Social Work Practice in Addiction Graduate Certificate

The Social Work Practice in Addiction certificate is intended to guide specialized practice with individuals and communities affected by substance use. Course work applied to this certificate incorporates theories and models regarding the prevention, etiology and treatment of substance use disorders and related issues and the level of empirical evidence that exists for each. They draw on theory, assessment, diagnosis and treatment goals to select and implement evidence-supported interventions regarding substance use and associated problems for individuals and families. Content focuses on the intersection of physical and mental health issues with substance use, and understanding the interplay of substance use and associated behaviors that may require complex intervention strategies. Social workers consider pertinent theory; client characteristics; intersecting health, mental health and addiction issues; client motivation and readiness for change; and client needs and desires to implement best interventions in accordance with their goals and available resources. Substance use treatment and current evidence-supported interventions, including medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction strategies. This certificate will enable graduates to work with clients to enhance the quality of individual, family and community well-being in order to facilitate recovery.

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers university certificates that provide students advanced practice or research training through a social justice and intercultural competence lens that emphasizes community, and organizational and environmental justice. Certificates are designed to complement and deepen training provided through our degree programs by focusing on experiential application of concepts in relation to particular and diverse client populations, settings, and systems. Each certificate consists of at least 12 units, which may in part be satisfied by courses completed for a degree program. Certificates are also available to graduate students from other disciplines and to employed professionals.