SOW 130 - Community Resources

Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course introduces students to community-based resources, public services and voluntary agencies that address a wide range of human needs. Students examine how local, state and federal systems respond to poverty, health disparities, family issues, addiction and structural oppression. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate resources, navigating service systems and making culturally responsive referrals. Students gain practical skills in researching and evaluating resources through digital platforms and community engagement, with a focus on advocating for equitable access to services for marginalized populations.

CSWE Required Competencies

This course is designed in accordance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). As a foundational course in the social work curriculum, SOW 130 addresses competencies required for accredited social work programs. The following competencies align with the course learning outcomes and prepare students for continued study and future licensure pathways:

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Competency 2: Engage Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in Practice
Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism in Practice
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Summarize major social issues and service delivery responses across governmental and nonprofit systems. (CSWE Competencies 2, 5)
Identify community-based resources that address needs in areas such as housing, healthcare, education and behavioral health. (CSWE Competencies 5, 6)
Demonstrate how to locate and evaluate digital directories, service networks and agency information. (CSWE Competency 1)
Illustrate the process of making ethical and culturally informed referrals to community resources. (CSWE Competencies 1, 2, 6)
Recognize the specific needs of at-risk and vulnerable populations and the barriers they face in accessing services. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3, 6)
Apply basic systems thinking to analyze how social services respond to structural challenges. (CSWE Competencies 5, 6)

Listed Topics

Overview of the U.S. social service system
Community needs assessment
Navigating government and nonprofit agencies
Access to housing, education, healthcare and food assistance
Drug and alcohol treatment services
Correctional and reentry services
Employment and workforce development
Services for children, older adults and people with disabilities
Racism, sexism and structural inequality in service access
Making ethical, culturally informed referrals
Using technology to locate and track services
Advocacy for underserved communities

Reference Materials
Current textbook/materials as deemed appropriate by instructor

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Communication

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 05/14/2025
Last Reviewed: 05/14/2025

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