26 Credentialing
Preface
This chapter defines the role, purpose, functions, and responsibilities of the certified alcohol and other drug counselor, and establishes a fair methodology for evaluation of competency. The credential defines minimum acceptable standards for the certified alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor knowledge and skills to insure that the AOD counselor meets an acceptable standard of competency.
Competency Based: This professional, voluntary certification system is competency based, meaning that the minimum standards for AOD counselors are the knowledge and skill base identified for the profession. The competencies are specific to alcohol and other drug counseling, thus distinguishing this profession from other behavioral health/human services professions.
Experience Based: This certification system recognizes two ways to acquire the minimum AOD counselor competencies: paid work experience and/or supervised practicum/internship experience that is a part of a curriculum approved by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB).
Purpose
Mission: To protect the public by providing competency-based credentialing of Human Service Professionals.
- To establish standards and procedures for the voluntary, professional certification of AOD counselors
- To assure competent, professional counseling to persons suffering from substance use disorders and their family members
- To provide professional standards required for program licensing and accreditation and reimbursement
- To provide a respected credential of professional competency
- To provide a method for maintaining and updating professional standards
Rationale
ICB endorses the concept that the treatment of substance use disorders is a specialty field requiring performance by competent professionals. The standards for certification of these professionals are weighted on the side of proven experience and education.
ICB Philosophy Statement
Substance use disorders result in many negative consequences, including loss of productivity, deteriorating relationships, arrested emotional and physical development, and, in many cases, death. Such consequences mandate that care be available to those suffering from substance use disorders. Treatment must be comprehensive in nature by treating the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Counselors seeking AOD counselor certification must be proficient in the performance domains and core functions in order to provide quality care. While these may be learned in a variety of settings, such knowledge and skills must be present regardless of how they were obtained.
ICB recognizes the disease model of substance use disorders as well as the biopsychosocial–spiritual approach and other philosophies effective in promoting recovery. It supports ongoing research and technology and remains open to new techniques as they are proven to be effective. ICB is committed to the professional growth of counselors and to openness and enthusiasm about new information that al