Social Services

Overview

The Social Services certificate at River Valley is a fantastic way to explore a fulfilling career in social services and care. Students learn the fundamentals of working in social services and get to explore different career opportunities through a variety of classes. This certificate is a great addition to any resume or the first pathway into the world of social services.

Why RVCC?

Social services at River Valley is designed around family friendliness. Students can attend part-time or full-time, and can start in any semester. Courses are offered on campus and online to accommodate multiple different learners.

Career Options

• Head Start centers
• Area agencies
• Homeless shelters
• City and state offices
• Behavioral and mental health centers
• Crisis centers

The Social Services Program shares in the mission of River Valley Community College to prepare individuals to enter into the workforce, to advance in their chosen career as social services professionals, and to prepare for continued study, including academic transfer.  This program is also committed to inspire students to become change-agents.

We recognize and respect that students in the Social Services Program have varied career goals, both short-term and long-range.  We work to meet these varied student needs.

We believe that the overall design of the social services curriculum should reflect current interdisciplinary knowledge.  We strive to provide a strong foundation for our students.

Program Goals

RVCC’s Social Services Certificate Program provides students with entry-level knowledge and skills needed to provide appropriate care and support within a person-centered system.

Program Outcomes

RVCC’s Social Services Program combines theory and practical experiences.  The curriculum includes core topics of study:

• Child and Human Development
• Diverse Populations of Communities
• General Psychology
• Sociology
• Systems Theory
• Service Coordination
• Interpersonal Communication Skills
• Ethics & Professionalism

The Social Services certificate is an open enrollment program. This means we accept students once they are accepted to River Valley; no requirements necessary. At RVCC, we believe all students should be able to complete a degree and be able to transfer or start their career as smoothly as possible.

If you have any questions about the Social Services certificate, please do not hesitate to request information or reach out to the faculty.