Human Services is a broadly defined field with many occupational titles. The core objective of all human service workers is to meet human needs by focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of populations, communities, families and individuals.
Focus on Competencies
Human service generalists are trained in a wide variety of helping interventions in order to provide direct services to individuals or groups with a diversity of needs. Human Services courses are designed to address core knowledge and competencies. The National Skills Standards Board has identified a set of core skills for entry-level, direct support human service workers.
Graduating students will demonstrate knowledge and/or skills in these 12 identified competency areas:
- Participant empowerment
- Community and service networking
- Education, training and self-development
- Crisis intervention
- Communication
- Facilitation of services
- Advocacy
- Organizational participation
- Assessment
- Community living skills and supports
- Vocational, education and career supports
- Documentation
The DDS (Department of Developmental Services) Developmental Disabilities Program is designed for community support workers who work in programs funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The program is a cooperative initiative of DDS and the Massachusetts Community Colleges. Each course in the program interweaves academic course content with learning activities that build the skills and competencies identified in the National Community Support Skill Standards.
Assessment Tests in English are required for appropriate placement into English courses.
A Criminal Offenders Record Information (CORI) and Sexual Offenders Record Information (SORI) check is required of all students enrolled in the Associate Degree program. Students with convictions may have difficulty completing courses requiring fieldwork in local agencies. Certain offenses will prelude employment in the human service field.
NOTE: Student with CORI/SORI checks showing past criminal offenses should meet with the Program Coordinator to discuss options for a career in human services. Some offenses preclude any employment in the human service field, others have a time limitation.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
The CIP Code is 44.0000. See http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/CIP?s=44.0000&g=Go for more information.
The cost of this program for Tuition and Fees is $4,551 and the estimated books and supplies are $630.
Courses
Introduction to English Composition or
English Composition & Literature I
Introduction to Human Services
The Helping Relationship: Human Services Delivery
Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
Direct Support Practicum
Special Topics in DD
Introduction to Psychology