Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)

WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THIS SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION AT THIS TIME. CURRENT CREDENTIAL HOLDERS CAN STILL RENEW THEIR CREDENTIALS BY DOWNLOADING AND SUBMITTING THE RENEWAL FORM.

  Download the Specialty Certification Renewal Form

Who seeks this credential?

MSW-level social workers whose practice focuses on supporting those whose lives are affected by or potentially affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD), utilizing the “person-in-environment” perspective are prime candidates for the Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW) credential.

Generalist social work training, which includes instruction in the macro skills of needs assessment, resource development, and interventions for affecting social change, provides a foundation for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention targeted toward improving the lives of those affected by or potentially affected by ATOD.

C-CATODSW social workers have a mastery of: screening, intake, and orientation; assessment; crisis intervention; documentation; case management; treatment planning; counseling; client education and advocacy; referral and consultation; and resource management skills. Additionally, they have an in-depth knowledge of ATOD epidemiology; etiology; physiology and pharmacology; treatment; U.S. policy and history regarding ATOD; populations affected; health issues; legal and ethical issues; and education/prevention.

What does this credential represent?

In 1999, NASW developed the C-CATODSW specialty practice credential in response to the expressed needs of its members and to support Association members in the competitive workplace. The C-CATODSW credential recognizes clinical social workers who have: met national standards of knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of clinical social work and ATOD, obtained two years of post master’s clinical social work experience and two years of substance abuse counseling experience, and agreed to abide by the NASW Code of Ethics, the NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Substance Use Disorders, and the NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education.

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

• Please read and review the complete criteria in the application
• A master’s degree in social work from a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• One hundred and eighty (180) contact hours of relevant professional continuing education.
• Documentation of at least two (2) years (equivalent of 3,000 hours) of paid, supervised, post-MSW clinical experience in an agency or organization that provides treatment to individuals and families whose lives are adversely affected by substance use disorders.
• Current state clinical social work license.
• Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and the NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education.