Human Services, A.A.S.

An associate degree in Human Services equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to support vulnerable individuals in our communities. Students will learn strategies for working in diverse human and social services settings, including emergency assistance, domestic violence intervention, youth services, mental health support, substance use treatment, shelters, and more. The program prepares students to work with a wide-range of populations such as the elderly, children, persons with mental health or physical disabilities, and those affected by substance use disorders.

 
Upon successful completion of program requirements, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development and scope of human services.
• Define the human service systems, which include individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities and their interaction.
• Develop awareness of one’s own values, personality, reaction patterns, interpersonal styles, limitations, and self-care practices.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills for the administrative aspects of service delivery.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills that represent competence and professionalism in the human services field.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for individuals and groups with ethnic, cultural, gender and racial differences.
• Apply critical thinking skills to problem solve in human service practices.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze needs, plan appropriate services and intervention strategies for various populations, implement services, and evaluate outcomes of services.
• Exemplify the values, attitudes, and ethical standards of the human services profession and the ability to follow its ethical guidelines.
• Differentiate between the various substance use disorders as well as substances that can lead to addiction.