Social Service

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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.

Enrollment for Spring 2025 CASAC training is now closed. Please visit our page in July 2025 for the Summer 2025 intake reopening.

Course duration:	varies by module
Course format:	Virtual
Course schedule:	CASAC 1-01: Knowledge of Alcohol and Substance Abuse - 4 months - Mon \| Apr 21 – Jul 28 \| 6:30pm to 9:30pm CASAC 2-01: Substance Abuse Counseling Theory - 4 months - Wed \| Apr 23 – Aug 13 \| 6:30pm - 9:30pm CASAC 4-01: Ethics and Professional Responsibilities - 4 months - Thurs \| Apr 24 – Aug 7 \| 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Instructor Name:	Michael Squeglia
Tuition and inclusions:	$500 per module which includes: Virtual Learning Experience which may shift to fully in-person if required by the NY Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS) mandate $30 semester fee: charged once per semester and covers all modules taken within the program during that semester.
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:	Applicants must be 18 years of age or older possess a high school diploma or equivalent, be employed or actively seeking employment. Prospective students must participate in an intake interview with the CASAC coordinator to understand the scope of work in the classes, OASAS’s credentialing process, and other essential information. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts may be accepted as proof. For information on GED testing or ESL classes, please refer to The Adult Literacy and Language Program (ALLP)

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:	Wed, Thurs \| Oct 16 - Dec 19 \| 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:	High school diploma or equivalent is required. Work experience within healthcare is preferred. Ability to complete physical tasks. Ability to work in the United States required. Access to internet and a computer/laptop with camera. Photo ID and social security card. Medical clearance. Willing and able to work Monday-Friday, with some weekends, after training ends. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts may be accepted as proof. For information on GED testing or ESL classes, please refer to The Adult Literacy and Language Program (ALLP)

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. Must attend all sessions of program, complete all required coursework and in-person, on-the-job learning and apprenticeship. Students may apply for CRPA-P (provisional) certification. Upon receiving CRPA-P certification, student become eligible to take the Peer Recovery Exam within 24 months of earning their credential. Official certification will be granted by InUnity Alliance NY Certification Board
Enrollment Requirements:	High school diploma or equivalent is required. Must identify as being actively in recovery from a mental health condition or major life disruption Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts may be accepted as proof. For information on GED testing or ESL classes, please refer to The Adult Literacy and Language Program (ALLP)

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.