Social Work – Introductory (Certificate)

Social Work instructor

Social Work – Introductory Overview

The 18-credit Social Work – Introductory (Certificate) will offer students a valuable starting point for a career in Human Services. It provides a comprehensive overview of the helping professions while developing essential skills such as communication, empathy, active listening, and problem-solving. The Social Work – Introductory (Certificate) will increase a student's opportunities for employment and advancement in Human Services work and serve as a stepping stone to further education or specialized training.

Students will learn from both classroom and real-world fieldwork experiences while receiving support and guidance from program faculty. By participating in hands-on experiences, students will be able to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations in the workplace environment. Students will be matched with agencies based on their skills and interests and assist with entry-level agency operations, assessment, intervention, case planning, and documentation at the field practicum site.

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Contact Us

Dr. Kari Dupuis, Program Advisor
kdupuis@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4506

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View suggested pathway to graduation by semester

  • Job Growth and Wages

    The increased need for elderly care, mental health services, treatment of substance use disorders, and public health and preventative care are all expected to contribute to strong employment demand for community and social service occupations throughout the next decade. Some of the fastest-growing occupations in this group include substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors; marriage and family therapists; and community health workers, which are all projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 – 2032. US Bureau of Labor Statistics

    US Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Job Titles/Career Options
    • Client Support Worker
    • Direct Care Staff
    • Program Assistant
    • Case Manager
    • Community Outreach Specialist
    • Crisis Intervention/Social Service/Human Resources Specialist
    • Nonprofit/ Human Services Administrator
    • Marketing Researcher
    • Mental Health Worker
    • Child Adoption Specialist
  • Local Employers
    • Brien Center
    • Service Net
    • Christian Center
    • Berkshire County ARC
    • United Way
    • Pediatric Development Center
    • Berkshire Children and Families
    • Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center (Girls Inc.)
    • Council on Aging
    • United Cerebral Palsy
  • Full- and Part-time Schedules

    The following is a suggestion for completing the Social Work – Introductory (Certificate) in less than one year. The actual time needed to complete the certificate will vary according to each student's individual needs. Most credits are stackable into other HSV programs. Complete in one year with a part-time schedule. Flexible start dates and multiple course platforms are offered: face-to-face, hybrid and online.

    Full-time Schedule

    Semester 1

    • HSV 104: Student Success
    • HSV-111: Introduction to Human Services
    • ENG Composition

    Semester 2

    • HSV 115: Intro to Mental Health
    • HSV 135: Community Resources
    • HSV-151/161: Field Work Seminar I and Practicum I
    Part-time Schedule

    Semester 1

    • HSV 104: Student Success
    • HSV-111: Introduction to Human Services

    Semester 2

    • HSV 115: Intro to Mental Health
    • HSV 135: Community Resources

    Semester 3

    • English Composition
    • HSV-151/161: Field Work Seminar I and Practicum I