Social Work and Human Services

Human Services is a course of study for those interested in employment in such diverse settings as group homes and halfway houses; correctional, developmental disability agencies, and community mental health centers; family, child, and youth service agencies and programs concerned with substance abuse issues, family violence, homelessness, aging or other social issues. The primary focus of the human service worker is to assist individual and communities to function as effectively as possible and improve individual, family, and community well-being by taking environmental and social resources into consideration. The field of human services includes: case managers, advocates, grant writers, youth workers, volunteer coordinators, human resource specialists, corrections officers, trainers, para-educators, and advocacy. The Human Services AA and certificate programs are structured around interrelated components including: theoretical foundations/intervention strategies; client population/cultural diversity; research/evaluation; and skill development/field experience. Successful completion of appropriate coursework will enable students to either further their education, seek employment in a variety of social service organizations or both.