SOCIAL SERVICES CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Certificate in Gerontological Social Services
Even though the elderly are the fastest growing group in society, there is a serious shortage of workers with specialized training in aging, which this certificate provides. The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that most of the projected growth in social and human service assistant jobs over the next decade is due to the growing demand for services for older persons, so the knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through this certificate will be invaluable. All social workers will benefit from understanding changes that occur with aging, services that are available for older adults and their caregivers, and techniques for communicating effectively with older persons.

Our CERTIFICATE IN GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL SERVICES is a 34-credit program that you can complete independent of an associate degree. However, most students fulfill requirements for this certificate while also completing an ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN SOCIAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY. This enhances employability and broadens career opportunities.

The primary purposes of the CERTIFICATE IN GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL SERVICES are to do the following:

• Prepare individuals for social service employment in nursing homes, adult day care centers, retirement communities, senior centers, nutrition sites, and similar settings in the field of aging
• Enhance employability for all Social Services Technology students by providing valuable knowledge, skills, and attitudes beneficial for diverse career interests
• Strengthen the knowledge and skills of individuals currently working with older adults
• Address the serious shortage of workers with gerontological training

You can receive both the CERTIFICATE IN GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL SERVICES and a CERTIFICATE IN THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES with only four credits beyond an ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN SOCIAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY. Both certificates are beneficial regardless of your career interests.

Even if you don’t think now that you want to work with older adults, it is very likely that you will use the practical knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you gain. Many certificate recipients who never planned to work in aging are doing so today. And, the good news is that they are enjoying it very much!
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Certificate in Mental Health Social Services
As our newest program, this certificate has been developed because of an increased need in Wayne County for individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to work in paraprofessional positions in mental health settings. It combines core courses from the associate degree program with two additional courses that provide specialized content on mental illness and therapeutic techniques for working in mental health. This certificate is beneficial for social service positions such as Crisis Assistant, Vocational Rehabilitation Assistant, Family Resource Specialist, and Mental Health Technician and for providing services to individuals with severe mental and emotional disabilities.
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Certificate in Therapeutic Activities
This short-term certificate prepares individuals for entry-level positions in activities in long-term care--an area that has frequent job openings. It combines two courses required for the gerontology certificate with a “hands on” course devoted to learning how to meet psychosocial needs through individual and group therapeutic activities. These techniques and skills are applicable in diverse settings and fields of practice and with numerous populations, such as children and adolescents, persons struggling with addiction, and mentally and physically disabled individuals. Therapeutic activity skills also benefit social workers who work with groups.

Regardless of your career interests, the CERTIFICATE IN THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES will strengthen your employability and provide valuable knowledge and skills. While the CERTIFICATE IN THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES focuses on the field of aging, the certificate provides content that is useful to anyone completing our CERTIFICATE IN GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL SERVICES, our ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN SOCIAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. It is also beneficial if you are currently employed in social services.

You can receive our CERTIFICATE IN THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES after completing only 10 credits. However, with the “career ladder” approach that our Social Services Technology programs use, it is possible to apply 9 of these credits toward the CERTIFICATE IN GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL SERVICES. All but four credits required for both certificates can then apply toward an ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN SOCIAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY through our Associate Degree/Baccalaureate Transfer Program. With an associate degree, you expand your career opportunities, because it qualifies you to be registered in Ohio as a Social Work Assistant. It also provides the first half of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work if you choose to continue your education through the University’s School of Social Work.
Click Here for Curriculum Guide (PDF)