Faculty: Vocational School This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of social services, focusing on the support and empowerment of individuals, families, and communities. Students explore key areas such as social work, counseling, community development, and social policy. The program emphasizes empathy, advocacy, and the application of social service techniques to address social issues and improve quality of life. Graduates are prepared for careers in social work, counseling, community outreach, and nonprofit organizations. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of social services and their role in society. - Develop skills in case management, counseling, and crisis intervention. - Learn techniques for community development and social advocacy. - Explore the role of social policy and its impact on vulnerable populations. - Understand the principles of ethical practice and cultural competence in social services. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in the field of social services. - Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for social service projects. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Social Services** - Overview of the field, its history, and its importance in addressing social issues. 2. **Social Work Practice** - Study of social work theories, case management, and client assessment. - Techniques for providing support and intervention to individuals and families. 3. **Counseling and Crisis Intervention** - Fundamentals of counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. - Techniques for helping clients cope with emotional and psychological challenges. 4. **Community Development and Advocacy** - Principles of community organizing, resource mobilization, and social advocacy. - Techniques for empowering communities and addressing social inequalities. 5. **Social Policy and Welfare** - Exploration of social policies, welfare programs, and their impact on vulnerable populations. - Techniques for analyzing and advocating for policy changes. 6. **Ethics and Cultural Competence in Social Services** - Study of ethical principles, professional boundaries, and cultural competence. - Techniques for ensuring respectful and effective service delivery to diverse populations. 7. **Emerging Trends in Social Services** - Analysis of innovations such as digital social work, telehealth, and integrated care models. - Techniques for adapting to new trends and technologies in the field. 8. **Capstone Project in Social Services** - Real-world project to apply learned skills in case management, community development, or policy advocacy. - Techniques for delivering a comprehensive social service solution. **Assessment Methods:** - Case studies and simulations of social service scenarios. - Written assignments on social work practice, counseling, and social policy. - Group projects in community development and advocacy. - Participation in internships or fieldwork with social service agencies, nonprofits, or community organizations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Social Work: An Introduction to the Profession" by Elizabeth A. Segal, Karen E. Gerdes, and Sue Steiner. - "The Social Work Skills Workbook" by Barry R. Cournoyer. - "Community Organizing and Development" by Herbert J. Rubin and Irene S. Rubin. - "Social Policy and Social Change: Toward the Creation of Social and Economic Justice" by Jillian Jimenez, Eileen Mayers Pasztor, and Rebecca L. Hegar. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of social sciences, psychology, or sociology is recommended. Suitable for students in social work, psychology, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years, including coursework, fieldwork, and internships. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Social Services or a related field and may pursue additional certifications (e.g., Licensed Social Worker, LSW). **Target Audience:** Aspiring social workers, counselors, community organizers, and nonprofit professionals seeking to excel in supporting and empowering individuals and communities. This major equips students with the empathetic, advocacy, and problem-solving skills needed to excel in social services, driving positive social change and improving quality of life for vulnerable populations.