Human Services

The human services program provides the skills and competencies required for a variety of positions in the helping professions field. Human service workers work in a variety of settings and perform many different functions. Graduates of a program in human services are employed in group homes, halfway houses, child and youth service agencies, state welfare offices, substance abuse treatment centers, and a number of other social service agencies. Through an interdisciplinary approach, human service workers focus on the prevention and remediation of problems facing individuals and families. Human service workers should have a strong desire to help others, good communication skills, and be very responsible.

All course work required for licensing as a chemical dependency counselor, as well as the supervised practicum training, is provided. Students pursuing the associates degree in human services may select from one of two concentrated areas of study: substance abuse counseling and general human services.

At some facilities, students may be required to successfully pass a background check and drug screen.

For transfer into two specific four-year college programs that lead to the baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees, see program faculty or counselor for more information. Associate degree level positions are available in the field and include such jobs as eligibility worker, child abuse case aide, substance abuse counselor, patient advocate, and a variety of other mental health, mental retardation, and social services positions. By consulting with program faculty and staff, an individualized program including academics, supervision, networking, and professional activities can be developed to meet the desires and career aspirations of each individual student.

Through the prior learning assessment program, students holding a current licensed chemical dependency counselor’s license who are in good standing with the licensing board would be eligible to receive credit for the following courses: DAAC 1304, 1309, 1317, 1319, 2341, and 2360.

The general education core will transfer to a variety of colleges and universities. Contact a counselor or faculty member at any of the colleges for specific information and to obtain the recommended sequencing of courses.