Social Work and Chemical Dependency
Overview
The Social Work program provides preparation for employment as a paraprofessional aide with agencies such as correctional institutions, parole, probation, welfare, rehabilitation, mental health, schools, and childcare centers.
A special option is Chemical Dependency Studies, which provides preparation for paraprofessional work with public or private agencies dealing with chemical dependency and addiction.
- Dean Matt Wright
- HomeBase Which?
- Email archser@arc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees
A.A. in Chemical Dependency Studies
The degree program in Chemical Dependency Studies centers around the specific skills and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive drug and alcohol counseling. Course work includes the twelve counselor core function applications in addiction screening: intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, client's education, client's rights, confidentiality, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HEED 310 | Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED | 1 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 305 | Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3) | |
| or PSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3) | |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 481 | Honors Abnormal Behavior (3) | |
| SWCD 300 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SWCD 310 | Ethical Issues and Client's Rights | 3 |
| SWCD 330 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 365 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | |
| SWCD 340 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 400 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | |
| SWCD 341 | Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 401 | Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3) | |
| SWCD 342 | Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3) | 31 |
| or PSYC 402 | Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3) | |
| SWCD 360 | Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling | 3 |
| SWCD 362 | Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency | 3 |
| SWCD 365 | Techniques of Group Counseling | 32 |
| A minimum of 4 units from the following: | 43 | |
| SWCD 498 | Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4) | |
| Total Units: | 38 | |
1If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.
2If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.
3Chemical Dependency Certificate or AA students must complete a minimum of 255 internship hours for SWCD 498.
The Chemical Dependency Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the components of a quality chemical dependency counseling program.
- demonstrate the twelve essential counseling skills as they apply to chemical dependency and recovery processes.
- utilize counseling strategies based on examination of scientific theories of addiction.
- identify the community resources used in assisting clients with addiction issues.
- appraise and apply the knowledge of California Professional Codes of Ethics for Drug and Alcohol counselors.
- evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.
Career Information
Upon completion of the A.A. degree a student possesses the coursework required for initial certification as a California drug and alcohol counselor (CDAC).
A.A. in Social Work
The A.A. degree program in Social Work centers around the broad array of entry level skills and abilities effectively used in social service delivery systems. Coursework includes the twelve helper core function applications in client screening, intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, consultation, client's rights, confidentiality, crisis intervention, client's education, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HEED 310 | Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED | 1 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 305 | Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3) | |
| or PSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3) | |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 481 | Honors Abnormal Behavior (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | 3 |
| or SOC 480 | Introductory Sociology - Honors (3) | |
| SWCD 300 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SWCD 310 | Ethical Issues and Client's Rights | 3 |
| SWCD 330 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 365 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | |
| SWCD 340 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 400 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | |
| SWCD 360 | Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling | 3 |
| SWCD 362 | Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency | 3 |
| SWCD 365 | Techniques of Group Counseling | 31 |
| A minimum of 2 units from the following: | 2 | |
| These units do not need to be taken in one semester. | ||
| SWCD 498 | Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4) | |
| Total Units: | 33 | |
1If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.
The Social Work Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- define the functions of social service delivery systems.
- analyze public policy issues, complexities and controversies affecting social service agencies and their clients.
- integrate different theoretical approaches in working with clients.
- identify the community resources used in assisting clients.
- appraise and apply the knowledge of existing California professional codes of ethics for the helping professions.
- describe the application of clients' rights in the social service delivery system.
- evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.
Certificates of Achievement
Chemical Dependency Studies Certificate
The certificate program in Chemical Dependency Studies centers around the specific skills and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive drug and alcohol counseling. Course work includes the twelve counselor core function applications in addiction screening: intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, client's education, client's rights, confidentiality, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HEED 310 | Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED | 1 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 305 | Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3) | |
| or PSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3) | |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 481 | Honors Abnormal Behavior (3) | |
| SWCD 300 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SWCD 310 | Ethical Issues and Client's Rights | 3 |
| SWCD 330 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 365 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | |
| SWCD 340 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 400 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | |
| SWCD 341 | Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 401 | Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3) | |
| SWCD 342 | Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3) | 31 |
| or PSYC 402 | Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3) | |
| SWCD 360 | Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling | 3 |
| SWCD 362 | Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency | 3 |
| SWCD 365 | Techniques of Group Counseling | 32 |
| A minimum of 4 units from the following: | 43 | |
| SWCD 498 | Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4) | |
| Total Units: | 38 | |
1If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.
2If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.
3Chemical Dependency Certificate or AA students must complete a minimum of 255 internship hours for SWCD 498.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the components of a quality chemical dependency counseling program.
- demonstrate the twelve essential counseling skills as they apply to chemical dependency and recovery processes.
