520-100 Introduction to Human Services

This course examines the scope, values, and principles of the Human Service profession. Students are introduced to the typical roles and duties of various human service workers and will analyze the role they play within organizations, as well as with the people and communities they serve.

520-101 Community Resources and Services

This course will introduce the learner to a wide variety of community agencies, resources, and programs. The functions, funding, clients served, eligibility requirements, and referral procedures of the agency will be explored. Learners will have a chance to participate in site visits and learn about various agencies through guest speakers.

520-102 Introduction to Gerontology

The learner will identify basic theories and facts about the aging process and will analyze the psychological and sociological experience of the older adult population. Learners will be able to apply this knowledge towards methods and techniques for serving the aged.

520-103 Interviewing Principles & Documentation

The learner develops techniques for interviewing and applies record-keeping skills as practiced in human services agencies. Skills to be practiced include social history and summary recording, case assessment and management, as well as intervention plan development.

520-104 Racial and Cultural Diversity in Human Services

This course examines the importance of understanding diversity in mental health careers and the helping professions. The learner analyzes culturally-based, help-seeking behaviors among racial, ethnic, and other sub-populations. General diversity issues are also presented in order to aid students in developing cultural competence in the helping professions.

520-105 Intro to Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorders

The learner examines the history of drug use along with the changing historical trends of abuse. The learner will explore various types of addictions and how they are similar and dissimilar to chemical addictions. Learners will analyze the biology of psychoactive drugs and how they can cause addiction.

520-106 Professional Practices in Human Services

This course prepares learners to enter the human services profession and abide by a working knowledge of professional codes of ethics. Learners will explore social/ethical issues that impact the profession. Professional credentialing, continuing education, and maintaining vitality within the field will be analyzed.

520-107 Field Experience / Human Services 1

Learners develop skills as human services workers by working directly or indirectly with clients through placement in a local social services agency under professional supervision. Students will gain experience through on-the-job training by integrating human services theories and professional skills. Students will explore job responsibilities that relate to a human services agency including client/staff interaction and employee accountability.

520-108 Children and Family Services

This course introduces the learner to the human service professional's role when working with children, families and groups. Issues impacting the family system will be analyzed, including child abuse, divorce, mental health, juvenile delinquency, bereavement and physical health problems.

520-109 Group Facilitation

An introduction to theory and practice of group dynamics and processes are covered in this course. Knowledge areas include ethical considerations, effective group leadership, stages of group development, reflective practitioner techniques, and group formation. Learners will critique practice group facilitation sessions, function as group members and demonstrate effective group facilitation skills.

520-110 People with Disabilities

This course prepares students to work with individuals and families impacted by disabilities. The learner explores a variety of disabilities and issues common to persons with disabilities. Students apply methods and techniques to work with this sub-population.

520-111 Field Experience / Human Services 2

The learner is given the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of more advanced social work skills and techniques used in the field. Learners examine the operations of a human services agency including client/staff interaction and employee responsibilities. Learners will be able to apply the experience gained in this course with what they have learned in the program to enter the profession as an entry-level human services worker.

520-112 Human Services Organizational Operations

This course focuses on characteristics and functions of human services organizations and the roles of human service workers in those organizations. Learners apply their skill in organizational assessment methods, planning, budgeting, grant writing, evaluation and consulting -- all part of the Human Service Profession.

520-113 Rehabilitation Services

This course gives the learner a fundamental knowledge base in the drug and alcohol addiction field. Learners examine information about pharmacology, self-help groups, levels of care, symptom identification and assessments. Through the use of case studies the student applies knowledge and skills towards serving those in need of rehabilitation services.

520-114 Victimology

This course will provide the student with an analysis of how human services and criminal justice professionals, regardless of their role, come in contact with victims of crime. It will examine criminal victimization in the United States via an overview of current theory, research, and trends of victimization. It will analyze specific crimes types, the impact of crime on victims and society, the role of victims within the criminal justice system, specific remedies, and victim rights and services. It will explore victimization with a context of current events and local models of crime victim services.