Social Work

The Associate of Science in Social Work program prepares students for entry-level positions in the social services field and provides a foundation for those wishing to pursue a bachelor's degree in Social Work. This two-year program combines classroom instruction with field experience to develop the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for a career in social services. Students will learn about human behavior, social welfare policy, diversity and inclusion, and ethical practice while gaining practical skills in assessment, intervention, and case management. Graduates will be prepared to work with diverse populations in various settings including community agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, and government organizations. 

Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree in Social Work, students will be able to: 

  • Understand Social Work Principles: Articulate the core values, ethics, and principles of social work, including a commitment to social justice and the dignity and worth of individuals. 
  • Demonstrate Cultural Competence: Recognize and respect diverse backgrounds and experiences, applying cultural competence in practice to effectively serve individuals and communities. 
  • Assess Client Needs: Conduct basic assessments to identify the needs and strengths of individuals, families, and communities, utilizing appropriate social work methods and techniques. 
  • Apply Communication Skills: Exhibit effective interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and empathy, to build rapport with clients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. 
  • Implement Intervention Strategies: Develop and implement basic intervention plans that are evidence-based and tailored to meet the specific needs of clients and communities. 
  • Engage in Ethical Decision-Making: Analyze ethical dilemmas and apply ethical decision-making frameworks to naviagte complex situations in social work practice. 
  • Utilize Community Resources: Identify and connect clients to community resources and services, enhancing their access to support and assistance. 
  • Demonstrate Critical Thinking: Employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate practice outcomes and make informed decisions in various social work contexts. 
  • Reflect on Personal Growth: Engage in self-reflection and ongoing professional development tp enhance personal effectiveness and commitment to lifelong learning in the field of social work. 
  • Prepare for Further Education: Demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for successful transition into a Bachelor’s degree program in social work for related fields.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

SCWK110L: Introduction to Social Work

Introduction to the Social Work Profession. This course provides the full range of human service topics for the student to become familiar with the profession in all its diversity. Topics include administration, assessments, diversity, substance use, gerontology, mental health, and direct care. Students will understand the theory and practice of the services available for individuals living with a disability or adversity in the community. Information and concepts are drawn from history, sociology, psychology, and social work theory.

SCWK120L: Introduction to Social Issues

Introduces students to the sociological, social work principles and theoretical perspectives to major social problems in contemporary society such as inequality, poverty, crime and violence, substance use, environmental issues, homelessness, social welfare programs and limitations, and family issues. Human diversity will be examined in relation to treatment issues. The course focuses on approaches that enhance problem-solving and coping strategies and are empowering and supportive to clients, both individually and in groups and families.

SCWK210L: Social Work Practicum I

A course combining supervised social work at a community agency, with instructor-facilitated student peer review. This is an individualized learning experience that enables the student to develop and apply attitudes, skills, and knowledge in a real work setting. Work at the practicum site, along with peer review, self-reflection, and disclosure, combine to create a structure that promotes and supports personal and professional growth. 

SCWK220L: Social Welfare: Legislation, Programs, and Services

This course offers a historical and contemporary examination of legislation and resulting programs, policies, and services in the context of the social welfare system in the United States. Special attention is given to the political, economic, environmental, and social conditions that prompted the development of legislation to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Societal responses to legislation are also considered.

SCWK230L: Foundations of Diversity

This course introduces students to multicultural social work practice and emphasizes the importance of cultural competence. Students assess their self-awareness and engage in critical thinking regarding diversity and social justice. Grounded in the professional Code of Ethics, the course covers concepts related to social, economic, and environmental justice, while examining the impact of oppression and discrimination on diverse groups. Each week, students learn about different cultural populations and apply their knowledge to these groups. By the end of the course, students will have foundational skills for working with culturally diverse and vulnerable populations in social work practice.

SCWK240L: Social Work Practicum II

Building on skills and knowledge gained in Social Work Practicum I (HSV161L), students develop more advanced competencies as the basis for the learning experience and will be evaluated using criteria appropriate for second year students. Work at the practicum site, along with peer review, self-reflection, and disclosure, combine to create a structure that promotes and supports a deeper level of personal and professional growth.