Stimulus Funds in Hudson Valley Region Offer Job Training for In-Demand Addictions Professionals

ALBANY, NY (11/30/2009)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced OASAS Certified Education and Training Providers will offer free tuition for unemployed New Yorkers to enter the addictions workforce, now one of the nation's top 10 growing occupations.

Statewide, OASAS awarded $500,000 in federal stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to 14 OASAS training providers. The Funding, provided by the state Department of Labor, will train 130 unemployed or underemployed individuals in careers in the addictions field.

In the Hudson Valley region, the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County was awarded $21,700; Phoenix House Foundation, Inc. received $22,335; SUNY Westchester Community College received $41,000 and SUNY Ulster Community College received $56,000 to prepare students for a career in the addictions field.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "At a time when there is only one job available for every six unemployed New Yorkers, the field of addictions, like many others in the health care industry, is not only hiring but projected to grow in the coming years. The Hudson Valley region is one that is loaded with talented New Yorkers ready, willing and able to work. This funding will provide dozens of the region's residents with an opportunity to learn a new craft and become part of an in-demand field."

"Addictions counseling is one of the top 10 fastest growing occupations nationally," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "As there is a critical shortage of addictions counselors, there is great demand by employers to hire individuals with this valuable credential. Addictions counselors find this work highly rewarding and it is gratifying to make a difference in another person's life."

State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said, "New York's health care workforce is among the most elite in the entire country. With this funding, nearly 130 more workers will be joining its ranks. More importantly, once training is complete, these workers will be providing direct care to literally thousands of New Yorkers and their families who are grappling with the ravages of addiction. Not only will they be saving lives, but also making an important contribution to our economy."

Annie Colonna, CPP, Education and Training Coordinator, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County said, "The funding from the Recovery Act for training is critical to the growth of the addictions profession in our area. Our training program at the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County has always worked closely with the Orange Works One-Stop Career Centers, but this additional money has enabled us to offer training to even more unemployed individuals, starting them on a productive career path in a growing profession. This is a positive note during these difficult economic times."

Professor Richard M. Jazwinski, Ph.D, ACSW, LCSW Curriculum Chair of Chemical Dependency Counseling, SUNY Westchester Community College said, "I believe that this use of the stimulus funds by the DOL and OASAS recognizes current and long terms needs of the Westchester County community. There are now displaced workers who need support in redirecting their lives and there is a growing critical need to provide more qualified counselors for addiction treatment. I am very thankful to be able to be a part of linking these needs by having received the stimulus funds to cover the tuition costs for 10 unemployed people to obtain a Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling from SUNY Westchester Community College over the next two semesters."

Tali Shmulovich, Vice President, Phoenix House said, "Phoenix House is very excited about this opportunity to continue our long-standing tradition of professionalizing drug treatment services."

Christopher Marx, Director, Continuing and Professional Education, SUNY Ulster Community College said, "This funding has come at the perfect time. We have seen a significant increase in the number of organizations seeking trained substance abuse counselors and an equally significant increase in the number of potential students seeking training for a career in this area. This is the ideal synergy between workforce training and labor market need."

A career in addictions treatment and prevention offers an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on people's lives. Addictions treatment professionals who have completed this training and achieved status as Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T) provide a range of services to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families seeking help. These professionals are specially trained to address complex physical, emotional, mental and social issues that result from chemical dependence. Many professionals enter the field from very diverse backgrounds and with a variety of educational and academic experiences.

Upon completion of the CASAC 350-Hour Certificate program, the student will be eligible to apply for the CASAC Trainee certificate. CASAC Trainees may be counted toward the Qualified Health Professional (QHP) staffing requirement in specific OASAS-certified chemical dependence treatment programs. CASAC Trainees are in great demand in the addictions field making them highly employable.

As part of the CASAC 350-Hour Certificate program, students will be placed in a non-paid internship/field placement. This is an essential part of the program to insure job readiness and successful job placements. Students enrolled in the community colleges that offer the Associates of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling will obtain this degree in conjunction with the 350 hours of CASAC education and training.

Participating education and training providers will enroll students in a comprehensive 350-hour educational program, along with the following:

• Oversee a non-paid internship/field placement as part of the certificate program.
• Upon completion of certificate program, provide guidance to students in the completion/submission of a credentialing application.
• Provide career counseling/job placement services.
• Post on the NYS Job Bank any new jobs created or that the applicant seeks to fill as a result of funding through this or other economic stimulus funds.

Individuals can call the OASAS Credentialing Unit at 1-800-482-9564 to find out more about joining the addictions field.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.

Addiction is a chronic disease and New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can find help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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