensures that we can contact you as we get closer to the anticipated program start date and have additional information about enrollment and eligibility.
Who Is a Good Candidate for CHW Training?
CHW training may be a good fit for individuals who:
- Are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, public health, human services, or community-based services
- Have a strong interest in helping individuals and families access healthcare and social services
- Currently work in healthcare, social services, behavioral health, community-based organizations, or related fields and want to upskill or expand their career opportunities
- Are seeking to enter the healthcare or public health workforce
- Are comfortable communicating with and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Want to develop skills in advocacy, care navigation, health education, and community outreach
What Will You Learn?
CHW training prepares participants to serve as a bridge between individuals, communities, healthcare providers, and social service organizations. Training may include:
- Connecting individuals to healthcare and social services
- Providing counseling, support, and follow-up
- Advocating for local health needs
- Conducting home visits and supporting high-risk individuals
- Translating and interpreting information for clients and delivering culturally responsive and appropriate health information when appropriate
- Helping individuals access health insurance and healthcare
- Supporting client empowerment and self-advocacy
Interested in CHW training at CSI?
If you would like to be considered for the next CHW cohort, add your name and contact information to the CHW Training Interest List below. Joining the interest list does not guarantee enrollment; however, it ensures that we can contact you as we get closer to the anticipated program start date and have additional information about enrollment and eligibility.
Fall 2026 Community Health Worker (CHW) Training – Fill out form
| Course duration: | 54 hours |
|---|---|
| Course format: | Virtual/Hybrid |
| Course schedule: | Fall 2026 (TBD) |
| Instructor Name: | TBD |
| Tuition and inclusions: | TBD |
| Certification or credentials earned: |
Must attend all scheduled sessions, complete all required coursework and earn a passing grade on the final exam. Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI. |
| Enrollment Requirements: |
|
CERTIFIED RECOVERY PEER ADVOCATE (CRPA)
Turn your lived experience into an opportunity to support others.
Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs) are individuals with lived experience of substance use and recovery who are trained to provide non-clinical support, encouragement, information, guidance, and motivation to people seeking or sustaining recovery.
CRPAs use their own experiences to help others navigate recovery, build confidence, identify resources, and move toward their personal goals. For individuals who are passionate about helping others and want to turn their experience into meaningful work, CRPA training can be an important step toward a career in peer support and recovery services.
The Office of Workforce Development and Innovation is planning to offer CRPA training beginning in November/December 2026. Program details are currently being finalized, including the schedule, format, tuition, and enrollment requirements.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
CRPA training may be a good fit for individuals who:
- Have lived experience with substance use and recovery
- Are passionate about supporting others on their recovery journey
- Want to use their personal experience to help others build hope, confidence, and self-advocacy
- Are interested in careers in peer support, behavioral health, recovery services, or community-based organizations
- Are currently working in the recovery field and want to strengthen their skills or advance their career
What Will You Learn?
CRPA training prepares participants to provide effective, ethical, and person-centered peer support. Topics include:
- Understanding addiction, cravings, and the recovery process
- Recognizing triggers and developing relapse-prevention strategies
- Understanding the role and principles of recovery coaching
- Building trust and supportive relationships with individuals in recovery
- Applying Cognitive Behavioral Theory and cognitive restructuring strategies
Interested in CRPA Training at CSI?
Add your name to the CSI CRPA Interest List today!
We are currently building our list of prospective trainees and will contact individuals on the interest list as we get closer to the anticipated November/December 2026 program launch. Completing the interest list does not guarantee enrollment, but it ensures that we can keep you informed about upcoming application and enrollment opportunities, program requirements, schedule, tuition, and next steps.
Fall 2026 Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) Training – Fill out form
| Course duration: | 52 hours |
|---|---|
| Course format: | Virtual (via Zoom) |
| Course schedule: | Fall 2026 (TBD) |
| Instructor Name: | Dr. Susan Hudec |
| Tuition and inclusions: | TBD |
| Certification or credentials earned: |
|
| 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.