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    Welcome to Community Social Services

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    Turn Your Life Experience into a Career

    Our program offers flexible entry, hands-on training, and strong community connections to prepare you for work in social services, substance abuse counseling, and case management. No prior experience or degree is needed—just a commitment to making a difference. With pathways to employment, further training, and transfer opportunities, COSER provides the support and education you need to create change in your community. Learn more about the available courses here and reach out to mparazo@peralta.edu with any questions.

    “This program has given me the tools to become a substance abuse counselor as well as the opportunity to give back to my community.” - COSER Alumni

    COSER Tabling Photo

    No matter where you're starting from, COSER is here to help you take the next step toward your future.

    • You can begin classes in any semester. All of our courses are offered in the evening - perfect for working students!

    • There’s no GED required, and support is built in through tutoring and mentoring with Street Scholars. 
    • Need a laptop? We've got you covered with a free laptop loan program and computer training to build your skills. 
    • COSER welcomes all students, including those with criminal records, and offers financial aid that doesn’t require taking out loans. We even help with book costs—because your success should never be out of reach. 
    Certificate of Achievement (CA) – Community Social Services/ Substance Abuse (48 units)

    click to view currently offered COSER courses

    Fall 

    • COSER 21 Psychology/Pharmacology of Drugs of Abuse (3 units) 
    • COSER 29 Working with Diverse Populations (3 units) 
    • COSER 476C Cooperative Education (Internship) (3 units) 
    • COSER 42 Counseling Skills and Substance Abuse (3 units) 

    Spring

    • COSER 16B Communication: Families in Crisis (3 units) 
    • COSER 20 Group Dynamics: Working with Small Groups (3 units) 
    • COSER 27 Crisis Management for Substance Abuse (3 units) 
    • COSER 476C Cooperative Education (Internship) (3 units) 

    Fall

    • COSER 10 Community Resources and Social Policy (3 units) 
    • COSER 26 Case Management for Substance Abuse Paraprofessionals (3 units) 
    • COSER 28 Dual Diagnosis: Mental Illness and Drug Abuse (3 units) 
    • COSER 476C Cooperative Education (Internship) (3 units) 

    Spring

    • COSER 22 Social Psychology of Substance/Drug Abuse (3 units) 
    • COSER 25 Maintaining Sobriety and Relapse Prevention (3 units) 
    • COSER 41 Substance Abuse and the Law (3 units)
    • HLTED 1 Exploring Health Issues (3 units)
    Associate in Arts Degree (AA) – Community Social Services/Substance Abuse (62-63 units)

    Degrees are awarded upon the satisfactory completion of the major course and General Education requirements.

    ENGL 1A Composition and Reading (4 units) is also required.

    click to view currently offered COSER courses

    Contact Information

     

    Faculty Instructor
    Program Coordinator
    Department Chair
    M. Biancca Parazo
    mparazo@peralta.edu
    (341) 208-8070

     

    Diane Chang

    Interim Dean of Division II: Math, Science, Technology, and Allied Health
    Diane Chang
    Building S-441
    dtchang@peralta.edu
    (510) 436-2426

    Assistant to the Dean
    Aaliyah Anderson
    aaliyahanderson@peralta.edu
    Building S-438
    (510) 436-2409

    Counselors

    Tanya Ilarde
    CE Counseling Office
    Building S | Room 438
    (510) 434-3938
    MCCareerEd@peralta.edu

    Marlo Beall
    CE Counseling Office
    Building S | Room 438
    (510) 434-3938
    MCCareerEd@peralta.edu

    Faculty & Staff

    Biancca Parazo

     

     

     

     

    Professor Biancca Parazo
    Faculty Instructor, Department Chair
    mparazo@peralta.edu
    341-208-8070

    Richard Santana

     

     

     

     

    Professor Richard Santana
    Faculty Instructor
    rsantana@peralta.edu

    Merritt COSER Professor Vince Garrett

    Professor Vince Garrett
    Faculty Instructor
    vgarrett@peralta.edu

    Melvin Newton

     

     

     

    Professor Melvin Newton, MSW

    		    

     

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