Social and Human Services, Certificate of Proficiency

60 CREDITS

Program Admission Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

The Social and Human Services certificate provides the generalist education for employment in a wide variety of social service agencies. The student will develop the professional values, skills, and knowledge to assist individuals and groups with personal, interpersonal, and situational problems. In this occupational area students will be prepared for employment as case managers in rehabilitation, employment services, corrections, educational programs, and community based organizations serving youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Social and Human Services certificate graduates will:

• be prepared for a wide range of entry level positions in the social services field
• apply historical development of social services to today’s delivery system
• define and incorporate terminology of the helping professions
• create and maintain current network of community agencies and staff
• initiate intake interview and assess client needs
• interact with clients using helping skills in an on-campus field practicum
• record, collect and compile client data using documentation system of the agency
• maintain ultimate confidentiality of all client information
• appreciate unique needs of targeted populations, e.g. disability, seniors, chemically dependent
• research and peer reviewed literature to prepare grant proposals
• outreach to potential clients to increase awareness of available services
• demonstrate critical thinking, teamwork, communication, intercultural appreciation, and information literacy skills

Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not offer every course each quarter. It is the student’s responsibility to consult the Class Schedule and work out an individual schedule with an adviser or counselor. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.