Human Services

This course will provide an introduction to the background information and concepts necessary to understand the theory and practice of human services. The information will be drawn from disciplines of history, sociology, and psychology, joined together by values-based themes of social role valorization, ethical behavior, and quality of life. Current influences on Human Services such as managed care will be discussed.

This course provides an awareness and general practice of interactional communication skills expected in a supportive relationship. Supportive communication will be taught through verbal instructions, case studies, and peer and self assessment. Observation and evaluation methods will be incorporated to assess the student's communication skills.

A lab course designed to provide comprehensive experience in application of knowledge and values learned in previous course work. Students will select a program or facility which provides social services and will work at this site as a supervised intern. Regular meetings with the internship advisor and fellow interns will provide opportunities for discussion and evaluation of the fieldwork experience. This internship is focused on direct observation of professionals in human services. Educational and direct service activities will also be credited as part of the internship experience. Students will be able to continue on with the current internship placement for the following internship. Pre-approval of fieldwork site by Department Chairperson is required before placement. Students are expected to have field work placement before class begins.

This course is designed to introduce students to the guiding principles of addiction recovery support. Students will learn about the four domains of recovery support (Ethical Responsibility, Advocacy, Mentoring & Education, Recovery & Wellness Support) and the twelve core functions of alcohol and drug abuse counselors (screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and record keeping and consultation). Students will understand the varying roles of substance abuse treatment professions as well as the levels of care ranging from acute to aftercare and relapse prevention. The essential nature of trauma informed approaches and the importance of cultural competence in practice are embedded throughout the course. Students will develop awareness of the importance of boundaries, culturally sensitive and trauma informed practice and legal and ethical issues in recovery support.

This course examines the most widely used theories of family therapy. This will include an overview of couple therapy, marriage counseling and family systems approach.

Pre-approval of fieldwork site by Department Chairperson is required before placement. A GPA of 2.0 is recommended. A lab course designed to provide comprehensive experience in application of knowledge, skills and values learned in previous coursework.The focus is on synthesis, integration and application of previous learned knowledge both in the classroom and in the field. Students will select a program or facility which provides human services and will work at that site as a supervised intern. Weekly meetings with the instructor and fellow interns will provide opportunities for discussion and evaluation of the work experience. This internship continues the work focusing more on direct service activities that was started in Fieldwork I. Assessment, planning, and intervention skills will be emphasized as well as activities dealing with advocacy, case management, documentation and recording competencies, with a focus on the information/referral process. Students are expected to have field work placement before class begins. Educational/observational activities will also be credited as part of the internship experience.