- utilize counseling strategies based on examination of scientific theories of addiction.
- identify the community resources used in assisting clients with addiction issues.
- appraise and apply the knowledge of California Professional Codes of Ethics for Drug and Alcohol counselors.
- evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.
Career Information
Upon completion of the certificate a student possesses the coursework required for initial certification as a California drug and alcohol counselor (CDAC).
Mental Behavioral Health Certificate
The Apprenticeship certificate program in Mental Behavioral Health centers around the specific skills and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive mental behavioral health counseling. Course work includes chemical dependency, abnormal behavior, co-occurring disorders, confidentiality, professional ethics, diversity, managing crises, and client screening, education, and counseling. Upon completion of the certificate students will be equipped for entry level counseling and case management positions in behavioral health programs that treat individuals with persistent mental illness.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BUSTEC 126 | Outlook: Basics (1) | 1 |
| or CISA 126 | Outlook: Basics (1) | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | 3 |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior | 3 |
| SWCD 300 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SWCD 310 | Ethical Issues and Client's Rights | 3 |
| SWCD 330 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 365 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | |
| SWCD 340 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 400 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | |
| SWCD 360 | Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling | 3 |
| SWCD 365 | Techniques of Group Counseling | 3 |
| A minimum of 16 units from the following: | 16 | |
| APPRT 498 | Work Experience in Apprenticeable (Occupation) (0.5 - 6) | |
| or SWCD 498 | Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4) | |
| Total Units: | 41 | |
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- High School graduate or GED
- Engaged in learning a designated occupation and who has entered into a written apprentice agreement to participate in an apprenticeship program for a designated occupation under Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Apprentice agreement must be approved by the apprenticeship committee.
Enrollment Process
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Apprentice selection process - Facilitated by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC): Application, aptitude assessment, interview with JAC and participating employer, selection and confirmation, apprentice and employer notification.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- critically examine the psychological, physiological, and sociocultural issues related to substance use, misuse, and abuse.
- describe specific mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.
- analyze existing California Professional Codes of Ethics.
- evaluate and apply appropriate approaches in dealing with a variety of problems including but not limited to: mental illness, addiction, housing, unemployment, and relationship distress.
- develop and implement culturally responsive prevention, intervention, and/or resolution to identified issues and problems affecting diverse populations.
Social Work Certificate
The certificate in Social Work centers around the broad array of entry level skills and abilities effectively used in social service delivery systems. Coursework includes the twelve helper core function applications in client screening, intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, consultation, client's rights, confidentiality, crisis intervention, client's education, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HEED 310 | Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED | 1 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 305 | Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3) | |
| or PSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3) | |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 481 | Honors Abnormal Behavior (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | 3 |
| or SOC 480 | Introductory Sociology - Honors (3) | |
| SWCD 300 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SWCD 310 | Ethical Issues and Client's Rights | 3 |
| SWCD 330 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 365 | Issues of Diverse Populations (3) | |
| SWCD 340 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 400 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) | |
| SWCD 360 | Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling | 3 |
| SWCD 362 | Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency | 3 |
| SWCD 365 | Techniques of Group Counseling | 31 |
| A minimum of 2 units from the following: | 2 | |
| These units do not need to be taken in one semester. | ||
| SWCD 498 | Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4) | |
| Total Units: | 33 | |
1If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- define the functions of social service delivery systems.
- analyze public policy issues, complexities and controversies affecting social service agencies and their clients.
- integrate different theoretical approaches in working with clients.
- identify the community resources used in assisting clients.
- appraise and apply the knowledge of existing California professional codes of ethics for the helping professions.
- describe the application of clients' rights in the social service delivery system.
- evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.
Social Work and Chemical Dependency (SWCD) Courses
SWCD 299 Experimental Offering in Social Work and Chemical Dependency
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
SWCD 300 Introduction to Social Work
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4
- C-ID:C-ID SWHS 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a comprehensive overview of the fields of social work, human services, and mental health in public and private agencies. Students examine the historical policies, legislative acts, key individuals and social circumstances that shaped human services, social work and mental health within the United States. The emphasis of this course is placed on knowledge, skills and abilities in the understanding of roles as health workers, developing competence in culturally-responsive practices, enhancing and developing communication skills in the helping field, and examining attitudes and values that enhance effective intervention in problem situations. It also emphasizes the roles and skills of associate professionals, such as but not limited to drug and alcohol counselors, mental health workers, activity directors with the elderly, and adolescent and child welfare assistants. It is required that students volunteer at an off-campus site location for 8 hours. Additionally, students will also explore the various career and academic pathways in the field. This course was previously known as HSER 300 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss the historical evolution of social work, human services and mental health in the United States.
