Workforce Development
Social Service Provider Academy
The Social Service Provider Academy (SSPA) houses four Workforce Development initiatives in King County. These scholarship programs, described below, are for clients and entry-level staff in housing and homeless services to build skills for employment in the field. SSPA provides training and education towards in-demand professions. Catholic Community Services (CCS) believes that providing pathways for clients and staff to build and advance their careers in social services is valuable in:
- Providing educational opportunities to people impacted by racism and poverty
- Increasing access to living-wage jobs
- Providing agencies with trained social service staff with relevant lived experiences
Address
100 23rd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98144
Fax number: 206-324-4835
Contact Information:
General Inquiries: Heidi Neff, 206-556-5443, heidin@ccsww.org
General Inquiries, ASSET: Kerry Cooley-Stroum, 206-773-3342, kerrycs@ccsww.org
Aspiring Social Service Employee Training Program (ASSET)
ASSET is an employment preparation program offered by Catholic Community Services for CCS/CHS King County clients with lived experience of homelessness and poverty. This program includes classroom and hands-on experience in housing and homeless services. The on-site classes are designed for current and former CCS/CHS clients to build skills for employment at CCS and other social service providers. ASSET provides case management support. ASSET certificate, non-credit classes.
ASSET Scholars
ASSET Scholars is offered by CCSKC in partnership with Seattle Central College for service provider direct-services staff. This program offers an opportunity for students who have had barriers to college to test out college while taking 1-2 human services classes. Classes include both a content instructor and an academic support instructor, and there is also support from a college navigator. Participants earn 5 college credits applicable toward SCC’s two and four-year degrees, and can accumulate to a Case Manager Certificate (see below). With this program, we ask students to be current entry-level, frontline or direct services employees working for housing & homelessness service providers.
Case Management Certificate
The Case Management Certificate is offered by Seattle Central College in partnership with CCS. This certificate of Human Services coursework builds skills in case management including harm reduction and trauma informed care. Students will earn 45 credits that can be applied to Seattle Central’s 2- and 4-year degrees. Students are supported by an Education Navigator. Students can enter this certificate in the summer or fall, starting with the ASSET Scholars program, described above.
Housing & Shelter Facility Operations (Maintenance) Certificate
The Housing & Shelter Facility Operations (HSFO)/Maintenance Certificate is a college certificate program offered at Highline College in partnership with CCS. This program includes coursework in human services, hospitality, and facility maintenance, and prepares students for in-demand maintenance and facility positions in shelters, supportive housing, and hotels. This certificate requires 19 completed credits which can be applied to Highline’s 2- and 4-year degrees. A paid maintenance internship is also available. Students who pursue this certificate will be supported by an Education Navigator.
