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Social Work/Human Services

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

The Folsom Lake College social work/human services program prepares students for employment as an associate professional and for transfer to four-year colleges and universities to continue their studies in psychology and social work. Courses in the social work/human services program may also be applicable foundation courses for further study toward licensure as marriage and family therapists, social workers, and psychologists.

All courses in the human services program are CSU transferrable and may fulfill lower-division requirements for a bachelor's degree in psychology. Coursework emphasizes performance-based training in client screening, intake, assessment, orientation, individual counseling, group counseling, consultation, client's rights, confidentiality, crisis intervention, client education, professional ethics, reports, and record keeping.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree in social work/human services, you should meet with a counselor to select and plan the courses for your major as transfer institutions vary widely in the courses required for undergraduate preparation.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

A.A.-T. in Social Work & Human Services
A.A. in Social Work/Human Services, General
Human Services Specialist Certificate
Human Services Paraprofessional Certificate

Division Dean Brian Robinson
Department Chair Dr. Jill Bradshaw
Phone (916) 361-6330
Email robinsb@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Social Work & Human Services

The Associate in Arts in Social Work and Human Services for Transfer degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students interested in transferring to a CSU campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Human Services should meet with a counselor to confirm the courses required for lower-division preparation in the major.

This program has the following completion requirements:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (CAL-GETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Associate Degrees for Transfer also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BIOL 300	The Foundations of Biology (3)	3 - 4
or BIOL 307	Biology of Organisms (4)
or BIOL 310	General Biology (4)
or ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
ECON 302	Principles of Macroeconomics (3)	3
or ECON 304	Principles of Microeconomics (3)
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology	3
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology	3
STAT C1000	Introduction to Statistics (4)	3 - 4
or PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
SWHS 300	Introduction to Social Work & Human Services	3
SWHS 366	Practices in Human Services	3
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
ADMJ 300	Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ADMJ 320	Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
COMM 325	Intercultural Communication (3)
ENGL C1001	Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
or ENGL C1001H	Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors (3)
ECE 312	Child Development (3)
or PSYC 372	Child Development (3)
ECE 314	The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
HIST 310	History of the United States (To 1877) (3)
HIST 311	History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SOC 301	Social Problems (3)
SOC 321	Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SJS 300	Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
Total Units:		27 - 29

The Associate in Arts in Social Work & Human Services for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify and describe the basic skills, duties and responsibilities of a social work/human services paraprofessional.
identify social service and welfare systems, policies, and programs.
describe the ethical standards for social work/ human services paraprofessionals and demonstrate effective use of an ethical decision-making model.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using the core principles of equity, social justice, cultural humility, and person-centered practice.
evaluate developing identity as a skilled, ethical, and self-reflective social work/human services paraprofessional.
demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in economics, psychology, sociology, and social work.

Career Information

The Social Work & Human Services degree is designed to facilitate students’ successful transition to four-year Social Work programs which prepare students for advanced studies in a variety of graduate programs and for entry level positions in a variety of social service settings. Social Workers with graduate degrees and professional licensure have a broad range of employment opportunities, including, but not limited to, clinical practice, community organizing, policy, advocacy, research, and teaching. Social Workers work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of clients.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Social Work/Human Services, General

The A.A. degree program in Social Work/Human Services prepares students for employment in paraprofessional positions in human service settings and prepares students for transfer to 4-year colleges or universities to continue their education toward advanced degrees and potential licensure in Social Work or related fields. Coursework focuses on skill development around core competencies for basic practice, including: interpersonal communication, case notes/writing/documentation, critical thinking, professional identity development, ethical and professional behavior, advocacy and social justice, cultural humility, and techniques for working with individuals and groups.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology	3
SWHS 300	Introduction to Social Work & Human Services	3
SWHS 302	Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations	3
SWHS 331	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 368	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
SWHS 350	Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services	3
SWHS 360	Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services	3
SWHS 366	Practices in Human Services	3
A minimum of 9 units from the following:		9
ADMJ 300	Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
ECE 312	Child Development (3)
ECE 314	The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ENGL C1001	Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
HIST 331	Women in American History (3)
PHIL 310	Introduction to Ethics (3)
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320	Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300	Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301	Social Problems (3)
SOC 321	Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341	Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379	Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 340	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWHS 365	Techniques for Working with Groups (3)
SWHS 367	Advanced Practices in Human Services (3)
SWHS 494	Topics in Human Services (0.5 - 4)
SWHS 498	Work Experience in Human Services (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		30

The Social Work/Human Services, General Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

define, describe, and demonstrate the basic skills, duties and responsibilities of a human services paraprofessional.
discuss and analyze human service and welfare systems, policies, and programs.
describe the ethical standards for Human Services & Social Work professionals and demonstrate effective use of a ethical decision-making model.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using core principles of equity, social justice, cultural humility, and person-centered practice.
identify and demonstrate effective techniques for working with individuals and/or groups.
evaluate developing identity as a skilled, ethical, and self-reflective social work/human services paraprofessional.
demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology, sociology and/or social work.
demonstrate proficiency in writing, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and introductory statistics.