- distinguish between the different client populations most commonly served by social work, human services professionals.
- compare and contrast the different functions of social work agencies in both the private and public sectors.
- compare and contrast the duties and responsibilities of workers in a variety of social work, human services positions.
- understand diverse client populations with special attention to culturally-responsive practices most commonly served by human services workers, social workers.
- analyze and examine the legal system, major court decisions, public policy issues, controversies, and complexities affecting social work/human service agencies and clients.
- compare different theoretical approaches for working with clients.
- describe career opportunities in the field of human services/social work.
- demonstrate an awareness of feelings, concerns, and ideas of others as expressed verbally and through body and tonal messages.
- identify and apply the legal requirements, ethical codes, and professional responsibilities when working with social work and human service organizations.
SWCD 310 Ethical Issues and Client's Rights
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:SWCD 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a comprehensive exploration of the basic ethical issues involving social work delivery. Topics include professional ethics, confidentiality, counselor and clients' rights, and other areas involving ethical controversies. This course was previously known as HSER 310 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the state and federal laws most often violated in social work delivery.
- analyze existing California Professional Codes of Ethics.
- describe the application of clients' rights in social work agencies and institutions.
- evaluate appropriate professional behavior in social work agencies and institutions.
- examine one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- compare and contrast privacy and confidentiality as they apply legally and ethically in the field.
SWCD 330 Issues of Diverse Populations
- Same As:PSYC 365
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a study of the values, problems, issues, concerns, and counseling needs of diverse populations by race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical/cognitive/emotional/developmental ability, and age. It also explores the cognitive and emotional aspects of prejudice as it relates to interpersonal, cultural, and institutional discrimination. This course was previously known as HSER 330 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course or to students who have completed PSYC 365.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and examine specific values, beliefs, and experiences of diverse populations by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity, ability/disability, age, and socioeconomic class.
- evaluate the impact of bias, stereotyped thinking, prejudice, and discrimination in working with diverse populations.
- analyze the issues of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, and classism as they relate to working with diverse populations.
- develop culturally responsive prevention, intervention, and/or resolution to identified issues and problems affecting diverse populations.
- assess one's personal attitudes regarding diverse populations.
SWCD 340 Introduction to Chemical Dependency
- Same As:PSYC 400
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L7B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course examines the biopsychosociocultural effects of chemical dependency on the individual and the family. It includes an analysis of alcohol and drug use; misuse and abuse across age, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and economic conditions contributing to substance abuse; and a description of community efforts at prevention and treatment. This course was previously known as HSER 340 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course or to students who have completed PSYC 400.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the psychological, physiological, and sociocultural issues related to substance use, misuse, and abuse.
- describe the psychological and physiological progression of substance abuse.
- examine the dynamics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, and economic conditions inherent in substance use, misuse, and abuse situations including alcohol and drug preferences and codependency.
- compare and contrast the key components of assessment and recovery programs for alcoholism and drug abuse including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA), inpatient and outpatient treatment agencies, and private and public harm reduction initiatives.
SWCD 341 Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs
- Same As:PSYC 401
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:PSYC 400 and SWCD 340 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a study of the absorption, metabolism, and the mechanism of action of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs including opiates, stimulants, depressants, cannabinoids, and psychedelics. It includes the pharmacological mechanisms as well as the social and psychological implications of tolerance, habituation, and substance abuse of the user and abuser. This course was previously known as HSER 341 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course or to students who have completed PSYC 401.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and explain the biological, social, and psychological implications of psychoactive drug use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- compare the effects of each class of psychoactive drugs upon the human brain and body.
- predict the effects of psychoactive drugs on behavior based on the pharmacology of each drug.
- analyze issues and challenges in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction.
- explain why high rates of relapse are common in substance abuse recovery based on pharmacological and neurological principles related to substance use and abuse.
- evaluate new research in the fields of psychopharmacology and addiction based on an understanding of pharmacological principles.
- demonstrate an understanding of basic pharmacology principles such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
SWCD 342 Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery
- Same As:PSYC 402
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:PSYC 401 and SWCD 341 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a study and evaluation of techniques used in the treatment of alcohol dependency. This course will cover both physical and psychological effects of alcohol use, abuse and the impact on family and society. Topics include prevention, intervention, individual and group counseling, detoxification, twelve-step program, therapeutic communities, aftercare programs, harm reduction and addressing high risk drinking. This course was previously known as HSER 341 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course or to students who have completed PSYC 402.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze drug and alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- compare various theories of drug and alcohol addiction.
- differentiate treatment issues of drug and alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- describe treatment methods and counseling approaches of drug and alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- describe how alcohol abuse impacts the individual, family and community.
