Human Services

This course provides an overview of the US Social Welfare system by examining its history, systems, laws, programs, policies, services, worker roles, and client populations and their problems. Student learning focuses on two key areas: professional development and career planning and the acquisition of knowledge of the US Social Welfare system. Students will work in groups to develop a case plan and presentation. This course emphasizes reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and techniques of the helping interview. Topics include self as professional, appropriate attitudes, values and ethics, client needs, intake interviewing, observation, listening and responding skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, and recording/reporting skills. Classroom simulations, demonstrations, and practice sessions are extensively used. Emphasis is placed on the core competencies of reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking.

This course provides a structured environment within which students can increase awareness of own and others' attitudes, emotions, and behaviors and how these support or detract from meeting individual and group needs. Students begin to build knowledge and skills which facilitate effective group process. Topics include group formation, types of groups, effective communication, problem solving and decision making, guiding discussions, managing conflict, leadership, and teamwork. Student learning focuses on four key areas: self-assessment, personal development, professional development and career planning, and skill development for effective group process.

This course provides a theoretical and practical overview of entry-level generalist human service practice with all client systems. Special emphasis is given to the continued development of helping skills including relationship building, assessment, goal setting, problem solving, decision making, and evaluation. Particular attention is placed on working effectively with clients from diverse social backgrounds and classes and within a variety of provider systems. Core competencies of reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking are emphasized in this course.
Prerequisite: HSRV 102 Counseling Techniques; or departmental approval.

This course utilizes the concepts of diversity and oppression to build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to human-service workers serving women, minority, and low-income clients. Examples of how social welfare laws, programs, benefits, and services have promoted, limited, or denied social equity to diverse client groups are explored. Topics include systems of privilege and disadvantage, power, cultural systems for managing diversity, social identity, and social justice. Discrimination based on race, gender, age, ethnicity, national origins, sexual variance or orientation, ability/disability, and other factors are examined. Professional and personal ethics and values which foster equality are promoted. The core competencies of reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking are emphasized.

This course offers a historical perspective on the treatment of the mentally ill, an overview of current clinical diagnoses and treatment methodologies, and an introduction to crisis intervention and behavior management in residential and rehabilitative settings. Students develop knowledge of the behavioral model and of the use of drugs as a behavioral management tool and acquire skill in writing behavioral objectives and developing task analysis. Avoidance of labeling is emphasized.

This course offers specialized knowledge and skills in various contemporary topics of importance in the human services field. A small group seminar format and individualized projects are used. Limited to two courses on different topics per student.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

This course covers the physiological, sociological, and psychological development of the individual with developmental disabilities from birth through senescence and death. The three main causes of developmental disabilities (genetics, prenatal, and postnatal) are examined. An overview of syndromes such as Downs, spectrum disorders such as autism, physical disorders such as spina bifida and head injury, etc. are explored. Emphasis is placed on how the disabled person copes with changes and challenges across varied life stages such as during maturation, puberty, adolescence, and adulthood. The role of family and other social support systems is examined. Students are exposed to methods for promoting effective communication with clients, families, colleagues, and other caregivers. Legal and ethical issues such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), court decisions, litigation, ethics, and guardianship issues are examined and discussed.

This course provides an overview of the knowledge and skills needed by workers in the field of addiction treatment. Students develop an understanding of the treatment process. They explore varied counseling skills such as evaluation, screening, assessment, treatment planning, documentation, and interviewing. Students gain a basic level of competency in documentation, assessment, and interviewing skills.

This course is designed for current and potential supervisors who work in human services. Students gain a deeper understanding of self, strengthen time management and conflict management skills, and assess different forms of leadership and supervision. In addition, they develop a stronger knowledge base of how each supervisor fits into an organization, supervise within a team to better meet agency responsibilities, and understand the team process as an integral part of organizational dynamics. Guest speakers bring current practice issues to the class. This class is intended to provide the foundation, characteristics, and effective strategies to support adults living and working in the community. This course is an introductory course. Observations are included in the coursework.

This course involves independent work on a selected topic under the direction of members of the Human Services Department. Limited to two courses per student.
Prerequisite: approval of the Department Chair and Division Dean.

This course provides students with an in-depth, supervised learning experience (of at least 135 hours per semester) in area social service agencies. Students also attend a weekly one-hour, on-campus seminar in which they share knowledge concerning the practices, policies, procedures, and client populations of their field experience settings, consider key social service practice issues, and relate classroom learning to the field experience.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or higher in HSRV 101 Introduction to Social Work/Human Services, HSRV 102 Counseling Techniques, and HSRV 103 Group Dynamics; or departmental approval.

This course provides students with an in-depth, supervised learning experience (of at least 135 hours per semester) in area social service agencies. Students also attend a weekly one-hour, on-campus seminar in which they share knowledge concerning the practices, policies, procedures, and client populations of their field experience settings, consider key social service practice issues, and relate classroom learning to the field experience.
Prerequisites: a grade of C- or higher in HSRV 101 Introduction to Social Work/Human Services, HSRV 102 Counseling Techniques, and HSRV 103 Group Dynamics; or departmental approval.