Behavioral/Social Sciences division

Human Services

Description:
The Human Services program prepares individuals for entry level positions in agencies and institutions which provide social, community, educational and mental health services. The curriculum provides an opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for entry level employment. Included in the curriculum is a core of Human Services courses, general education courses, and technical courses with specific human service emphasis. Application of Human Service principles and skills is provided through a practicum in an appropriate setting.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate is prepared to seek employment in various areas which may include: mental health settings, chemical dependency settings, hospitals, educational institutions, correctional facilities, geriatric settings, child / youth centers, and/or social service agencies.

“Human service worker” is a generic term for people with various job skills and job titles, such as social service assistant, case manager, social work assistant, residential counselor, community support worker, alcohol or drug abuse counselor, mental health technician, community outreach worker, life skills counselor and gerontology aid.

Human service workers play a variety of roles in community settings. They organize and lead group activities, assist clients in need of counseling or crisis intervention, or administer a food bank or emergency fuel program.

Job Outlook
Job opportunities for social and human services assistants are expected to be excellent, particularly for applicants with appropriate post secondary education. The number of social and human service assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2000 and 2010 – ranking among the most rapidly growing occupations.

Certificates are offered in:
Resource parent
Youth Care Work