- identify harm reduction, addiction treatment services, and after care programs for sub-populations such as: adolescents, pregnant teens and women, college students, women, individuals with co-occurring disorders, and older adults.
SWCD 360 Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:SWCD 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:SWCD 310
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
The course includes: a survey of interview and counseling techniques appropriate for paraprofessionals in mental health, corrections, and substance abuse counseling. It includes case management practices and skills. Practices and skills include: interviewing techniques, using assessment forms, developing treatment plans, monitoring referrals, notetaking and documentation, learning and practicing effective communication. This course was previously known as HSER 360 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate techniques for interviewing and counseling.
- analyze and apply appropriate approaches in dealing with a variety of problems including but not limited to: mental illness, addiction, housing, unemployment, and relationship distress.
- demonstrate an awareness of one's own reactions to clients, based on one's own past experiences.
- demonstrate the techniques of interviewing and counseling appropriate for associate level helpers in social service agency settings.
- identify effective communication.
- demonstrate the ability to complete assessments.
- understand documentations, forms and record keeping.
SWCD 362 Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:Students must take HSER/SWCD 498 (Work Experience in Human Services) concurrently unless they are in the second semester of their Chemical Dependency internship and have already successfully completed HSER/SWCD 365 (Techniques of Group Counseling).
- Enrollment Limitation:Completion of the American River College Human Services process for doing an internship.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides advanced study and applied integration of human services theory to prepare students for field experience. It covers techniques in applying concepts, values, and skills acquired in other core courses related to the process of helping others. Students must take HSER/SWCD 498 concurrently unless they are in the second semester of their Chemical Dependency internship and have already successfully completed HSER/SWCD 365. This course was previously known as HSER 362 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define and apply the twelve core functions of counseling for successful employment in the fields of social work and/or chemical dependency.
- identify and evaluate ethical and legal issues related to interventions with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities in generalist practices and chemical dependency.
- demonstrate understanding of principles related to accurate client charting and documentation.
- demonstrate cultural competence and humility in working with diverse client populations.
- differentiate among the community resources used for referring clients.
- integrate personal growth and development goals with professional growth and development goals.
SWCD 365 Techniques of Group Counseling
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:SWCD 360 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course covers the basic elements of group counseling with the goal of developing effective techniques for conducting groups. Ethical issues are compared and analyzed. Emphasis is on the use of facilitating skills, exploring group dynamics, understanding group procedures and knowledge of the stages of group process. This course was previously known as HSER 365 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the general goals of the group counseling experience including group process components.
- analyze ethical and professional issues in group experiences.
- describe rights of group participants and/or obligations of group leaders.
- demonstrate multiple group techniques of counseling.
- analyze the theoretical and practical approaches used by successful group leaders.
- demonstrate growth in self-understanding and in communicating with group members from the LGBTQ, racial trauma, addiction, mental illness and poverty.
- demonstrate knowledge of the principles of group dynamics, including group process components, development of group stages and group member roles and behaviors.
- demonstrate techniques for each stage of group counseling: initial, transitional, working and final stage.
- be able to select criteria to develop group proposal skills and methods of evaluation of effectiveness of group leadership skills.
SWCD 495 Independent Studies in Social Work and Chemical Dependency
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
SWCD 498 Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Before students can participate in the Work Experience program, Los Rios Community College District must have a signed Employer Agreement on file with the student’s employer. If the employer already has an active agreement with the district (viewable at losrios.edu/wexpemployeragreement), no further action is required. In addition, students must have a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job that aligns with their career goals and a cooperating worksite supervisor who will sign all required course documents. Dual enrollment students are not permitted to enroll in Work Experience courses. Students are advised to consult with the Human Services Program faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L7B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides students with opportunities to reflect on their current skills, knowledge and abilities and explore how these are work assets and how these can be enhanced and/or developed to increase employability within the field of human services. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.
During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units.
Students new to Work Experience will be required to engage weekly while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. All students are required to attend the first course meeting.
Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times. Students are encouraged to develop new or expanded learning objectives in consultation with their employer when the course is repeated. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate application of industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in a field of human services to a transfer degree level career as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- make effective decisions, use workforce information, and manage their personal career plans.
- behave professionally, ethically, and legally during work, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational norms.
- behave responsibly during work, exhibiting initiative and self-management in situations where it is needed.
- apply effective leadership styles during work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity.
- communicate in oral, written, and other formats, as needed, in a variety of contexts during work.
- locate, organize, evaluate, and reference information during work.
- demonstrate originality and inventiveness during work by combining ideas or information in new ways, making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshaping goals in ways that reveal new possibilities using critical and creative thinking skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
SWCD 499 Experimental Offering in Social Work and Chemical Dependency
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.