Social Work Assistant
Associate of Applied Science
Overview
This generalist perspective human services inter-disciplinary program prepares qualified individuals for entry-level positions in a wide variety of human services and social work assistant settings serving individuals, families, groups and communities by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth through knowledge-based learning, experiential processes, community involvement and practical experience under the direct supervision of professionals in local agencies. This program recognizes that the human service profession offers many possible career paths that work with various populations as a social work assistant, human service practitioner, chemical dependency counselor assistant, case manager, intake coordinator, group leader and many others. The most rewarding aspect of a helping profession career is the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference.
The social work assistant program is designed for flexibility. You can:
- attend full time or part time, or complete an accelerated program
- gain hands-on skills with our fully online courses
- complete your practicum experience in your local community
With this degree you’ll be ready to begin working in social work right away. You will also be prepared to continue your education if you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
License/Credentialing Eligibility
Graduates who have successfully completed the program are eligible to apply for registration as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
Graduates who have successfully completed the program have fulfilled a portion of the requirements necessary for licensure as a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant and components of the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II) and prevention specialist certification through the State of Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.
Graduates who have successfully completed the program are eligible to apply and take the examination for the Human Services – Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP).
Future Start Dates
Admission Requirements
This is an open enrollment program. To be admitted, students must submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll.
Plan of Study
Program Outcomes
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this generalist perspective human services interdisciplinary program is to prepare qualified individuals for entry-level positions in a wide variety of human services and social work assistant settings serving individuals, families, groups and communities by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth through knowledge-based learning, experiential processes, community involvement and practical experience under direct supervision of professionals in local agencies. This program recognizes that the human service profession offers many possible career paths that work with various populations as a social work assistant, human service practitioner, chemical dependency counselor assistant, case manager, intake coordinator, group leader and many others.
Program Outcomes
To accomplish the stated purpose of the Social Work Assistant Program, the following student learning outcomes have been developed.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the human services and social work assistant in a variety of social service settings.
- Examine current social and mental health issues and their impact on society, including substance abuse and dependence.
- Compare and contrast a variety of family systems and multi-dimensional systems in relation to human behaviors and the environments.
- Apply interpersonal skills in helping relationships, including crisis intervention and group dynamics.
- Apply case management skills, including documentation, assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
- Demonstrate the ability to adhere to professional, ethical standards, including confidentiality, sensitivity when working with diverse populations and responsibility for professional growth.
Program Accreditation
The social work assistant program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). It is one of two programs in the state of Ohio nationally accredited.
Transfer Options
Students interested in continuing on to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has several transfer agreement with four-year colleges.
The Ohio State University — BSSW
Capital University — BSW
Mount Vernon Nazarene University — BSW
Indiana Wesleyan — Addiction Counseling
Indiana Wesleyan — Human Services
University of Cincinnati — Social Work
Students who know they want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work can also consider completing the Associate of Arts in Social Work. The Associate of Arts in Social Work is intended to transfer to any public, four-year college or university in Ohio. Students should only pursue this option if they know they want to continue to a bachelor’s degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Current Students
Resources
Social Work Assistant Practicum Handbook 2025-26