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Certificate of Achievement
Social Services Assistant

The Social Services Assistant Certificate of Achievement provides a foundation for students interested in the fields of social services, human services, community outreach, and related areas. The certificate also offers a foundation for students interested in paraprofessional jobs in social service fields.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
HUSR 111 - Human Services in Contemporary SocietyM3.0
HUSR 111 - Human Services in Contemporary Society (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is an introduction to the history and philosophy of human services in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on the function and objectives of human services organizations as well as the qualifications of human services professionals. A survey of the populations served in the field focuses on cultural, social, economic, and historical trends. The course is designed for students pursuing careers in human services, social work, counseling, or community organizing.

HUSR 124 - Introduction to Case Management and DocumentationM3.0
HUSR 124 - Introduction to Case Management and Documentation (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course introduces students to case management and documentation in a variety of settings. In the course, students study the purpose, function, and rationale for case management. In addition, the documentation of client clinical records is covered, with emphasis placed on taking social histories and writing treatment plans. Additionally, the professional guidelines necessary for working with clients in social services settings are covered, providing students with an understanding of issues related to ethics, client rights, and confidentiality. This class is designed for students interested in working in social services settings.

HUSR 130 - Essential Counseling SkillsM3.0
HUSR 130 - Essential Counseling Skills (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course focuses on critical counseling skills and strategies within a multicultural context. The course provides a vital orientation to the helping process and the counseling profession. Current issues within the counseling profession, such as diversity and multiculturalism, are discussed and integrated throughout the course. A unique focus is given to the students' growth and development as counselors, and how they can use supervision best in this developmental process; as such, the course would be beneficial to anyone working in human services or social services settings.

SOC 102 - Major Social ProblemsM3.0
SOC 102 - Major Social Problems (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the definition, development, reduction, and elimination of major social problems in contemporary society. Topics include problems of mental and physical health, including addictions, crime and violence, social inequality, terrorism and war, and technology and the environment. Various social theories and relevant empirical research are critically examined throughout the course.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
2nd Semester
HUSR 199A - Seminar in Human ServicesM1.0
HUSR 199A - Seminar in Human Services (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101 or HUSR 111
Corequisite: HUSR 199B
Transfers to: CSU

This course is corequisite with Fieldwork in Human Services (HUSR 199B), providing the academic element to the experiential course offering and reinforcing the application of concepts learned in prerequisite courses. Together, HUSR 199A and HUSR 199B provide supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution, allowing students to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside the classroom environment..

HUSR 199B - Work Experience Education/Internship in Human Services-Related FieldsM2.0
HUSR 199B - Work Experience Education/Internship in Human Services-Related Fields (2.0 units)

p>Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
Corequisite:HUSR 199A
Transfers to: CSU

The corequisite courses HUSR 199A and 199B provide students with a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution, allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside of the classroom environment. In this course students take the theories and principles learned in the classroom and apply them to their work in a field setting. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in the human services field.

Select one: AJ 101 / AJ 250 / CD 106 / CD 208 / CHST 150 / CORR 101 / EGSS 110 / EGSS 130 / HUSR 120 / HUSR 122 / HUSR 123 / PSY 101 / PSY 101H / PSY 114 / PSY 121 / PSY 127 / SOC 101 / SOC 101H / SOC 105 / SOC 110 / SOC 114 / SOC 116 / SOC 120 / SOC 127 / SOC 130 M3.0
AJ 101 - Introduction to Administration of Justice (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system of the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the criminal justice system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped these principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross-cultural context, emphasis is placed on the justice system of the United States, and particularly the structure and function of the police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, sentencing, and incarceration policies.

AJ 250 - Contemporary Issues in the Criminal Justice System (3.0 units)

Advisory:AJ 101; AJ 102
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide Administration of Justice or other interested students with an in-depth understanding of personal and organizational values, beliefs, attitudes and ethics as they affect contemporary issues in the criminal justice system. Particular emphasis is placed on the historical foundations that serve as a basis for contemporary decision making. Specific issues taken up in discussions will vary from semester to semester.

CD 106 - Child Growth and Development (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following coursers: CD 106 or PSY 112)

This course provides an overview of human growth from conception to adolescence. The theories of development relevant to life through the teenage years are introduced, and the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of these early stages of life are addressed. This course is appropriate for students preparing for a profession working with children and their families, or those interested in furthering their understanding of child and adolescent development. This course is also designed to meet the Department of Social Services Classification DS1 and applies toward the State of California Title 5 requirement for the Child Development Permit.

