Human Services

School of Arts and Social Sciences

The Human Services Certificate program provides a basic academic background for the student seeking a career working with people in a variety of social settings. The program is based on a synthesis of knowledge from several social sciences, together with methodologies of intervention at the individual, group and community levels. The Human Service profession promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not only the quality of direct services, but by also seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, coordination, and collaboration among professionals and agencies to attain the highest quality of life with the least amount of intervention.

Over a two year course of study students engage in a rich learning experience to explore theory, and acquire knowledge and skills in intervention, community organization, social welfare policy, and basic social work strategies. In addition, students are guided to a better understanding of self, and their abilities to make a difference in individuals, families and communities.

As a basic introductory program graduates may find entry level positions as advocates, youth workers, volunteer coordinators, fund-raisers or advocacy specialists for victims of child abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, or other social issues. A significant number of graduates from this program are employed in agencies, federal, state and non-profit organizations, for profit enterprises, and a variety of societal settings.

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon the satisfactory completion of the curriculum listed below.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

A. Recognize community resources that facilitate the helping process, including the importance of advocating for community empowerment, participation, and change.

B. Explain the historical development and philosophical paradigms of the social work, social welfare, and human services systems.

C. Understand and identify the roles of a human services professional, emphasizing the Helping Process, basic helping skills, identifying behaviors of challenging clients, and the application of crisis intervention strategies.

Program Requirements:

Program Core: (31 Units)