Social Service, A.S.

The curriculum prepares students for employment as mental health aides, group residence workers, neighborhood outreach workers, social casework assistants and other similar positions. In many instances, social service workers are employed under the supervision of a social worker, or in some cases a psychologist. Employment opportunities exist in such areas as day care, nursery school education, mental health, group and community work at the public and private levels.

The Capital Community College A.S. degree in Social Services articulates with the Central Connecticut State University Bachelor of Social Work, the University of Saint Joseph B.A. Social Work program, and the University of Connecticut Urban and Communities Studies and Human Development and Family Studies.

Students have the option of declaring a major in Social Services, Social Services: Family and Child Studies Option, A.S. , or Social Service: Mental Health Option, A.S.  .

Graduates are prepared to pursue further education at colleges leading to a baccalaureate degree in several professional areas including social work, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, education and counseling.

Please read the following information regarding service learning. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience of our students. Students enrolled in courses that are designated SL (service learning courses) are required to conduct 25 hours of community service (per course). Details of the actual service learning experience will be provided by the course instructors. Students are expected to conduct service learning hours inside and outside the institution. Note that the service learning assignment is required of all students registered in the course.

At Capital Community College, service learning is incorporated in four courses (they have been designated with SL) by offering students individual service opportunities or by creating project-based service activities for a group of students or for the entire class. Service learning hours can be done at the college or in the community.

CSCU Pathway Transfer Degree in Social Work Studies A.A. also available. For more information, visit http://www.ct.edu/transfer or consult the Counseling Office at 860-906-5040.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Social Services degree program requirements, graduates will:

1. Explain the history and development of human services in the United States
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the social welfare as a system designed to serve people, groups, community and society
3. Use appropriate human service practice skills within the context of providing social services
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the language, terms, and concepts used in the social work profession
5. Design a community needs assessment and community asset research project
6. Use appropriate social work practice skills within the context of providing human services
7. Analyze the social planning, community planning, social action, community development, and advocacy activities in human service agencies
8. Explain interventions and strategies for assisting individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of human diversity, discrimination, and oppression on individuals and society

Please see Becoming Connecticut State Community College  for important information regarding this program and Fall 2023 opening of Connecticut State Community College.