Local human services agency becomes first in NYS to operate registered apprenticeship program

Outreach, which serves individuals with substance use and mental health disorders through treatment facilities in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties, has become the first nonprofit behavioral health treatment organization in New York State to receive approval from the state’s Department of Labor to operate a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

The Outreach Registered Apprenticeship Program is designed to expand career opportunities, particularly for underrepresented populations in the behavioral health field. The program offers full-time employment for candidates who hold a Bachelor or Master’s degree of Arts or Sciences in a human services-related field.

“This is a groundbreaking development for the treatment field, Outreach, and job seekers alike,” said Liliane Drago, vice president of training at Outreach. “With the ongoing substance use crisis on Long Island and the increasing need for qualified counselors, this apprenticeship program is a vital solution. It’s a win-win for both our workforce and the communities we serve.”

While working, participants will receive salary and benefits and attend tuition-free the Outreach Training Institute (OTI) to earn the educational hours needed to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). Apprentices will be classified as Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor Aides for a 12-month term, and will begin with a salary of $19 per hour, with a wage increase to $23 per hour after seven months.

Upon successful completion of the program and receipt of the CASAC credential, apprentices will be eligible for full-time positions as behavioral health treatment counselors at Outreach or with other providers.

For more information about this program please visit OPINY.org/about-oti/. 

Learn more about Outreach at OPINY.org.