Eastfield College
Social Work/ Gerontology/ Substance Abuse Program
Eastfield College
Substance Abuse Counseling- DAAC 2366
Clinical Student Learning Outcomes
SCREENING
Definition: The systematic approach to screening and assessment of individuals thought to
have a substance use disorder, being considered for admission to addiction-related services,
or presented in a crisis situation.
Objective:
Screening is the process by which the counselor, the client, and available significant others
review the current situation, symptoms, and other available information to determine the most
appropriate initial course of action, given the client’s needs and characteristics and the available
resources within the community.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Read and review with the on-site supervisor the policy and procedure manual to
comprehend the goals and objectives of the organization as they relate to the population
served and how these services are made available to the client population.
2. Learn the eligibility criteria for admission to the program, and learn to relate to clients
through observation of designated staff and practice same under supervision.
3. Assist with screening calls and interviews with the supervisor observing until such
time as the supervisor deems proficiency in this area.
4. Learn the diagnostic criteria to determine whether the potential client’s alcohol and
other drug usage constitute abuse as determined by the diagnostic tools used by the
organization.
5. Determine if the potential client is appropriate for the program based upon the
observation of the client’s physical conditional, psychological functioning, outside
support and motivation during the interview. Observations will be discussed with the
supervisor.
6. Critique their performance during the screening interview and consult with the
supervisor.
Clinical Learning Objectives
Revised November, 2012
Eastfield College
Social Work/ Gerontology/ Substance Abuse Program
INTAKE
Definition: The process of admission of an individual to a health facility, during which data regarding
the health history and other pertinent personal information is gathered.
Objective:
The administrative and initial assessment procedure for admission to a program.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Review the policy and procedures manual to determine the appropriate forms to be
completed for admission to the organization’s program. Observe and practice
completion of forms under supervision.
2. Observe assigned staff conducting an intake interview noting significant areas for
discussion with the interview; and follow-up consultation with supervisor to review
observations, and verify procedure in preparation for student to conduct an intake
interview.
3. Conduct an intake interview under supervision with follow-up consultation and
critiquing with supervisor.
ORIENTATION
Definition: A planned series of classes and educational experiences on client care and to acquaint client
about the facility routines, protocols, and expectations.
Objective:
Providing to client information about the program, the facility’s guidelines and responsibilities,
and the client’s responsibilities.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Review with supervisor the organizational guidelines, rules and regulations for
admission and the criteria for a client’s compliance that will allow them to remain in the
treatment program.
2. Learn and be able to relate to a client the general nature and goals of the program
under supervision.
3. Learn and be able to relate to client rules governing client conduct and infractions that
will lead to disciplinary action or discharge under supervision.
4. Learn and relate to client the cost of service and possible means of paying them as
applicable to the organization’s policy and procedure under supervision.
Clinical Learning Objectives
Revised November, 2012
Eastfield College
Social Work/ Gerontology/ Substance Abuse Program
5. Learn organizational rules that relate to client rights and relate to client under
supervision.
ASSESSMENT
Definition: The systematic approach to screening and assessment of individuals thought to
have a substance use disorder, being considered for admission to addiction-related services,
or presenting in a crisis situation.
Objective:
Assessment is an ongoing process through which the counselor collaborates with the client and
others to gather and interpret information necessary for planning treatment and evaluating
client progress.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Review the organization’s policy and procedure manual to determine the methods
used to assess a client. Review with supervisor for preparation to conduct an assessment
with clients under supervision.
2. Learn to use the assessment tools used by the organization through review of the
training manual and instruction/training in the use of the various instruments.
3. Develop a social/case history of the client based upon client interviews, information
from other professionals and client observation. Supervisor will evaluate for
appropriateness and completion of all information.
4. Develop an eco-map of the client’s presenting problem and the information obtained
during the development of the social/case history. The eco-map will be used to provide
a pictorial view of the client’ systems. Methodology and documentation will be
discussed with the supervisor.
