Stimulus Funds to North Country Community College 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 nearly 130 unemployed or underemployed individuals in careers in the addictions field.

North Country Community College was awarded $20,950 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 North Country is one that is loaded with talented New Yorkers ready, willing and able to work. This funding will provide 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."

Joseph Keegan, Interim VP for Academic Affairs, North Country Community College said, "We are delighted to have received this award and thank OASAS for taking the lead and being a great partner. Given the rural nature of our service area and the economic challenges that we face, regardless of a recession, awards like this have significant impact in helping our community members take those first steps into higher education, a place they might have been unable to previously tread. With state resources already stretched too thin and cuts in state tuition assistance looming, the stimulus funds provide another avenue in helping students access higher education. Community colleges, such as ours, are on the front line of educating the next generation of addiction professionals. These funds will help us increase and retain that next class, leading to positive results for the field and those we serve."

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.

Follow OASAS: www.twitter.com/nysoasas / facebook profile: NYS OASAS / www.youtube.com/nysoasas