Employment Opportunities

People with training in addiction studies find employment in many areas including traditional treatment settings (residential and outpatient facilities), schools, probation offices, corrections departments, mental health agencies, prevention programs and other social and human services organizations.

The state of Washington is currently experiencing a workforce shortage of credentialed Chemical Dependency Professionals (CDP). The first step in becoming a CDP is education and the CDS program at WVC meets Washington state requirements.  

Becoming a Credentialed Chemical Dependency Professional

Becoming credentialed in the state of Washington is a three-step process. The education requirements in Washington state are described in WAC 246-811 and include courses in abnormal psychology and human development, as well as a variety of other topics related to addictions counseling such as the effect of addiction on the family and the physiological aspects of addiction.

The second phase of the credentialing process is the internship. The internship consists of a minimum of 2,500 hours of experience for those with an associate’s degree. The hour requirements decrease with more advanced degrees (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degrees). Internship hours can be accumulated during the education process. To begin obtaining internship hours you must first become a registered counselor by completing the Application for Registered Counselor.

Once the education and the internship hours are completed a certification test must be passed. Once all three of these steps are completed, you are eligible to apply for credentialing from the state of Washington as a Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP). The average annual salary of a CDP in Washington is approximately $30,000.

Education Requirements

Upon completion of the WVC Addiction Studies Program (ASP), students will have completed the Department of Health education requirements (per WAC 246-811-030) to obtain their initial Substance Use Disorder Professional - Trainee license in the state of Washington. To meet the WAC requirements for full credentialing as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in the state of Washington, students must have a two-year degree in a Human Services-related field from an accredited college or university as well as a 2,500 hour supervised internship. Once these two requirements are met the individual must pass a certification exam. Completion of these three steps (education, internship, certification exam) is necessary for the final SUDP credential. This program provides the critical first step in this process.

Addiction Studies Program

The Addiction Studies program is designed for those already working with substance use disorders, those aspiring to become Substance Use Disorder Professionals, and those who desire this education to enhance other areas of human services such as educators, social workers, school counselors and mental health workers. The ASP program also provides opportunities for professional development studies for practitioners to review and expand their skills.

Outcomes

Graduates of the WVC Addiction Studies Program should be able to:

• Demonstrate professional communication in classroom and practicum sites.
• Understand the professional and ethical responsibilities of SUD counselors.
• Articulate the importance of understanding individual differences in SUD counseling (age, race, ethnicity, gender/sexual identity or disability).
• Understand the major psychological theories and current research/literature commonly used in SUD counseling.
• Develop meaningful Individual Service Plans based on a thorough understanding of ASAM dimensions and levels of care.
• Articulate the impact of addiction issues on the individual, family and community.
• Demonstrate the importance of self-care to promote personal health and prevent burnout.

To explore occupations and find related career information go to My Next Move