Essential Skills for Social Services

Duration: 6 months (Full-time)

Course objectives

The (SCTP) Essential Skills for Social Services programme is a dynamic, multidisciplinary course designed to equip mid-careers switchers, fresh entrants or support staff aiming to work in roles such as Case Associate/ Case Coordinator, Social Work Associate, Programme Executive (Community Services), Community Befriender/ Support Worker, or Social Service Assistants with the critical competencies demanded in today’s evolving social service landscape. Focusing on three integrated domains - Adaptive Skills, Technology Skills, and Technical Skills, this programme cultivates a holistic skillset essential for impactful community work. Graduates of the SCTP Programme will be job-ready with foundational knowledge and workplace exposure, aligned with the needs of Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)-funded agencies, voluntary welfare organisations, social service agencies, and integrated community teams.

Course description

By the end of this programme, participants will be equipped with a comprehensive set of skills designed to enhance their impact in social services and community work.

They will:

1. Develop adaptive skills that foster resilience and empathy, enabling participants to support clients and communities with both sensitivity and strength. These foundational capacities will empower them to respond effectively to diverse challenges and needs.

2. Gain proficiency in technology skills, including the use of digital tools for case management and social work practices, an understanding of data literacy tailored to social services, the application of tech-enabled strategies for engaging communities, and the fundamentals of cybersecurity and confidentiality vital for client work.

3. Acquire technical skills that encompass sector-specific knowledge and practical approaches for social work and community development. This includes effective strategies for working with vulnerable populations, building and sustaining community partnerships, navigating available resources, and developing robust caregiver support and client engagement techniques.
   
   Through this multifaceted curriculum, participants will be empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities they serve.

The course duration is six months, offering a total of 16 modules. 

Course Structure

Modules run by RP over three months:

1. Introduction to Social Work and Community Development

2. Working with Vulnerable Populations

3. Community Partnership and Resource Navigation

4. Caregiver Support and Client Engagement Strategies

5. Dementia Care Training

Modules run by NTUC Learning Hub over two months:

1. Preparing Oneself to Adapt to Changing Roles in the Workplace

2. Enhancing Resilience and Self-care through Effective Stress Management

3. Professional Legal and Ethical Healthcare Practice

4. Support Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Care Delivery

5. Workplace Health and Safety

6. Practice Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare

7. Emergency Care Management

8. Data and Statistical Analytics in Healthcare

9. Managing Abuse and Violence in Healthcare