The Human Services Program, Career Option, is designed to prepare qualified students for a wide variety of entry-level employment positions in the Human Services field and to thereby improve the quality of life for all of society. Individuals with an A.S. degree may be employed as case management aides, human services workers, residential managers, special education teacher aides, mental health aides, and social service technicians. The theory and practice skills needed to work in these areas are emphasized as well as hands-on experience and community networking. Students interested in the Human Services curriculum are required to arrange an appointment with the coordinator prior to enrolling in the program.
Most of the Human Service courses must be taken in sequence. Field experience, utilizing nearby community agencies, is planned as an integral part of the second, third and fourth semesters. Opportunities for this experience are provided in a variety of community service agencies and students are expected to devote six hours a week to field placement in each semester.
Field placements are assigned by the coordinator of the program. The students should be available to do a substantial portion of their field work experience weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm, although some limited evening and weekend hours may be available.
A participant may be counseled out of the program if, in the judgment of the program staff, the individual is not temperamentally, emotionally or intellectually equipped to work effectively and sensitively in a human services capacity.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate an awareness of the realities of employment or continued study in the field of Human Services;
- Demonstrate an awareness of the variety of agencies and services to specific target groups of people needing assistance;
- Understand the structure and purpose of various community agencies;
- Develop self-awareness, use problem-solving skills, and develop supportive positive relationships with clients; and
- Develop an understanding of the issues of confidentiality and the client’s right to self-determination.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the role Cultural Competency plays in the needs of diverse populations.
