Social Work-Introductory (Certificate)
The 18-credit Social Work- Introductory (Certificate) will offer students a valuable starting point for a career in Human Services. It provides a comprehensive overview of the helping professions while developing essential skills such as communication, empathy, active listening, and problem-solving. The Social Work- Introductory (Certificate) will increase a student's opportunities for employment and advancement in Human Services work and also serve as a stepping stone to further education or specialized training.
The Social Work- Introductory (Certificate) provides a beneficial ladder for students to continue their academic programming by completing a Certificate program or an Associate's degree in Social Work. Once the Social Work- Introductory (Certificate) is concluded, more than half of the credits required for the three Human Services Program certificates will be completed as well. It is a beneficial credential for those looking to pursue entry-level positions in social work, counseling, or related fields, or for individuals seeking to enhance their existing qualifications in these areas.
Students will learn from both classroom and real-world fieldwork experiences while receiving support and guidance from program faculty. By participating in hands-on experiences, students will be able to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations in the workplace environment. Students will be matched with agencies based on their skills and interests and will assist with entry-level agency operations, assessment, intervention, case planning, and documentation at the field practicum site.
Expected Outcomes
- Establish an understanding of basic professional helping skills such as assessment, planning interventions, case management, and the benefits of a strengths-based approach.
- Develop an understanding of career opportunities in human services and explore professional goals in the human services field.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the role of race, ethnicity, sexual identity, age, socio-economic class, and gender impacts community functioning and human service interventions.
- Exhibit an entry-level understanding of key ethical standards within the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) and demonstrate how to apply these standards to a variety of ethical scenarios in the Human Services profession.
- Enhance understanding of societal problems and how they are addressed in the human services profession.
- Show knowledge of current demographic characteristics of our local community and how these impact the need for and access to social service programs.
- Illustrate knowledge about professional skills as a human services worker, including the effective use of receiving performance feedback, working well with agency colleagues, and further developing strong work habits.
- Develop skills as effective group members within a seminar group (listening thoughtfully, actively participating, and offering helpful and respectful feedback to other students).
- Encourage students to articulate their philosophy of helping skills and how it has shaped their first internship experience.
Graduation Requirements
Program Courses
| ENG - | English Composition | 3 |
| HSV-104 | Introduction to Student Success & Wellness | 3 |
| HSV-111 | Human Service Methods | 3 |
| HSV-115 | Introduction to Mental Health Worker | 3 |
| HSV-135 | Intro to Community Resources | 3 |
| HSV-151 | Field Work Seminar I | 1 |
| HSV-161 | Field Practicum I | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Suggested Pathway to Graduation
Fall Semester
| HSV-104 | Introduction to Student Success & Wellness | 3 |
| HSV-111 | Human Service Methods | 3 |
Spring Semester
| HSV-115 | Introduction to Mental Health Worker | 3 |
| HSV-135 | Intro to Community Resources | 3 |
Summer Semester
| HSV-151 | Field Work Seminar I | 1 |
| HSV-161 | Field Practicum I | 2 |
| ENG - | English Composition | 3 |