Social Work

Certificate Program

Overview

The Social Work Certificate is designed to prepare students for a social work-focused education. Students use the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies to guide their learning. The Social Work Certificate is an opportunity for students who are switching careers, supplementing another degree, or are first-time college students. The Social Work Certificate program course requirements count towards the Human Services degree if the student chooses to further their education after completing the certificate.

The bureau of labor statistics predicts an increase in social work jobs of 11% between 2018 and 2028 and the median pay for social workers in 2018 was $49,470. (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm).

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, the student should be able to:

List services available in the community for diverse client needs.
Distinguish between ethical and unethical behavior in multiple human service settings.
Apply interviewing and practice skills in work with clients.
Provide examples of the systematic effects of social policy.
Integrate policy, practice, research, and the impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Create a mock interview with a client demonstrating appropriate practice skills.
Analyze the impact of diversity on multiple systems, human rights and social justice.

Academic Division of Professional Programs

Social Work Courses

- Code
- Course
- Credits
- HSV 103
- Introduction to Social Work
- 3
The student will explore, In depth, the concepts of social work, in terms of knowledge, values and skills that are required for an effective introduction to the profession of social work. Special populations, foundational theories, functions and roles of a social worker, as well as emerging issues in society will be evaluated on a multi-systemic level. This course will assist the student In preparing for the state II censure examination at the LSWA level.
- HSV 200
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- 3
This course provides a conceptual framework for organizing and analyzing knowledge of human behavior and the social environment with a focus on individuals and families. Social systems, life course, and assets and resiliency-based perspectives and theories are presented. Special attention is given to the impact of poverty, discrimination, and oppression on the ability to reach or maintain optimal health and wellbeing.
- HSV 201
- Counseling Skills
- 3
An examination of the helping relationship in individual and group work with emphasis on techniques such as listening skills, questioning, and interviewing. Topics covered include assessment, treatment planning, and techniques of intervention including behavior modification, psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, and cognitive therapies.
- HSV 205
- Substance Addiction Counseling
- 3
This course covers a variety of techniques and strategies in the successful understanding, treatment, and assessment of chemical addictions. Students will be taught causation including physiological and behavioral consequences, as well as prevention, intervention, and treatment methods from a systems approach. Students will use social work theories to evaluate programs and treatment models. Additional topics include substance abuse in: society, multiple life span stages and diverse population groups.
- HSV 260
- Diverse Populations
- 3
An overview of the role of human diversity in social work practice. An examination of the differences as well as the similarities of the various populations in American Society. Topics to be addressed are race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Barriers to cultural understanding and valuing diversity will also be explored.