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Social Work, Human Services & Counseling

Reshape and improve individuals and communities

Human services promote or enhance an individual's well-being. This program serves as a college and career pathway for social work, human services and counseling practices, and offers a variety of focus areas, service-based learning opportunities, and additional career certificates.

Programs of Study

  • A
    Associate Degree
  • T
    Transfer Degree
  • C
    Credit Certificate
  • N
    Non-Credit
  • Limited Enrollment
    Limited Enrollment
  • Online Options Available
    Online Options

The Social Work, Human Services, & Counseling Practices program prepares students for entry-level paraprofessional work opportunities, or for transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, and counseling practices.

Students learn effective case management skills, group facilitation, and a general understanding of theories guiding practice. Students analyze ethical dilemmas and consider how ethics and values guide the decision-making process and service delivery, identify the role of the helper in advocacy for social justice with respect to all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, and how to deliver equitable services for all populations. Service-based learning opportunities, personal growth and professional development are provided.

Program Code

MAS987/MCE987

The Behavioral Therapist Certificate of Achievement prepares students for various paraprofessional positions providing behavior analytic therapy and behavior analytic interventions. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work as entry-level employees in a variety of settings including agencies hiring behavioral therapists, behavior interventionists and ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapists.

Program Code

MCE1044

Multicultural Counseling & Advocacy Resources provides training in the area of case management, conflict-resolution, counseling theories and techniques, community services, needs assessment, etc. Students will learn how to work with individuals, families and communities which are representative of diverse populations, including, but not limited to African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American clients.

Students will be able to transition into entry-level employment in multicultural counseling.

Program Code

MCE1039

The Justice System Studies certificate provides a foundational understanding of how to implement social justice theory and advocacy techniques to respond to community needs. Students learn how to provide services to individuals and their families including, but not limited to, human trafficking survivors and perpetrators, youth in gangs, youth on probation, adults on parole, clients within residential treatment programs and within correctional facilities.

Program Code

MCE988

The Military Social Work Certificate equips students with an educational foundation of the principles, theories and practices on the career pathway of military social work. Studies touch upon the unique culture of military families, their resilience, and the challenges of military life, with an emphasis is on family studies and family psychology of serving veterans and active duty US Armed Forces; an understanding of trauma-focused counseling; mental health and substance abuse counseling; and public assistance and benefits.

Program Code

MCE903

The Employment Support Specialization program prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills to provide employment support for individuals with disabilities and their family members.

Students will be able to assist individuals in becoming employable and self-sufficient, to provide follow-up services to help individuals maintain employment, and to assist individuals with knowledge about employment benefits, eligibility requirements and available services and resources.

Program Code

MCE802

The Drug and Alcohol Studies program prepares students to build strong competencies in drug and alcohol addiction and to prepare for paraprofessional positions. Graduates develop the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes required to be effective in the treatment of alcohol and other drug dependency and abuse in a variety of treatment settings. Graduates will be prepared to work as entry-level employees under the direct supervision of social workers and other human services professionals.

This certificate will overview direct provision of substance abuse specific services, provision of other support services, early detection, assessment, referral/linkage, mobilization of self-help, advocacy, community development, education, case management, and research. 

Program Code

MCE1045

The Child Welfare and Family Studies Certificate of Achievement prepares students for various paraprofessional positions in child welfare, such as child care worker in a group home/residential setting social service intake specialist, social worker assistant or foster family intake worker. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work as entry-level employees in a variety of settings such as group homes, foster family agencies, adoption agencies, halfway houses, mental health and juvenile correctional facilities, and family, child and service agencies under the direct supervision of social workers and other human services professionals in public and non-profit social service agencies.

Program Code

MCE1038

More Ways to Learn

A program with meaning

Social Work program overview video
Learn why the Social Work, Human Services, and Counseling program is an amazing option at MVC through student and local testimonials.

Why pursue a career in human services?

If helping people and communities is important to you, pursuing studies in human services can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Whether you seek to enter mental health, employment services, disability assistance, or community health, human services can help you get there. Plus, MVC offers integrated service-based learning opportunities, so you'll have a chance to build your resume, gain hands-on experience, prepare for transfer, connect with peers and eventual colleagues, and respond to the needs of local communities. 

What You'll Learn

  • Effective case management skills, group facilitation, and a general understanding of theories which guide practice in social work, human services, and counseling practices.
  • Complete and reflect upon service-based learning experience.
  • How to increase the capacity for self-awareness and personal growth.
  • How to identify client strengths in response to needs and map available community resources.
  • The ability to discuss, analyze and explain the ethical standards that guide service delivery in social work, human services, and counseling practices.

Career Options

  • Mental Health Case Manager
  • Job Coach or Employment Specialist
  • Social Services Intake Specialist
  • Community Health Worker