Social Services Careers
Careers in social services are challenging but incredibly rewarding, and our dual program emphasis in Substance Abuse Counseling and Social Work ensures that you’ll learn not only the theory and psychology of your future career but also the intangible relational skills that will set you apart from your peers in the workplace.
DCCCD’s Social Work Program
Time and time again, our graduates comment that the education they received in our certificate or associate programs rivals that of bachelor’s and master’s programs to which they transferred. That testifies to the excellent reputation locally and nationally of Eastfield’s Substance Abuse Counseling and Social Work programs.
Social Work and Substance Abuse Counseling
Because the skills sets and qualifications of both programs are closely related and integrated, Substance Abuse Counseling and Social Work are offered with integral class components and with many of the same faculty members. Please see an academic advisor to help you decide on the career path that will best fit your personal and professional goals and the emphasis programs that will best support those goals.
Social Work Degree and Certificate Options
Social Work Associate – Generalist Associate in Applied Sciences Degree
Our associate degree program in Social Work prepares you for entry-level employment in public and private social service agencies. The program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, values and sensitivity to serve effectively in a variety of community settings. Students have the option to select courses that will prepare them to work either in general social services or in specialized social services for chemical abuse or the aging.
Gerontology Certificate
Our country’s aging population is one of its most important demographic trends, with the age group over 60 growing more rapidly than any other major population group. Job opportunities are booming for those who have a background in gerontology (the study of aging) and can provide skilled care and services to older adults. The study of gerontology also complements a variety of existing degree and certificate programs; nearly every service-oriented discipline has a branch devoted to aging. This certificate provides specific skills and knowledge to be able to work effectively with older adults.
Human Services Certificate
Associate degree majors in Social Work and Substance Abuse Counseling can obtain cross-training in the delivery of human services to aging clients with this 34-hour certificate. Students choose a concentration in either Substance Abuse Counseling or Social Work courses.
Our Integrated Program With Substance Abuse Counseling Gives You Twice the Skills Set
Our programs of Substance Abuse Counseling and Social Work are closely integrated and share a program coordinator, many faculty members and several common courses. Please check with a career counselor or one of our faculty members to find the career path that will best fit your educational goals.
Substance Abuse Counseling Associate in Applied Sciences Degree
Our associate degree program in Substance Abuse Counseling is designed to prepare qualified and competent workers to enter the field of human services and to provide specialized services to individuals and their families experiencing the affects of substance abuse. The program provides graduates the necessary education requirements for testing and licensure as a licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC).
After finishing required classroom instruction, students gain work experience as counselor interns (CIs). Cooperative work experience provides a structured, supervised practicum in off-campus laboratory sites approved by the program.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse Prevention Certificate
This 18-hour certificate provides cross-training for helping professionals in social service agencies and faith-based communities, focusing on co-occurring disorders.
Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
This 33-hour certificate provide cross-training for helping interdisciplinary professionals such as bachelor’s- and master’s-level social workers, counselors, psychologists, nurses and criminal justice workers, among others. It also trains students for employment as a counselor intern. Students are required to complete a 336-hour practicum experience at an approved agency before applying for counselor intern status from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Other Degree and Certificate Options
The Dallas County Community College District offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus 36 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location or visit our credit programs home page.