Human and social services – chemical dependency
Take the first step toward a career that helps people heal, rebuild their lives, and overcome the stigma of addiction.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Applied Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person*
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
3-semester certificate
4-semester degree
CAREER COMMUNITY
*Please note: Many Stark State classes have in-person and online options.
Program overview
Help people break the cycle of chemical dependency
Substance abuse and dependency problems affect countless individuals and families – and trained professionals are urgently needed. In fact, while many social workers support clients facing addiction, only a small percentage have specialized credentials in substance abuse treatment. That gap creates a real opportunity for you to step in and make a difference.
You’ll build skills in cultural sensitivity, human behavior, ethical awareness, interviewing, and connecting clients with community resources — all tools for supporting people on their recovery journey.
This program prepares you to take the state exam to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II, giving you a direct pathway into the field. And if you choose to continue your education, your coursework can lead to a bachelor’s degree program in social work.
Program details
As a chemical dependency student, you can choose between an associate degree or certificate at Stark State, depending on your career goals and fields of study. You’ll be prepared to work in many areas, including outpatient treatment facilities, detoxification settings and residential treatment facilities.
Note: all students are required to undergo a criminal background check.
You can enroll as a full-time or part-time student. Part-time enrollment increases the time needed to complete the course requirements. Also, your placement scores may indicate additional remedial course work is needed. Classes are offered days, evenings and weekends and at satellite locations. You’ll need to attend main campus for some of your classes.
You’ll be required to complete observation hours at a community agency in addition to completing 220 hours of a practicum experience.
Careers and outcomes
When you finish your associate degree, you’re eligible for employment as an assistant to a social worker, a chemical dependency counselor assistant or a case manager. In the human services field, students are strongly encouraged to transfer their associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program in social work.
You might be employed in any agency working with the elderly, mental health, adult or juvenile criminal justice, substance abuse, homelessness, crisis intervention, or any other area where social services are needed.
Graduates of Stark State’s chemical dependency program go on to pursue careers as:
- Case managers
- Licensed chemical dependency counselors II
- Chemical dependency counselor assistants
- Crisis intervention assistants
- Family support assistants
- Group home workers
- Intake workers
- Mental health technicians
FAQs
With specific courses geared to current best practices in this field, this major prepares you to become eligible to obtain an Ohio chemical dependency counselor assistance certification (CDCA, Preliminary and CDCA, Phase II).
Ohio has a shortage of qualified chemical dependency professionals. Students enrolled in this major often get hired even before graduation. With this degree, you can work or volunteer under supervision for one year in an agency doing chemical dependency services, and by passing a state licensure examination, you can become licensed as a chemical dependency counselor II (LCDC II)
After you successfully complete your associate degree program, you’ll be eligible to apply to be registered as a social work assistant through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. In Ohio, licensed social workers must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work (social workers might even have a doctoral degree). Different states have different licensing requirements.
Stark State College has transfer agreements with several four-year universities that offer social work programs at the bachelor’s degree level, and other bachelor’s degree programs are available. Earning a four-year degree in social work and completing the associate degree with a chemical dependency major increases your skills and marketability in working with special populations. After completing state requirements, you’ll be eligible to earn a license as a social worker (LSW) and a license as a chemical dependency counselor (LCDCII)
Salaries vary based on individual agency standards, education and experience. Salaries tend to increase with advanced education and credentialing, and Stark State’s associate degree can smoothly transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Salary ranges are estimates which can vary due to a number of factors and may change over time.
You can transfer certain classes you’ve taken at other colleges/universities. Contact admissions at info@starkstate.edu.
While you can’t be licensed in Ohio as a social worker with an associate degree, you can apply to be a registered social worker assistant. For more information, contact the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board at 614-466-0912 or at www.cswmft.ohio.gov.
Additionally, after you earn your degree, work or volunteer under supervision for one year in an agency doing chemical dependency services, and pass a state licensure examination, you can become licensed as a chemical dependency counselor II (CDC II). Find out more at the Ohio Board of Chemical Dependency Professionals at 614-387-1110 or at ocdp.ohio.gov.
Yes, you could qualify for financial aid and/or scholarships. Contact the Financial Aid Office about your eligibility at studentservices@starkstate.edu.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
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Shari Shiepis
Department Chair, Professor, Human Services, Justice Studies, and Occupational Therapy Assistant
330-494-6170 ext. 4474
Take the next step
Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.