The Human Service/Pre-Social Work program at RVCC is designed to provide students with a set of knowledge, skills, and values common to the Human Service and Social Work fields, preparing students for a career in the “helping professions.” Students will engage in self-awareness exercises, practice bio-psycho-social assessment within a systems framework, and think critically about social problems and policy issues, all within the broad context of a liberal arts foundation. Tiered certificate options within the program provide a pathway for students pursuing a professional credential, adopting a second career, or completing an undergraduate education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for skilled human service workers and formally trained social workers is expected to increase faster than average as the population ages, mandated alternatives to costly institutionalization increase, and social, economic, and political factors continue to divide and constrain opportunities for many factions of society. This course of study prepares individuals to work in local government, private entities, and non-profit organizations across the service sector. Upon completion students can move into direct practice positions, continue their education to move into middle management positions, or seek advanced degrees and certifications to become licensed clinical social workers. Graduates work in substance abuse treatment, government assistance programs, mental health centers, residential programs, and private practice.
Students enrolled in Associate of Science degree programs who intend to transfer to four-year colleges or universities are strongly advised to discuss course selection with the Program Coordinator to facilitate full transfer of credits completed toward the degree.
Graduates are able to:
- communicate effectively in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues in a professional manner.
- synthesize and apply knowledge of human behavior, ecological assessment, and other multidisciplinary frameworks to engage, assess and intervene in a culturally diverse society.
- recognize the extent to which a culture’s structure and values oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power.
- evaluate and apply the social work code of ethics to complex social problems and interpersonal relationships.
- apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights, at the individual and system levels.
- demonstrate empathy, reflection, and supportive counseling techniques to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.
Raritan Valley Community College Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs are designed to comply with the New Jersey Community Colleges General Education Foundation which supports transfer of courses to NJ Public four-year colleges and universities. Students who intend to transfer to a NJ college or university can further improve the transfer of courses by using the Recommended Transfer Program (RTP) feature in NJTransfer.org.
Return to: