HS - Human Services

This course examines the historical, social, and political forces that have led to the development of both governmental and non-profit human services systems in contemporary America. Topics include: the organization and operation of the primary social supports for meeting human service needs; the various models for the delivery of those services; theoretical perspectives; target populations; and the characteristics and skills of a human service professional. Ethical considerations and diversity issues are also addressed.

This course focuses on clinical interviewing in the context of the human services profession. Students develop effective interviewing skills such as communicating involvement, active listening, open- and closed-ended questioning, goal-setting and contracting, as well as expressing warmth and empathy. Additionally, students become aware of the effect that the interviewer’s prior attitudes and behaviors can have on the success of the interview. Role-playing, case studies, and digital recording are used to aid the learning process. Data collected from the interview are utilized for report writing, improving assessment skills, and the formulation of a treatment plan.

This course prepares students for the challenging ethical dilemmas that often confront human services professionals. The course provides students with a general understanding of the basic principles of ethics and ethical decision-making, with an emphasis on its application to the field of human services. Students become familiar with current ethical and legal issues that the human services professional are exposed to in a variety of settings and learn the principles of bioethics as it relates to topics such as abortion, right to life, and right to die.

The practicum is presented as a dual model seminar that uses both in-class and on-line teaching formats.  The focus of this seminar is to prepare students for the intensive responsibilities of doing an in-field practicum. Students are instructed in the use of Blackboard to be able to submit the weekly assignments.  Students are also given the tools and assistance to search for, identify, interview for and obtain an appropriate practicum field placement. By the end of the semester, students will have contracted with an agency to be their practicum site for the next semester.

The practicum is an intensive field experience in an approved human services or community agency. The focus of the practicum is for students to learn how an agency functions and experience being a part of that agency. This course requires the application of theory and its practical use in a clinical setting. The course requires 160 contact hours under the supervision of an agency professional and a college faculty member. Classroom work includes small group discussion and analysis of the practicum experience. The practicum director determines the selection of practicum agencies and serves as a liaison throughout the year. The practicum is expected to be completed within one semester’s time.

This course focuses on how to effectively provide cross-cultural services and the development of an awareness of personal biases and prejudices that can hamper communication, compliance, and outcomes. Students explore some of the critical issues in working with culturally diverse populations, and be trained to develop a higher level of cultural competency. Biases in the delivery of services are examined.

This course examines the current structure of social welfare programs in the United States, their historical development, and the role that political, economic, and social forces have played in the development of the social welfare system. The course also looks at how social policy and the institutions that implement these policies can be more responsive to the needs of individuals and communities. Students develop a framework for understanding social welfare policies so they may function as informed and competent practitioners in providing social services. Specific areas to be addressed include income maintenance, mental health and substance abuse, child welfare, housing, health care, and aging.

This course covers the elements and effective practice of management and administration in the human services environment. The course includes the investigation of organizational environments, strategic decision-making and control, policy and program development, financial management issues, staff development, recruitment and selected aspects of behavior in organizations. Course work emphasizes the application of principles and theory to the practice of human services administration.

This course provides students an opportunity to integrate classroom theory and knowledge with the practices of social services agencies. Students learn to apply human service theories to real-world scenarios and gain valuable experience interacting with individuals within a variety of community settings. The course requires 160 contact hours under the supervision of an agency professional and a college faculty member. The Field Experience director determines the selection of agencies and serves as a liaison throughout the year. The Field Experience is expected to be completed within one semester’s time.

This course provides students an opportunity to integrate classroom theory and knowledge with the practices of social services agencies. Students learn to apply human service theories to real-world scenarios and gain valuable experience interacting with individuals within a variety of community settings. The course requires 160 contact hours under the supervision of an agency professional and a college faculty member. The Field Experience director determines the selection of agencies and serves as a liaison throughout the year. The Field Experience is expected to be completed within one semester’s time.

This course examines the scientific method and basic techniques in social science research. Students learn the fundamentals of defining research problems, designing and testing hypotheses, conducting literature reviews, developing procedures, designing surveys, and analyzing data. The course offers students an appreciation and understanding of the ethical issues in research involving human subjects. The course emphasizes applied human services research to help serve the local community.