TREATMENT PLANNING
Definition: A collaborative process in which professionals and the client develop a written
document that identifies important treatment goals; describes measurable, time-sensitive
action steps toward achieving those goals with expected outcomes; and reflects a verbal
agreement between a counselor and client.
Objective:
At a minimum an individualized treatment plan addresses the identified substance use
disorder(s), as well as issues related to treatment progress, including relationships with family
and significant others, potential mental conditions, employment, education, spirituality, health
concerns, and social and legal needs.
Clinical Learning Objectives
Revised November, 2012
Eastfield College
Social Work/ Gerontology/ Substance Abuse Program
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Review policy and procedures manual regarding the scope of treatment provided by
the organization. Consult with supervisor to verify understanding of the procedures and
service delivery.
2. Observe for a prescribed time as determined by the on-site supervisor a designated
counselor working with clients in the treatment modality.
3. When deemed appropriate, will assist designated counselor in the development and
implementation of a treatment plan.
4. Develop a written treatment plan of a client that has been followed through the above
processes. Supervisor will evaluate and provide consultation on the appropriateness of
such plan.
5. On-site supervisor will observe and evaluate the ability to communicate in a clear and
concise manner in terms that the client can understand the identified problems and plan
of action to resolve them with the client’s assistance. Supervisor will critique and consult
on methodology.
COUNSELING
Definitions: A collaborative process that facilitates the client’s progress toward mutually
determined treatment goals and objectives.
Objective:
Counseling includes methods that are sensitive to individual client characteristics and to the
influence of significant others, as well as the client’s cultural and social context. Competence in
counseling is built on an understanding of, appreciation of, and ability to appropriately use the
contributions of various addiction counseling models as they apply to modalities of care for
individuals, groups, families, couples, and significant others.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Consult with on-site supervisor to identify the various counseling techniques
employed in the program.
2. Observe designated counselors during counseling sessions and discuss with them
their techniques. Consult with supervisor to resolve any questions or philosophical
differences.
3. Use information from various counseling therapies learned in SCWK 2311–
Interviewing and Counseling Theories and SCWK 1307-Group Work Intervention to
develop counseling techniques of your own.
Clinical Learning Objectives
Revised November, 2012
Eastfield College
Social Work/ Gerontology/ Substance Abuse Program
4. Demonstrate the ability to utilize a counseling technique that is appropriate for the
client in the particular situation.
5. Develop an understanding of the possibility of personal biases on issues such as
cultural diversity and sexual orientation through observation and consultation with
designated staff and supervisor.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Definition: The monitoring and coordination of treatment rendered to clients with specific diagnoses
and ongoing personalized strategy for clients with a variety of needs.
Objective:
Development of skills that provide for comprehensive coordination of services, agencies and
resources to assist the client in resolution of their problem.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Using the skills learned in SCWK 1321-Orientation to Social Services demonstrate the
ability to identify appropriate services to meet client needs, make referrals, provide
information to the client about the referral source’s program, and provide follow-up to
ensure that the client receives services.
2. Demonstrate the ability to act as an advocate for clients when appropriate.
3. Develop the ability to communicate both orally and written the needs and
impressions of client in an objective manner during a case staffing. Supervisor will
provide feedback on performance.
CRISIS INTERVENTION
Definition: an immediate, short-term, approach, the goal of which is to help resolve a personal crisis
within the individual's immediate environment. Also, help for clients in a life crisis that is directed at
supporting the client through the crisis and helping the client cope with the stressful event.
Objective:
The ability to respond to client needs during acute emotional and/or physical distress.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Read and review with supervisor organizational policy and procedures manual as it
relates to crisis intervention policy and techniques.
Clinical Learning Objectives
Revised November, 2012
Eastfield College
Social Work/ Gerontology/ Substance Abuse Program
2. Learn to properly identify a crisis by reviewing the literature introduced in
SCWK1311-Intervieiwng and Counseling Theories and any other material chosen by the
supervisor.