CD 208 - Child, Family, and Community (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students desiring to work with children in a group setting, as well as for parents and others who wish to further their understanding of how the socio-cultural environment affects the developing child. The course examines the historical and contemporary interrelationship of family, school and community on child development. The process of socialization and identity formation will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families. This course meets the Department of Social Services Classification Indicator DS2 and the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CHST 150 - Chicana/o/x Politics (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course examines U.S. history and political issues relevant to the Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x community. The course provides an overview of demographic changes in the U.S. and examines political activism and political leadership. Students interested in this course may include individuals with familial or personal connections to the Chicana/o/x (Mexican-American) community and/or those intending to work in environments with high concentrations of this population.

CORR 101 - Introduction to Corrections (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with an overview of the history and trends of adult and juvenile corrections. It focuses on probation, parole, legal issues, specific laws and the general operation of correctional institutions. The relationship between corrections and other components of the justice system is also examined. This course has been identified by the Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST) Board of the Peace Officers Association as fulfilling the educational requirements of the CPOST Certificate for newly-hired officers after July 1, 1995 by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation(CDCR) and California Youth Authority (CYA).

EGSS 110 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity in the United States. Focusing on the socioeconomic and political experiences of Black Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Chicanx/Latinx Americans, the course surveys topics such as colonization, decolonization, racialization, indigeneity, immigration, intersectionality, social justice movements, cultural expression and resistance, and major theories of race and ethnicity.

EGSS 130 - Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is an introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) Studies, and examines LGBTQ+ Studies as an interdisciplinary field. In particular, the course takes up the influences of history, politics, media, and health care as they relate to the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout this course, students work toward a deeper understanding of the intersectional dynamics of privilege and oppression as significant LGBTQ+ issues.

HUSR 120 - Introduction to Rehabilitation Services (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the field of rehabilitation services. The course presents an orientation to federal/state and private rehabilitation/community agencies, which are involved in facilitating the rehabilitation and treatment processes of individuals. An historical, philosophical, and social overview of rehabilitation counseling is provided, as is coverage of the private/state agencies and community support that assist people with disabilities. A wide variety of different issues related to the professions of rehabilitation is discussed in detail. In the course, students learn to analyze the personal, social, and vocational implications of a disability in an individual's life and in their participation in a community.

HUSR 122 - Introduction to Group Leadership and Process (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an introduction to the dynamics of group interaction, where an individual's firsthand experience is emphasized as the group studies itself under supervision. The factors involved in problems of communication, effective emotional responses, and personal growth are highlighted, and group process is examined as a means of changing behavior. This course is suitable for students interested in furthering their understanding of group dynamics and those interested in supervising groups dedicated to achieving behavioral change.

HUSR 123 - Drug Education and Prevention (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding of substance dependence and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for such problems. It addresses the history, theories, models, and approaches to substance abuse education and prevention. In addition to an academic look at drug abuse, students also explore and examine their own values and beliefs about substance use and misuse. The impact of public policy, the media, and drug education programs on drug use are additional topics that are considered.

PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSY 101 or PSY 101H)

This course is designed as a general introduction to psychology for psychology majors, those with an interest in psychology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human behavior. It provides an overview of the field of psychology, introducing students to the research methods used to advance the science of psychology and the various areas that comprise this diverse discipline. Research and theories are presented, discussed, and evaluated. Topics covered include biological psychology, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, cognition, personality, psychopathology and social psychology.

PSY 101H - Introductory Psychology Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSY 101 or PSY 101H)

This course is designed as a general introduction to psychology for psychology majors, those with an interest in psychology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human behavior. It provides an overview of the field of psychology, introducing students to the research methods used to advance the science of psychology and the various areas that comprise this diverse discipline. Research and theories are presented, discussed, and evaluated. Topics covered include biological psychology, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, cognition, personality, psychopathology and social psychology. This course is intended for those who meet Honors Program requirements.

PSY 114 - Introduction to Abnormal Psychology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course provides an introduction to the study of abnormal behavior for psychology majors, those with an interest in mental illness, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of how psychological "abnormalities" are defined, studied, and treated. The classification, assessment and treatment of psychological disorders will be explored. Students will not only develop an understanding of the etiology and diagnosis of such disorders, as based upon the criteria provided in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ("DSM"), but develop an appreciation of the cultural, historical and theoretical influences that affect the definitions and treatment of abnormal behavior.

