Human Services
DMR Direct Support Certificate
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Next Step |
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Enroll in the Human Services associate's degree program. |
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 DMR Direct Support certificate is designed for community support workers
who work in programs funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental
Retardation (DMR). The program is a cooperative initiative of DMR 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.
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Courses |
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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/MR
Introduction to Psychology |
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