3. Observe designated counselors as they work with clients in crisis, critique and consult
with supervisor on methodology.
4. When deemed appropriate by supervisor, assist designated counselors in working
with clients in crisis. Supervisor will evaluate and provide feedback on performance.
CLIENT EDUCATION
Definition: The process of providing clients, families, significant others, and community
groups with information on risks related to psychoactive substance use, as well as available
prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.
Objective:
Provision of information to individuals and groups concerning alcohol and other drugs and the
available resources.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Learn the scope of services provided by the supervising organization.
2. Review with supervisor the methods and materials available within the organization
that provide information about alcohol, drugs, and quality of life skills.
3. Observe and assist designated counselors as they provide this information in either
individual or group settings.
REFERRAL
Definition: The process of facilitating the client’s use of available support systems and
community resources to meet needs identified in clinical evaluation or treatment planning.
Objective:
The ability to identify the needs of the client that cannot be met by the counselor or
organization and assist the client in utilizing the available community resources.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Develop the ability to determine when it is proper to make a referral to another
counselor and/or service. Consult with supervisor to determine agency procedure.
Clinical Learning Objectives
Revised November, 2012
Eastfield College
Social Work/ Gerontology/ Substance Abuse Program
2. Using skill gained in SCWK 1321-Orientation to Social Services, know how to obtain
and utilize various directories of services available to access community resources
identified as client needs.
3. Know how to access community information and referral sources to obtain resource
information.
4. Understand the appropriate time and the process necessary to ensure that the client is
receiving comprehensive services through the case management process.
REPORT AND RECORD KEEPING
Definition: The recording of the screening and intake process, assessment, treatment plan,
clinical reports, clinical progress notes, discharge summaries, and other client-related data.
Objective:
The ability to chart the results of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, written reports,
discharge summaries and other client-related data.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Use skills learned in SCWK 2301-Case Management and Assessment to write social
histories, progress notes, and treatment plans modified to the specifications of the
organization and the on-site supervisor’s instructions.
2. Learn to chart a client’s record according to the organization’s policy and procedure
manual and the supervisor’s evaluation of the report.
3. Develop the skills necessary to write an accountable assessment of client’s status at
discharge, with clear and concise terms, understandable to other staff and the
appropriate monitors of the organization’s service delivery. Supervisor will evaluate and
provide feedback.
4. Know and understand the ramifications involved in documentation of client records
as it relates to legal matters and client confidentiality.
CONSULTATION
Definition: The administrative, clinical, and evaluative activities that bring the client, treatment
services, community agencies, and other resources together to focus on issues and needs
identified in the treatment plan.
Objective:
The ability to relate with one’s peers and other professionals to assure comprehensive and
quality care for the client.
Clinical Learning Objectives
Revised November, 2012
Eastfield College
Social Work/ Gerontology/ Substance Abuse Program
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the need for consultation with supervisor on pertinent information about
observed client behavior, knowledge of organization policy and procedure, and
clarification of client/counselor roles.
2. Understand the need to communicate and consult with other professionals to validate
and assure that the client is receiving appropriate services to meet their needs.
3. Understand and know the ramifications client confidentiality as it relates to
consultation. Review Counselor Code of Ethics and discuss with supervisor.
PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITES:
Competency 18: Understand diverse cultures, and incorporate the relevant needs of culturally
diverse groups, as well as people with disabilities, into clinical practice.
Competency 19: Understand the importance of self-awareness in one’s personal, professional,
and cultural life.
Competency 20: Understand the addiction professional’s obligations to adhere to ethical and
behavioral standards of conduct in the helping relationship.
Competency 21: Understand the importance of ongoing supervision and continuing education
in the delivery of client services.
Competency 22: Understand the obligation of the addiction professional to participate in
prevention and treatment activities.
Competency 23: Understand and apply setting-specific policies and procedures for handling
crisis or dangerous situations, including safety measures for clients and staff.
Clinical Learning Objectives
Revised November, 2012