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Human Services

Course Descriptions

HS 101 - Introduction to Human Services (3 credits)

Introduces the human services profession.  Provides the student with a global perspective of the customs and cultures of ethnic groups including, but not limited to, African-American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic/Latino American, Middle Eastern.  Special Populations, including persons with disabilities, sexual minorities, women, and youth, are examined.  This course also reviews the historical development of social services and explores the societal values that served as the catalyst for the implementation of social services policies.  Community services with an emphasis on cultural awareness are identified and explored.  Legal and ethical issues are examined not only for information about ethical standards but also for internalizing how to define and process a variety of ethical considerations.

 

HS 111 - Intro to Mental Health (3 credits)

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the field of Mental Health.  The history, philosophy, and values unique to the field of psychiatric rehabilitation will be discussed.  The eight main areas to assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities to obtain their maximum level of functioning within the community---Psychiatric, Social, Vocational and/or Educational, Basic Living Skills, Financial, Community and/or Legal, Health and/or Medical, Housing---will be discussed.  Students will acquire knowledge in the coordination of services from different social agencies and staff on behalf of a client.



HS 203 - Counseling Techniques (3 credits) 

Acquire communication skills as functions of counseling an individual including, but not limited to, active listening, paraphrasing, self-disclosure, and confrontation.  The major psychological therapies will be discussed.  Students will acquire the skills needed to personalize their counseling style; and, through lecture, role play, and case material, the skill to incorporate their personal style into counseling sessions

Prerequisite: HS 101

 

HS 204 - Group Dynamics (3 credits)

Focuses primarily on acquiring the skills to facilitate a group, understanding the group process and factors involved in group cohesions and conflicts, communication styles, and role identities within the group.  Screening, Intake, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Plan, Case Management, Intervention, and other core functions of the counseling process are also reviewed. 

Prerequisite: HS 203

 

HS 207 - Human Services Program Fieldwork I (4 credits)

Place students in an agency to gain experience with the needs and behavioral responses of clients, as well as a working knowledge of social service activities, responsibilities, and resources.  Fieldwork is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to practice the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom in an agency/institution environment.  By working with professionals, clients, and patients, the student will learn to function effectively as a member of a social services team.  Students are required to attend a weekly class. 

 (135 hours in agency and a weekly class)
Prerequisite: 40 college credits including HS 204, PS 102 and PS 203.

HS 208 - Human Services Program Fieldwork II (4 credits)

Place students in a second social service agency to expand their knowledge and experience in client contact and the responsibilities and activities essential to the delivery of social services.  Fieldwork is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to practice skills learned in an agency/institution environment.  Working with professionals, clients, and patients will assist students to function effectively as a member of a social services team.  Students will attend a weekly 50 minute seminar (Supervision).  This course is the Capstone Experience.

Prerequisite: HS 207

HS 209 - Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior (3 credits)

Focuses on the drug and alcohol use in modern society; the type of drugs (both licit and illicit); the effects on the mind and body of the individual user; the repercussions felt by family, friends, and society; and, current methods of intervention and treatment.

HS 210 – Counseling and Treatment of Addictions (3 credits)

Focuses on the student acquiring the skills necessary to work in the field of addictions and to develop the counseling skills necessary to treat the addicted population.  Diagnoses and assessment of the addiction using the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is emphasized.