The Social Work Youth Work Basic  Certificate is a specialized academic pathway that aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to work effectively with children, young people, and their families. The curriculum comprehensively studies human behavior, child development, family dynamics, social welfare problems, and policies. Additionally, the program addresses the legal and ethical considerations involved in working with vulnerable populations. By the end of the program, completers are expected to be competent and compassionate professionals ready to advocate for the rights and well-being of children, youth, and families and to contribute to the development of supportive and inclusive communities.

Related Degrees and Certificates

• Social Work: Youth Work, Basic Certificate
• Social Work: Generalist, Associate in Applied Science

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
ENGLISH 101	Composition	3
SOC SER 101	Introduction To Social Work	3
SOC SER 215	Social Prob & Soc Action I	3
SOC SER 248	Principles Of Youth & Group Work	3
MENHLTH 223	Intro To Addictions Studies	3
Total Hours		15

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Social Work: Youth Work. This does not represent a contract or guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, students will earn a Basic Certificate (BC) in Social Work: Youth Work.

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
ENGLISH 101	Composition	3
SOC SER 101	Introduction To Social Work	3
SOC SER 215	Social Prob & Soc Action I	3
	Hours	9
Semester 2
SOC SER 248	Principles Of Youth & Group Work	3
MENHLTH 223	Intro To Addictions Studies	3
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	15

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Careers

This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.

Social and Human Service Assistants

Job Description

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

• View Annual Wages
• View Hourly Wages

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$35,441
Median 50th Percentile	$44,089
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$60,074

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$17
Median 50th Percentile	$21
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$29

Annual Job Openings

1371 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program	% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less	10.41%
A certificate	0.00%
Some college	16.21%
An Associate degree	17.99%
A Bachelor's degree	40.46%
A Master's or Professional degree	11.16%
A Doctoral degree or more	3.77%

55.39% continue their education beyond an associate degree