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) |
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| 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:
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| 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: |
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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 (54 Hours) |
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| Course format: | Virtual |
| Course schedule: | Tues, Wed, Thurs | Apr 28 - Jun 16 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
| Instructor Name: | Olga Pagieva |
| 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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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 (66 Hours) |
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| Course format: | Virtual |
| Course schedule: | Mon, Tues, Thurs | Apr 27 - Jun 17 | 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.
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| Enrollment Requirements: |
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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.