Developing Competency with Substance Abuse
Understanding the 12 Core Functions
Program Description
This program will provide participates with information to increase their clinical skills
when working with clients who have substance abuse diagnosis by learning about the 12
core functions and their global criteria. Through a didactic presentation that uses case
samples, participants will have the opportunity to clarify the needed skills and tasks to
accomplish with each core function. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate
their understanding by engaging in an interactive assessment.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the 12 core function and their global criteria;
2. Describe the clinical skills needed to accomplish each core function and the task they
need to complete;
3. Identify their personal biases and learn about when it is ethically appropriate to refer a
case;
4. Demonstrate what they have learned by engaging in an interactive assessment;
5. Discuss how these core functions apply to their agency and how they can provide
treatment that is more effective for their clients.
Target Audience
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Professionals, especially those seeking to obtain
their CSAC or LCAS.
Contact Hours
6.0 hours
Program Agenda
9:00 to 10:30 AM
10:30 to 10:45 AM
10:45 to 12:15 PM
12:15 to 1:15 PM
1:15 to 2:45 PM
Introduction and exploration of participant’s familiarity with the 12
core functions
Overview of the 12 core functions and global criteria
Screening- including discussion about confidentiality and ASAM
criteria
Break
Intake- tasks and confidentiality
Orientation
Assessments- which assessments to use, developing a diagnostic
evaluation, gathering history
Lunch
Treatment planning- client centered practices
Counseling- exploring techniques and individualizing treatment
2:45 to 3:00 PM
3:00 to 4:30 PM
4:30 PM
Case management- understanding the importance of providing
support in other domains
Crisis Intervention- confidentiality and addressing safety.
Break
Client education- providing clients with relevant information
Referrals- understanding client’s needs and connecting them to
appropriate resources
Report and record keeping- developing relevant documentation
Consultation with other professionals about client
treatment/services- applicable laws and providing client with the
rationale to include others in their treatment.
Questions and group activity to demonstrate knowledge.
Adjourn
Faculty
Ellen Pallme, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS is a practicing licensed clinical social worker
and addictions specialist. Since 1995, she has worked extensively with children and
families of multicultural backgrounds, as a tutor, homeschooling consultant and personal
mentor. For many years, Ellen volunteered in her faith community to counsel and guide
trauma survivors. She has been in the forefront to develop child protection programs and
trainings throughout the larger community. In 2005, she began working as a crisis
responder for sexual assault victims and trainer for new recruits. For five hears she was
an intensive in-home team supervisor. Ellen is currently engaged as a supervisor for those
seeking the LCAS credential and providing trainings to further education about substance
abuse and co-occurring disorders.
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