Social Work

The purpose of the Human Services
Department is to prepare students for their personal growth and development and
for careers that contribute to the greater welfare of society. The Department
is committed to providing optimal instruction and learning the to develop the following skills within
students: instill commitment to the practice of integrity and high ethical
standards; develop competence in required theories, concepts, and applications;
develop objectivity and empathy towards the client population; promote advocacy
for diverse populations in the public sector; develop critical thinking skills
and habits; adhere to the practice of life-long learning.

Department Guiding principles

• The capacity for human growth
  and change.
• Advocating for social justice.
• Recognizing and utilizing
  people’s strengths and abilities.
• Supporting physical, mental,
  emotional, and spiritual health.
• Promoting collaboration and
  accountability.
• Inclusiveness – serving all
  people in need.

The Social Services Curriculums ( AAS and Basic Certificates) are in alignment with:

1. Council Social Work Education Core Competencies (CSWE)
   • Social Work Generalist AAS
2. Illinois Certification Board Core Competencies / Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association Inc
   • Social Work Generalist AAS
   • Socia l Work -Addiction Studies AAS
3. Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) Core Competencies
   • Social Services 230 Introduction to Domestic Violence /Domestic Violence Practicum
4. Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation ( TRHT) / Racial Healing Framework Core Competencies
   • Racial Healing Practitioner Basic Certificate
5. Gateway to Opportunity /Illinois Professional Development Systems Core Competencies
   • Family Specialist Credential

Discipline Objectives/Goals

1. To prepare students to become autonomous generalist practitioners committed to working competently and effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
2. To socialize students to the values and ethics of the profession:
   • Social Work: (NASW/ national Association of Social Workers)
   • Addiction studies: ( IAPDAPCA /Illinois Alcohol and Other Drugs Abuse Professional Certification Association)
   • Family specialist : National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethics
3. To address challenges, issues, and problems of society while advocating for the alleviation of human suffering and enhancing the quality of the life of oppressed, at-risk, and vulnerable populations
4. To develop an appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of various cultures to the field of social welfare as the context for generalist social work practice
5. To prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to address oppression and social injustice in all forms.

Programs :

1. Social Work Generalist ( AAS )
2. Social Work – Addiction Studies (AAS)
3. Racial Healing Practitioner (BC)
4. Gateway for Opportunity Family Specialist Credential