Human Services, AAS

The human services degree provides a foundation in social work, behavioral and social sciences which will prepare students for entry level generalist practice. The program is designed to integrate coursework with practical, hands-on experience through Methods classes and a field practicum in community social service agencies. These courses are taught by professionally trained licensed faculty. The program meets standards for Social Work Assistant certification by the Ohio Counselor, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapist Board and the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, CDCA Phase I (and Phase II with additional course work).

Students must meet all program requirements, have day time availability and meet agency age requirements for a field placement. BCI & FBI Criminal records checks are required. Students who have prior felony convictions and excessive civil infractions may be ineligible for practicum placement and employment.

Career Outlook

Social service, mental health, chemical dependency and developmental disability agencies are aware of the skill level and competence of graduates from the Human Services program with their SWA, CDCA certification and ability to work with supervision. Employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. A growing elderly population and rising demand for social services is expected to drive demand for these workers. Job opportunities are expected to be good.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

1. Identify and explain how the competencies established for entry level generalist practice are incorporated into the role of a Human Service worker (including knowledge, skills, attitudes, values & ethics).
2. Apply theories from social work, behavioral and social sciences to increase understanding of human behavior.
3. Apply knowledge of diversity by demonstrating a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes and policies that enable a system, agency or professional to function effectively across cultural differences. (Diversity not limited to gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic differences or vulnerable populations). 
4. Demonstrate critical thinking, communication & documentation skills to analyze problems and apply social work ethical principles at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice.
5. Demonstrate evidence based practice skills to engage, assess, plan, intervene, advocate, refer, and evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations & communities.