River Community‘s Ms. Anna Rodriguez and Mr. Scott Smith are now Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC I)!!
Ms. Rodriguez and Mr. Smith worked very hard to get certified while working full time. They are both inspirations to our residents and a great example of what can be accomplished with hard work and determination.
Ms. Rodriguez has been working with Social Model Recovery Systems since 2016 and was recently promoted to Admissions Counselor while Mr. Smith has been with us since 2020 and was recently promoted to Primary Counselor.
Many people who want to become alcohol and substance abuse counselors might already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related area and even professional experience in a mental health role. With some additional education and training, a professional certification in a new area can open more doors.
Professional certification is intended to set industry standards. You’ll see certification required in a range of fields from accounting to engineering. In the substance abuse area, a drug and alcohol counseling certificate recognize you have the skills and competencies necessary to treat clients.
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports substance abuse counselors are among the fastest-growing positions in the country; through 2026, it’s estimated this field will grow by 23 percent, which is much faster than the average occupation.
