Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the associate degree and diploma program in Social Work Assistant will be able to complete the following tasks:

• Knowledge — Understand the history of the social work profession, identify career choices, apply methods and procedures, and support the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles.
• Communication/People Skills — Communicate effectively through speaking, writing, and listening and demonstrate these skills by interviewing, basic counseling, facilitating groups, and completing required paperwork.
• Self-awareness — Be able to assess their own experiences, strengths, and weaknesses and monitor their actions in light of this self-awareness.
• Problem Solving/Critical Thinking — Be able to function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems using problem solving and critical thinking skills and to apply the knowledge, interpersonal qualities, and skills of an assistant social work practitioner with systems of all sizes.
• Technology — Demonstrate the use of technology as needed in the specific work environment.
• Diversity — Be able to work with a variety of client populations without regard to clients' age, class, color, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
• Work Ethics — Demonstrate the personal and professional ethics and interpersonal skills that are expected in the workplace.

Graduates of the technical certificate in Direct Support Provider will be able to complete the following tasks:

• Assist persons with disabilities and/or others who may need assistance to live as independently as possible in community settings.
• Support families and other community members who provide assistance in community living to people who receive support services.
• Engage in systematic training and person-centered planning and action to facilitate community participation of people who require support services.
• Assist in implementing individual support plans that include community employment opportunities or other valued social roles and perform personal assistance supports that are respectful and respond to the interest and preferences of the individuals being supported.
• Demonstrate the personal and professional ethics and interpersonal skills that are expected in the workplace.