Social Work and Human Services (SWHS) Department
The goal of the SWHS program is to help future paraprofessionals develop the necessary skills that will allow ethical and legal practices in the field of social work and human services.
Students are provided with training in the following areas:
- Techniques in group facilitation for individual and group counseling settings
- Practicing standards of care that align with Ethical Codes and applications of legal concepts that aim to protect the community
- Multicultural competencies
- Social justice practices
- Active listening
- Making ethical decisions that align with laws/codes of ethics
These skills will be introduced in the starting courses of this program and will be applied/practiced in the advanced courses. The purpose of this program is to provide foundational skills to students as future paraprofessionals while mentoring and building capacity for advanced degrees and ethical practices in the fields of human services, social work, sociology, psychology and various counseling professions.
Download the SWHS Program Manual (coming 2025)
This CRC program prepares students for employment as paraprofessionals with agencies such as:
- Youth group homes
- Youth and family services agencies
- Schools
- Probation, welfare, and community-based non-profits
- County mental health departments
Coursework includes performance-based training in:
- Client screening, intake, assessment, orientation
- Individual counseling, group counseling, consultation
- Client's rights and education
- Confidentiality
- Crisis intervention
- Professional ethics
- Reports and record keeping
Program highlights include:
- Techniques for interviewing and case management
- Group facilitation skills
- Theory and application of social services
- Employment training, including resumes, cover letters, and interview skills
- Training in ethical and legal considerations for paraprofessionals
As a Social Work and Human Services student, I, (name), solemnly swear to dedicate time to advancing my education and experience in this field and committing to become a lifelong learner.
I will apply what I have learned with integrity, objectivity, empathy, and a lifelong development of cultural competence.
I will stay aware of current events that affect the community I serve.
I will advocate for change, social justice, and healing within my community.
I will do no harm and protect others to the best of my abilities.
I will act in accordance with the law and professional codes of ethics.
I will not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, culture, race, ability, gender, language preference, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or other historically oppressed groups.
I will recognize my own strengths as I learn to recognize the strengths of clients.
I will commit to intrapersonal learning as I reflect on my cultural, familial and academic identities and how my past has shaped me.
I will be present with myself and attend to my own needs as a student and as a person.
I make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.