Social and Community Services

What is Social and Community Services?

Social and Community Services is a career pathway focused on helping individuals, families and communities improve their quality of life. Professionals in this field provide guidance, resources and support to people facing personal, social, emotional and economic challenges. Students explore careers that promote well-being, strengthen communities and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Job Opportunities

Did you know?

Careers in Social and Community Services offer opportunities to make a meaningful impact while serving individuals and families in need. In Indiana, many entry-level human service positions can be pursued with a high school diploma and additional training, while careers such as social work and counseling typically require a college degree and professional licensure.

Students who pursue this pathway develop valuable skills in communication, leadership, problem-solving, empathy and community engagement, preparing them for rewarding careers dedicated to helping others.

Social and Community Services I (3 credit, 2 semester course)

Principles of Human Services

Principles of Human Services explores the history of human services, career opportunities, and the role of the human service worker. Focuses on target populations and community agencies designed to meet the needs of various populations. The course includes a required job shadowing project in a Human Services setting (a suggested four-hour minimum to meet Ivy Tech requirements). This course will also encourage cultural awareness and appreciation of diversity. Focuses on cultural variations in attitudes, values, language, gestures, and customs. Includes information about major racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

Fundamentals of Human Services

Fundamentals of Human Services examines key elements of effective delivery of human services. Topics of discussion include personal values, helping relationships, the impact of diversity, theories of helping, communication, problem-solving processes, crisis situations, abuse, and professional ethics. This course also provides training for identifying characteristics of a crisis and basic crisis intervention skills. Students will evaluate their own personal strengths and limitations and discuss the importance of professional development for the human service's social worker.

Advanced Social and Community Services

Advanced Social and Community Services provides students with the opportunity to increase their effectiveness in helping people. Students will examine the helping process in terms of skill, helping stages, and issues involved in a helping relationship. Additionally, background knowledge of the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and issues pertaining to the field will be provided.

Social and Community Services II (3 credit, 2 semester course)

Social and Community Services Capstone

This course offers a comprehensive overview of addiction, emphasizing the effects of various substances on the brain and body. Students will examine commonly abused drugs, including their origins, composition, therapeutic uses, and toxicology, as well as their impact on individuals, families, and society. Throughout the course students will be introduced to and develop basic interviewing skills, assessment strategies, and treatment planning. The course explores the symptoms and effects of substance abuse and dependence. After satisfactory completion of this course, students will have met the requirements to be a Certified Community Health Worker in Indiana through the Indiana Community Health Workers Association. A Community Health Worker is a frontline worker trained in care coordination, case management, coaching, and cultural competency. Through advanced level elective courses focusing on theories of behavior modification, students will develop an understanding of terms and practical applications of theoretical approaches used in working with people.