College: Vocational School

This specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of social services, focusing on supporting and empowering individuals, families, and communities. Students explore key areas such as social work, counseling, community development, and social policy. The program emphasizes empathy, advocacy, and the application of social service techniques to address social issues and improve the quality of life. Graduates are prepared for careers in social work, counseling, community outreach, and non-profit organizations.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the basics of social services and their role in society.
• Developing skills in case management, counseling, and crisis intervention.
• Learning community development techniques and social advocacy.
• Exploring the role of social policy and its impact on vulnerable populations.
• Understanding principles of ethical practice and cultural competence in social services.
• Analyzing challenges and opportunities in the field of social services.
• Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills for social service projects.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Social Services
   • An overview of the field, its history, and importance in addressing social issues.
2. Practice of Social Work
   • Study of social work theories, case management, and client assessment.
   • Techniques for providing support and intervention for individuals and families.
3. Counseling and Crisis Intervention
   • Basics of counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care.
   • Techniques to help clients cope with emotional and psychological challenges.
4. Community Development and Advocacy
   • Principles of community organizing, resource mobilization, and social advocacy.
   • Techniques for empowering communities and addressing social disparities.
5. Social Policy and Welfare
   • Exploration of social policies, welfare programs, and their impact on vulnerable populations.
   • Techniques for policy analysis and advocacy for policy change.
6. Ethics and Cultural Competence in Social Services
   • Study of ethical principles, professional boundaries, and cultural competence.
   • Techniques to ensure services are delivered respectfully and effectively to diverse populations.
7. Emerging Trends in Social Services
   • Analysis of innovations such as digital social work, telehealth, and integrated care models.
   • Techniques for adapting to new trends and technologies in the field.
8. Social Services Capstone Project
   • A practical project to apply skills learned in case management, community development, or policy advocacy.
   • Techniques for presenting a comprehensive social service solution.

Assessment Methods:

• Case studies and social service scenario simulations.
• Written tasks on social work practice, counseling, and social policy.
• Group projects in community development and advocacy.
• Participation in internships or fieldwork with social service agencies, non-profit, or community organizations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Social Work: A Introduction to the Profession" by Elizabeth A. Segal, Karen E. Gerdes, and Sue Steiner.
• "The Social Work Skills Workbook" by Barry R. Cournoyer.
• "Community Organizing and Development" by Herbert J. Rubin and Irene S. Rubin.
• "Social Policy and Social Change: Toward the Creation of Social and Economic Justice" by Jillian Jimenez, Eileen Mayers Pasztor, and Rebecca L. Hegar.

Prerequisites:

A basic knowledge of social sciences, psychology, or sociology is recommended. Suitable for students in social work, psychology, and related fields.

Duration:

Typically 4 years, including coursework, fieldwork, and internship.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in social services or a related field and may pursue additional certifications (e.g., Licensed Social Worker, LSW).

Target Audience:

Aspiring social workers, counselors, community organizers, and non-profit professionals seeking to excel in supporting and empowering individuals and communities. This specialization equips students with the empathetic, advocacy, and problem-solving skills needed to excel in social services, drive positive social change, and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.