PSY 121 - Drugs, Society, and Behavior (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is for the student who seeks a basic understanding of the effects of drugs of abuse and an in-depth consideration of the societal aspects of psychoactive drugs. It is designed for those students interested in furthering their understanding of psychoactive drugs and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for drug problems. Current and historical uses of and attitudes towards drugs will be addressed, as well as drug use disorders, drug legislation, and treatment options. Societal and cultural differences will also be noted.

PSY 127 - Introduction to the Physiological Effects of Drugs of Abuse (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC/CSU

This course is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding of psychoactive drugs, and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for drug problems. The course examines the pharmacological actions of drugs of abuse as they relate to the physiological and behavioral effects of such drugs, and emphasizes the properties of drugs that increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorders.

SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SOC 101 or SOC 101H)

This course is designed for students with an interest in the discipline of sociology, or anyone who wants to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. Using several theoretical points of view, students study and analyze the organization of social life; problems of inequality, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class, and lifestyle; the basic social institutions of family, religion, and economics; and global issues related to technology, social movements, and social change.

SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: Enrollment is restricted to those who meet Honors Program requirements (minimum GPA of 3.0);completion of ENGL 101 and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SOC 101 or SOC 101H)

This course is designed for students with an interest in the discipline of sociology, or anyone who wants to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. Using several theoretical points of view, students study and analyze the organization of social life; problems of inequality, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class, and lifestyle;the basic social institutions of family, religion, and economics; and global issues related to technology, social movements, and social change. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.

SOC 105 - Introduction to Human Sexuality (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students interested in the social scientific study of human sexuality. The course provides students with knowledge about the processes and variation in sexual functions, reproduction, intimate relationships, sexual and gender role development, and sexual activities. The social, cultural, and historical contexts of human sexuality are critically analyzed; and numerous factors involved in human sexuality are explored, emphasizing sexuality as a form of human interaction.

SOC 110 - Human Sexuality from a Cross-Cultural Perspective (Same as ANTH 110) (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is for students interested in human sexuality from a cross-cultural perspective. Sexual anatomy, development, response, and behavior will be examined, along with historical and cultural patterns. Students will learn about the development and expression of gender and orientation from both Western and non-Western perspectives, with an emphasis on the influence of culture on individuals.

SOC 114 - Hookups, Breakups, and Makeups (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students interested in examining issues such as marriage, family, and emerging alternative lifestyles from a sociological perspective. The course explores love, sexuality, mate selection, and engagement preceding traditional marriage and family patterns; extra-marital and non-marital unions; singles; and future trends in intimate relationship styles.

SOC 116 - Power, Oppression, and Privilege: Race and Ethnic Relations (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of multiethnic, multiracial societies. The course presents an overview of the structure and character of racial and ethnic relations in the United States and abroad. Students gain knowledge of the treatment and experiences of a variety of racial and ethnic groups and gain insight into the complex social features of intergroup contact.

SOC 120 - She, He, They: Intersections of Gender (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

In this course students explore how gender shapes peoples' lives and the world around them. Using a sociological perspective, students will examine gender as a social construction rather than a simple biological difference. Topics may include cultural ideas of gender, gender and the economy, politics, the media, families, and education. This course is designed for students who want to learn more about the social connections of gender, and how the importance of gender differences are reinforced in society today.

SOC 127 - Introduction to Criminology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students interested in the subject of criminology. The scientific analysis of the nature, extent, and causes of violations of societal rules of behavior formally defined as crime and delinquency is emphasized. The course includes an analysis of the development of criminal law and the administration of criminal justice; the patterns of criminality and delinquency; the impact of crime on social change; and the labeling, identification, characteristics, and treatment of criminals and delinquents.

SOC 130 - Introduction to Disability Studies (3.0 units)

Advisory:SOC 101
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course introduces the topic of disability studies from a sociological perspective. Students learn definitions and distinctions involved in the study of disabilities, which include various theories and models of disability. The course is designed for students who want to learn about the connections between disability and society, including the culture of disability and ableism, the relationship between disability and various social institutions, and the intersectional relationship between disabled and other marginalized groups.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Total Units for Social Services Assistant COA program 18.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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