Social work is the term given to organizations and institutions that work for the welfare of people, by offering social services that improve the quality of life and living standards. Social services are offered by social workers who are employed by these organizations. They are committed towards creating a positive change in the development of the underprivileged community in the society. Services may include education, medical, counseling, basic needs, shelter, food, and many more.
Certificate in Social Services 
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Certificate in Social Services
Social Services Certificate is an educational program that has been designed for individuals who wish to join the social services sector. A Social Services Certificate is normally attained after completing a graduate degree or a post graduate degree. The purpose of the certificate is to provide necessary knowledge and training that can start an individual’s career in the field of social work. This certificate can also be used to enhance or improve job positions for people already employed in the field. Certificate in Social Services are available through online schools as well.
Curriculum
The duration of the Certificate in Social Services ranges from 8 months to 12 months, depending on the university and state. The curriculum of the certificate has been devised in such a way that enables students to absorb maximum knowledge. The outline of the program has been drafted to provide students thorough understanding of social work theories and their applications. Students gain insight in to various aspects of this field and develop problem solving skills.
The curriculum comprises of lectures, assignments, and practical work with social service organizations. Certificate in Social Services cover a wide range of topics, following are a few:
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Sociology
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Human behavior
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Cultural diversity
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Research methodology
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Economics
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Politics
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Statistics
Social Services Certification
It is compulsory that every social worker is certified and licensed before joining social services field. Social Services Certification and licensing is issued by The Social Worker Board of each state. Individuals must appear for the Social Worker Examinations conducted by the board in order to obtain licenses. Organizations and agencies working in this field prefer hiring licensed individuals as well.
Job Outlook
Students who have earned a Certificate in Social Services and have attained a social worker license can pursue different types of jobs like:
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Child social worker
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Family social worker
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School social worker
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Medical social worker
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Mental health social worker
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Social counselors
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Human service assistants
The level of salaries varies with each occupation and the level of qualification. However it has been estimated that social workers earn a yearly salary that ranges somewhere between $23,974 and $51,130.
How long does it take to get a Certificate in Social Services?
Typically, it can take 6 months to a couple of years to get certified. This applies to certificates in social services as well. Certificate programs are a good way to specialize in a sub-field without spending too much time or money on a degree. You only need 32 credit hours to complete a certificate program in social services and it can open up a wide avenue of opportunities for you.
What are the requirements to get a Certificate in Social Services?
To get a certificate in social services, you need to choose a specialty and complete around 32 credit hours. Some of the courses you may need to take during your program are listed below. These do not apply to every program but most students are usually required to take rudimentary courses on:
• Community Organization
• Ethics
• Public Policy
• Data Analysis
• Human Behavior
How much can I make with a Certificate in Social Services?
Generally, you are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field so you cannot become a social worker with just a certificate. However, a certificate program adds value to your credentials. The median wage for social workers as of May 2018 was $49,470 per year and $23.79 per hour. The number of jobs available in the field in 2016 was 682,100. This figure is expected to grow faster than average and result in 109,700 new jobs between 2016 and 2026.