Career Information

Job titles may include, but are not limited to: Case Manager; Behavioral Technician; Social and Human Service Specialist; Residential Advisors; Health Educator; Community Health Worker; Rehabilitation Specialist; Social and Community Service Specialist; Advocate; Mental/Behavioral Health Specialist; Peer Mentor/Peer Specialist; Service Coordinator

Certificate of Achievement

Human Services Specialist Certificate

The Human Services Specialist certificate program in Social Work/Human Services prepares students for employment in paraprofessional positions in human service settings. Coursework focuses on skill development around core competencies for basic practice, including: interpersonal communication, case notes/writing/documentation, critical thinking, professional identity development, ethical and professional behavior, advocacy and social justice, cultural humility, and techniques for working with individuals and groups. This program is aligned with coursework for the SWHS General AA degree, allowing students to continue forward in their career and educational pathways, if desired.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology	3
SWHS 300	Introduction to Social Work & Human Services	3
SWHS 302	Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations	3
SWHS 331	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 368	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
SWHS 350	Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services	3
SWHS 360	Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services	3
SWHS 366	Practices in Human Services	3
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
ADMJ 300	Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
ECE 312	Child Development (3)
ECE 314	The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ENGL C1001	Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
HIST 331	Women in American History (3)
PHIL 310	Introduction to Ethics (3)
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320	Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300	Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301	Social Problems (3)
SOC 321	Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341	Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379	Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 340	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWHS 365	Techniques for Working with Groups (3)
SWHS 367	Advanced Practices in Human Services (3)
SWHS 494	Topics in Human Services (0.5 - 4)
SWHS 498	Work Experience in Human Services (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		27

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

define, describe, and demonstrate the basic skills, duties and responsibilities of a human services paraprofessional.
discuss and analyze human service and welfare systems, policies, and programs.
describe the ethical standards for Human Services & Social Work professionals and demonstrate effective use of a ethical decision-making model.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using core principles of equity, social justice, cultural humility, and person-centered practice.
identify and demonstrate effective techniques for working with individuals and/or groups.
evaluate developing identity as a skilled, ethical, and self-reflective social work/human services. paraprofessional
demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology, sociology and/or social work.

Career Information

Job titles may include, but are not limited to: Social and Human Service Specialist; Residential Specialist; Health Education specialist; Community Health Assistant; Rehabilitation Specialist; Social and Community Service Specialist; Mental/Behavioral Health Specialist; Peer Mentor/Peer Specialist

Certificate

Human Services Paraprofessional Certificate

The Human Services Paraprofessional Certificate prepares students for employment in entry-level paraprofessional positions in human services settings. Coursework focuses on skill development around core competencies for basic practice, including: interpersonal communication, case notes/writing/documentation, and ethical & professional behavior. This program is aligned with coursework for the Human Services Specialist Certificate and SWHS General AA degree, allowing students to continue forward in their career and educational pathways, if desired.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
SWHS 300	Introduction to Social Work & Human Services	3
SWHS 302	Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations	3
SWHS 331	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 368	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
SWHS 350	Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services	3
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology	3
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
ADMJ 300	Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
ECE 312	Child Development (3)
ECE 314	The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ENGL C1001	Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
HIST 331	Women in American History (3)
PHIL 310	Introduction to Ethics (3)
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320	Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300	Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301	Social Problems (3)
SOC 321	Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341	Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379	Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 340	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWHS 360	Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services (3)
SWHS 365	Techniques for Working with Groups (3)
Total Units:		18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify, describe, and perform the basic skills, duties and responsibilities of a human services paraprofessional.
identify human service and welfare systems, policies, and programs.
accurately describe ethical standards for Human Services professionals and an ethical decision-making model.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse populations.

Career Information

Career Opportunities - Job titles include: Social and Human Service Assistants; Direct Care Support; In-Home Health Assistant; Residential Assistant; Day Program Assistant; Rehabilitation Assistant; Social and Community Service Assistant; Peer Mentor.

Social Work/Human Services (SWHS) Courses

SWHS 299 Experimental Offering in Social Work/Human Services

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.

