Social Work and Human Services

The Certificate of Achievement in Social Work and Human Services is designed as a career-focused program with a strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) emphasis. Its primary goal is to prepare students for the workforce by equipping them with the knowledge, hands-on skills, and fieldwork experience needed for entry-level employment in the social work and human services sector. Students completing the certificate develop practical, job-ready competencies in counseling, case management, client advocacy, communication, and professional ethics—skills that are essential for directly supporting individuals, families, and communities. Coursework is complemented by a two-semester, faculty-coordinated internship in partnership with community-based agencies, giving students valuable real-world experience and professional connections. The program also builds a solid academic foundation through courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Human Services and Social Work, and Clinical Counseling Law and Ethics. While its central purpose is workforce readiness, the certificate is aligned with the AA-T in Social Work and Human Services and partially aligned with the AA-T in Psychology and the AA in Addiction Studies, offering students multiple options for continued education and career advancement. Graduates are prepared for a range of entry-level career opportunities, including positions as community and social service specialists, social and human services assistants, community outreach workers, family services advocates, child welfare specialists, and geriatric services assistants. 

The primary goal of this program is workforce preparation with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) focus. It equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, and fieldwork experience necessary for entry-level employment in the social work and human services sector. Students completing the Certificate of Achievement in Social Work and Human Services develop competencies in counseling, case management, client advocacy, communication, and professional ethics—essential skills for supporting individuals and communities. Academic preparation includes courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Human Services and Social Work, and Clinical Counseling Law and Ethics. In addition, core requirements feature a two-semester internship through Field Work courses, coordinated by faculty in collaboration with community-based agencies. This certificate is aligned with the AA-T in Social Work & Human Services, providing students with a clear and seamless pathway toward completing the degree, if that is their goal. It also offers partial alignment with the AA-T in Psychology and the AA in Addiction Studies, ensuring students have multiple avenues for continued academic growth and career preparation in human services. Possible career options include community and social service specialist, social and human services assistant, community outreach worker, family services advocate, child welfare specialist, and geriatric services assistant. 

A Social Work and Human Services, AA-T is offered at West Los Angeles College.