Certified Indigenous Addictions Prevention Specialist (CIAPS)
Levels I, II, III
The Certified Indigenous Addictions Prevention Worker (CIAPS) certification is for practitioners who are doing prevention work with addicted individuals and their families. Their role is to assist a targeted, at-risk population within communities, who are showing early signs of a substance use issue or at risk of developing a problem.
The aim of this certification is to insure that prevention specialists have the deepened competencies to effectively focus their interventions on the reduction of chemical addictions and the enhancement of mental wellness – which are priorities in Aboriginal communities – by targeting individuals, families and special groups (pregnant women, women, youth, the incarcerated, two-spirited, seniors etc.).
Certified Indigenous addictions prevention specialists offer culture-based approaches to reduce risk factors, promote protective factors, limit disability, prevent future addiction issues, encourage treatment and promote community and cultural connections. They also provide sensitive responses to a wide and complex range of needs pertaining to mental wellness, age, gender, substance(s) of use and abuse, co-morbidity issues as well as language and culture.
Laddering Opportunities
The ICBOC horizontal laddering certification system allows Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialists (CIAS) to switch their certification to that of a Certified Indigenous Addictions Prevention Specialist (CIAPS): the applicant’s existing experience, knowledge, skills, will be transferred and counted towards the new certification. It is, however, mandatory to first satisfy the standards and requirements of the new certification, in particular in terms of the education, training and practice, and of the core functions.
Note:
It is possible at any point in the laddering process to switch to an equivalent level of certification as a certified Indigenous addictions prevention specialist, as the applicant’s existing experience, knowledge and skills will be transferred and counted towards the new certification. It is, however, mandatory to first satisfy the standards and requirements of the new certification, in particular in terms of the education, training and practice, and of the core functions.
The ICBOC vertical laddering certification system allows certified Indigenous addictions specialists at Level I to upgrade to the next higher level of certification, as they accumulate years of work experience, and a more substantial portfolio of education and training. It is, however, mandatory to satisfy all the standards and requirements of the higher certification, in particular in terms of counselling education, training and practice, and of the 12 core functions.
Upgrading to Level IV or to Professional Certification as a Clinical Supervisor
Once they reach their certification at level III, addictions specialists may choose to upgrade to level IV, which is based on the acquisition of an expertise in one (or several) topics directly related to their professional practice. Alternatively, they can reach for the ICBOC certification as a clinical supervisor.
Future Certifications
It is also important to recognize the special competencies required to intervene in the area of tobacco addiction and other behavior/processes. Over time, ICBOC will develop professional certifications suited to workers in these areas.
More information about this certification is available by clicking on the links below, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or further information.