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Bachelor of Science in Social Work

In accordance with Republic Act 4373, also known as the “Social Work Law,” which officially recognizes the Social Work profession in the Philippines, the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) is an undergraduate program specifically designed to prepare students for the direct and inclusive practice of social work with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

The primary objective of this profession is to actively promote the growth, empowerment, and social progress of marginalized individuals, families, groups, and communities while addressing discrimination and inequality. The profession’s distinguishing characteristics lie in its commitment to facilitating social change, fostering empowerment, and employing problem-solving approaches within human relationships.

With the implementation of this law and the establishment of the BSSW curriculum, it becomes possible to differentiate a professional social worker from other professionals such as community development workers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, teachers, and others. These specific guidelines and requirements ensure that social workers possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to effectively carry out their duties and responsibilities.

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) is a comprehensive four-year program designed to prepare students for responsible entry into the human services. It provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in professional social work practice. It prepares students for direct practice in social work with individuals, families, groups and communities. The BSSW curriculum consists of general education courses and units of professional courses which cover four (4) curricular areas: human behavior and social environment; social welfare policies, programs and services; social work practice; and field instruction.

CCO’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) Program

The BSSW Program of the City College of Ormoc strives itself as the leading social work educational institution in Eastern Visayas Region, known for its academic excellence grounded in the balanced integration of theoretical and practical knowledge (praxis). This approach reflects students’ social consciousness and critical thinking abilities, enabling them to define effective strategies for addressing social issues, empowering individuals, families, groups, and communities, and implementing interventions and advocacy efforts that foster positive and lasting change. Demonstrating a commitment to CCO’s core values, CCO BSSW graduates are proactive Registered Social Workers equipped with multifaceted knowledge, skills, and a strong foundation in servant leadership and professional integrity. They excel in generalist social work practice, continuously developing their competencies, adaptability, and adeptness in addressing emerging issues locally and globally, contributing to positive social transformation and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Attributes of a CCO BSSW Graduate

R – Resilience

I – Integrity

S – Stewardship

E – Empowerment

C – Compassion

C – Competence & Excellence

O – Optimism

The BSSW Program of the City College of Ormoc embodies the program’s core values of resilience, integrity, stewardship, empowerment, compassion, competence & excellence, and optimism by integrating them into the educational experience, practice, and culture within the CCO BSSW community.

  1. Resilience: The BSSW Program instills resilience in its students by preparing them to face challenges and adversities encountered within and outside their academic life. By navigating these obstacles, students develop resilience, enabling them to adapt to changing circumstances and continue serving their clients and communities effectively.
  1. Integrity: Integrity is a fundamental value in social work, and the BSSW Program emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, honesty, and professionalism. Students are taught to uphold the highest ethical standards in their interactions with clients, colleagues, and the community, maintaining trust and credibility in their roles as social work professionals.
  1. Stewardship: The BSSW Program promotes stewardship by encouraging students to be responsible and accountable stewards of resources, both within the profession and in the broader community. Students learn to utilize resources efficiently and promote sustainable practices that contribute to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
  1. Empowerment: Central to social work practice, empowerment is emphasized in the BSSW Program. Students learn to recognize and build upon strengths, promote self-determination, and advocate for social change that enhances the empowerment of marginalized, vulnerable, and oppressed populations.
  1. Compassion: Compassion is at the heart of the social work profession. Students learn to demonstrate empathy, understanding, and sensitivity towards the experiences and needs of others, engaging in compassionate interventions that promote healing, resilience, and social justice.
  1. Competence & Excellence: The BSSW Program prioritizes competence and excellence in social work practice. Students receive comprehensive training in theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical principles essential for competent practice. They are encouraged to strive for excellence in all aspects of their work, continuously seeking opportunities for professional growth and development.
  1. Optimism: Encouraging students to maintain a hopeful outlook, the BSSW Program focuses on strengths, possibilities, and opportunities for positive change within individuals, families, and communities. By instilling optimism, students are empowered to tackle challenges and contribute to meaningful social change.

Top Skills to learn for a Social Worker

  • Communication Skills 
  • Empathy and Compassion 
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving 
  • Cultural Competence 
  • Ethical and Professional Integrity 
  • Advocacy and Social Justice 
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Organizational Skills 
  • Resilience and Self-Care 
  • Field Instruction and Practical Experience 
  • Case Management Skills 
  • Working with Individuals 
  • Working with Groups 
  • Working with Communities 
  • Policy Formulation and Analysis 
  • Research Skills 
  • Supervision and Leadership
  • Conflict Resolution 
  • Time Management 

Career Opportunities

  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Social Work Educator
  • Community Social Worker
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Geriatric Social Worker
  • Social Work Administrator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Researcher
  • Non-Profit Organization Manager
  • Court Social Worker
  • Military Social Worker
  • Industrial Social Worker
  • Public Health Social Worker
  • Disability Services Social Worker
  • Residential Care Social Worker
  • Human Resources Social Worker
  • Humanitarian Social Worker
  • Forensic Social Worker
  • Environmental Social Worker
  • Psychiatric Social Worker