About the Program

The program prepares graduates for employment areas such as mental health, social service, substance abuse counseling, and case management and to enter graduate programs in Social Work, Counseling, and Mental Health.

The program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the human services profession

  • Describe the historical context leading to the continuing development of the profession
  • Identify social inequities and relate them to the strong value orientation of human services in areas such as advocacy and commitment to the ethical principles of social justice.
  • Describe the service areas and related social situations that resulted in the need for the practice of human services.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of basic principles and theories of psychology and sociology

  • Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts relevant to social justice.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the psychological and sociological issues involved in such areas as access to health care, housing, employment, adequate income,
  • Find appropriate resources to assist clients

Demonstrate understanding of the macro-organizational aspects of social service

  • Classify types of organizational models.
  • Describe various funding sources.
  • Describe how agencies are regulated.
  • Explain the effect of funding sources on agency programs.
  • Describe how the agency’s mission impacts on the target population.

Work effectively with vulnerable populations, such as children, geriatrics, substance abusers, the physically disabled, and the mentally ill.

  • Interpret behavior based on stages of the life cycle.
  • Demonstrate how a human service professional may effectively intervene in an issue facing an elderly client.
  • Distinguish between the challenges faced by an adolescent with normal development and those of a physically disabled or mentally challenged adolescent and create plans to work with each.
  • Describe interventions appropriate for working with a substance abuser.

Each student will be able to apply their theoretical skills through internships.

  • Explain who are the members of the population the agency serves.
  • Give examples of the types of issues presented by the target population served.
  • Explain what your function is as an intern.
  • Explain how you record information.
  • Critique samples of recorded work you have done at the agency.
  • Describe the role of a human service professional in the agency.