Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

HBHTI FAQs

  • How does HBHTI work?
    • HBHTI has two parts: Level 1 and Level 2.
      • Level 1 is the pre-serving training component that is designed for awardees pursuing their Certificate of Competence in Substance Use Disorders Counseling (COSUDS) at Leeward Community College (LCC).
      • Level 2 is the on-the-job training component, and it signifies that the awardees have completed their COSUDS and are working as apprentices for an organization to further enhance their skills as SUD counselors, while working towards their Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) certification and building their professional experiences. During Level 2, in addition to awardees working at their agency, they will also participate in professional development training and courses hosted by HBHTI.
    • For more information, please see the FAQs for Level 1 and Level 2 below .
  • Are neighbor island students eligible to participate in HBHTI?
    • Yes, HBHTI is committed to working with neighbor island students and organizations as we recognize there are significant needs in these communities.
    • For Level 1, neighbor island students will complete their COSUDS coursework through online synchronous classes at LCC. The students will work with the LCC COSUDS Coordinator and HBHTI Co-PI, Dr. Gwen Williams, to be placed in an agency for their practicum experience.
    • For Level 2, neighbor island students will join as apprentices at our designated partner organizations in their area or work collaboratively with us to establish new apprenticeship sites.

Level 1 Questions

  • Are current learners at LCC, University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, and/or Hawai‘i Community College eligible to apply for the HBHTI program.
    • Yes, current students are eligible and welcome to apply. Students must commit to enrolling and completing the COSUDS and complete the necessary required courses at LCC. Students can graduate from their home campus if they have completed at least 4 credits in that program and any special courses required by their COSUDS program.
  • What if I already have completed some of the required courses for the COSUDS program?
    • Learners who have already taken some of the COSUDS required courses are eligible to apply, but they will not be eligible for scholarship for any courses already completed. However, if selected, the learners would receive the scholarship and benefits moving forward.
  • Will I still be able to graduate from University of Hawaiʻi Maui College and or Hawai‘i Community College if I am taking LCC classes?
    • Yes, learners will be able to graduate from their home institution as long as they have taken 4 credits in the COSUDS home campus program. Due to constraints with the UH financial aid office, these classes will not be funded as a part of the HBHTI award.
  • What if I am already receiving scholarships to cover my tuition, am I still eligible to receive the HBHTI stipends provided in Level 1?
    • Yes, learners who are receiving other forms of scholarship are eligible to apply for the HBHTI stipend award in order to receive the $5,000 stipend during their experiential fieldwork. Learners are not able to receive multiple forms of scholarship unless it covers different courses / costs.
  • If I already have a higher education degree, am I eligible to apply for the Level 1 program?
    • Yes, learners who have previously attained other forms of education are still eligible to apply as long as they agree to the criteria and commitments outlined in the award announcement.
  • Can I pursue my associate degree or other certificates simultaneously while working towards my COSUDS if I participate in Level 1 ?
    • Yes, learners are welcomed and encouraged to continue their education if interested. Please note courses taken outside the COSUDS program will not be covered by the award stipend.
  • I am interested in the HBHTI Program Level 1, but not the HBHTI Program Level 2, am I still eligible to apply?
    • LCC learners are required to commit and participate in both program levels. Neighbor island learners are not required to commit to the HBHTI Level 2 at this time but are welcome to participate if interested.

Level 2 Questions

  • How do partner agencies participating in Level 2 select apprentices?
    • Agencies participating in Level 2 will carry out their recruitment and selection process normally to ensure the apprentices are a qualified and good fit for the organization. We ask that agencies communicate opportunities to HBHTI staff so that we can convey the opportunities to students. We also encourage students who apply for a job at a Level 2 agency to notify us and to indicate they are a part of the HBHTI program in their cover letter.
  • What is the difference between Level 2 apprentices and practicum students?
    • All Level 2 apprentices will have completed their 400 hours of practicum and their COSUDS courses. The Level 2 apprentices receive on-the-job training and will gain an additional 1,600 work hours towards becoming a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). The Level 2 apprentices will be able to have more independence and responsibility compared to practicum students. 
  • What are the requirements for organizations working with apprentices?
    •  We support organizations in developing a plan that works best for their programs and staff. However, we do emphasize that supervision is important as apprentices are still developing their skillsets; thus, organizations must be able to supervise the apprentices. HBHTI may also be able to support organizations by having one of our designated staff members to serve as an additional point-person. This would not replace the agency’s supervision as that is important for on-the-job-learning, but can augment the Level 2 experience for apprentices by providing additional logistic support.
  • If I am participating as a HBHTI Program Level 2 apprentice, can I still pursue my academic studies?
    • Yes, learners are encouraged to continue pursuing their academics if interested, but they will need to be mindful of time management as they will be expected to meet the full 1,600-hour apprenticeship requirement within a 1- to 2-year period.
  • When do I get the $7,500 stipend?
    • You will receive the money dispersed throughout 1- to 2-years (depending on your work schedule).
  • How long will it take to complete the apprenticeship?
    • It will take an estimated 1-year working full-time or 2 years working part-time.
  • May I use previous work hours towards the apprenticeship?
    • Yes, a percentage of your previous 12 Core Functions work hours may count towards the 1,600-hour apprenticeship requirement (up to 1,000 hours). If you are able to apply your previous work hours towards the apprenticeship, you may complete the apprenticeship program in 6 months (minimum).

After reading the FAQs, if you have specific questions not found here or for more information, please email us at HBHTI@hawaii.edu.