SWHS 300 Introduction to Social Work & Human Services

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID SWHS 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course provides an introductory overview of the fields of social welfare, social work, and human services within the United States, with a critical evaluation of contemporary social issues and the various approaches to service delivery. Students examine the historical settings and circumstances that shaped the evolution of social welfare and the social work profession, focusing on key individuals, events, policies, and legislative acts. Emphasis is placed on core skills and knowledge including a fundamental understanding of the code of ethics, ethical decision-making, values, culturally-responsive practice, cultural humility, and the generalist perspective. Additionally, students explore the various career and academic pathways in the field.

SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course introduces the skills of communicating and relating to others by improving attitudes, values, and methods that enhance communication skills in human relations. This course will improve the students' interpersonal self-awareness skills and assertiveness techniques. This course is open to all students and is a required course for the Social Work/Human Services AA degree and certificate programs. This course is not open to students who have completed HSER 302.

SWHS 331 Cross Cultural Psychology

Same As:PSYC 368
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:PSYC C1000
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course explores the impact of cultural influences on the psychological and individual development of ethnic group members. Emphasis will be placed on integrating traditional theoretical approaches and current cross-cultural statistical research and theory in the study of African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native-Americans, gays & lesbians, the elderly, and the disabled. This course is not open to those who have completed PSYC 368 or HSER 331.

SWHS 340 Introduction to Chemical Dependency

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID ADS 110X
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This introductory course provides a historical and sociological perspective on the use, abuse, and social control of drugs associated with substance use disorder. Included are overviews of the biopsychosocial nature of addiction, the impact of addiction on children, families, and society. An overview of contemporary methods used in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment will be reviewed, including analysis of effective evidence-based strategies and local and national recovery resources. This course is not open to students who have completed HSER 340.

SWHS 350 Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:SWHS 366
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course introduces students to the skills, duties, and responsibilities of a human services paraprofessional, with a focus on legal and ethical obligations. Course topics include professional codes of conduct, ethical decision-making models,common social service interventions, crisis intervention, documentation, court mandated reporting, legislative mandates and laws pertaining to working with special populations. This is a required course for the Social Work/Human Services certificates and AA degree. This course is not open to students who have completed HSER 350.

SWHS 360 Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SWHS 302 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course introduces students to effective case management, counseling, and interviewing techniques as applied to associate paraprofessional experiences as counselors, group counselor aides, mental health workers, social service technicians and other new careers in human services. This is a required course for the Human Services Specialist certificate and the Social Work & Human Services General AA degree.

SWHS 365 Techniques for Working with Groups

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:SWHS 300 and 360
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course introduces the basic elements and techniques of groupwork. Through class discussions, in-class practice, and role plays students will learn the knowledge and skills needed for effective group facilitation. The course emphasizes different types of groups, stages of group process, and techniques for working with specific populations including individuals with substance use disorders and those from diverse backgrounds. This course is not open to students who have completed HSER 365.

SWHS 366 Practices in Human Services

Units:3
Hours:18 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:SWHS 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course provides students a supervised practicum experience in a community organization, agency, institution, or social service program, allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside of the classroom environment. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to observe, practice, and develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in a paraprofessional human services position. Weekly class meetings provide the academic element to this experiential learning course. The application of concepts gained in previous social work and human services courses will be emphasized. Students complete a total of 108 hours of work or volunteer experience in a practicum setting. Students must provide their own transportation to the practicum site.

SWHS 367 Advanced Practices in Human Services

Units:3
Hours:18 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:SWHS 366 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This advanced course provides students a supervised practicum experience in a community organization, agency, institution, or social service program, allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside of the classroom environment. This course is designed to build upon learning from the SWHS 366 practicum experience and provide the student with another opportunity to observe, practice, and develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in a paraprofessional human services position. Weekly class meetings provide the academic element to this experiential learning course. The application of concepts gained in previous social work and human services courses and previous practicum experience, will be emphasized. Students complete a total of 108 hours of work or volunteer experience in a practicum setting. Students must provide their own transportation to the practicum site.

SWHS 494 Topics in Human Services

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SWHS 300 and 350 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This practicum course provides research and classroom experience in designing programs for public and/or private agencies providing mental health, corrections, chemical dependency, and child/adolescent treatment services. Students integrate concepts, values, and skills acquired from previous courses and apply their knowledge to the process of helping others via project planning. This course is not open to students who have previously taken HSER 499: Experimental Offering in Human Services (Advanced Practices in Human Services). This course is not open to students who have completed SWHS 367.

SWHS 495 Independent Studies in Human Services

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

SWHS 498 Work Experience in Human Services

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Student must be in a paid or non-paid internship, volunteer opportunity, or job related to career interests.
Transferable:CSU
General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Social Work/Human Services. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 27 hours of related paid or unpaid work experience for .5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional .5 unit. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

SWHS 499 Experimental Offering in Social Work/Human Services

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.