Social Service Assistant

Program Description

The Social Service Assistant A.A.S. degree program is designed to prepare students with foundational knowledge of developing the communication and critical thinking skills necessary to deliver basic services within diverse populations when entering the workforce as a community and/or social science assistant in the areas of behavioral health, family services, and/or substance treatment programs. Students who pursue this degree will be introduced to psychological and sociological theories, ethics within the helping profession, and encouraged to explore cultural sensitivity based on self-reflection.

The curriculum within the Social Service Assistant degree program focuses on preparing students with introductory level competencies and skill levels to gain a perspective on working with the whole person in relationship to that person's environment. It is designed to prepare students to work in public and private social service agencies and organizations. Students enrolled in this program will have the foundational knowledge and skills to assist Social Workers, counselors, and other helping professionals in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

Career Opportunities

Successful graduates of this degree program can seek employment in entry-level positions such as:

• Advocate
• Caseworker
• Community Coordinator
• Family Support Worker
• Home Based Assistant
• Human Services Program Coordinator
• Outreach Specialist
• Social Services Assistant

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the values of the helping professional at an introductory level.
2. Demonstrate a basic set of helping skills for entry level employment in the field of addictions counseling (i.e., interviewing skills, monitor/record client progress).
3. Assess lifespan development in a multicultural context, and the significance of intersections of people and their environments.
4. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, and ethical characteristics of a helping professional.
5. Demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations.

Obtaining the Degree

To earn the Associate of Applied Science degree, students must:

• Matriculate into the program.
• Satisfactorily complete all degree requirements, including General Education and Major Requirements.