The Human Services AAS degree will prepare students for careers in a variety of fields such as, but not limited to, psychiatry, psychology, human services, social work, child welfare, health, family services, criminal justice, substance abuse, education, or working in an environment assisting the homeless. Job titles might include human service worker, case management aide, social work assistant, community support worker, mental health assistant, community outreach worker, life skills counselor or gerontology aide. Working conditions may vary considerably. Some may work in offices, clinics, and hospitals, while other graduates may work in group homes, shelters, day programs or may spend their time in the field visiting clients.
Human service assistants may provide direct and indirect client services. Students will be trained to observe patients and record information, conduct patient interviews, implement treatment plans, employ problem-solving techniques, handle crisis intervention matters, use proper case management and referral procedures, and develop an awareness of elements relative to a multi-culturally diverse community population.
Graduates will have a strong background in the appropriate cores of psychology and sociology; will participate in external learning experiences in a variety of contexts; and will be required to complete a supervised practicum or clinical experience for two consecutive semesters completing 125 hours each semester. Effective communication, ethical protocol, interpersonal, and time management skills will be emphasized throughout the program. Program coursework does address a multicultural emphasis. Students may be required to attend class face-face when learning counseling skills applications. The AAS degree is designed to facilitate a transition from WCJC to a university or 4-year college with little or no loss of transfer credit giving the student an opportunity to obtain an advanced degree in fields such as human services, psychology, social work, and sociology.
Note: Students intending to transfer to a 4-year university should take Natural Science and Government courses.
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