Human Services

The field of human services includes career paths in many of the "helping" professions.  Jobs are varied, including case management aide, residential counselor, alcohol or drug abuse counselor, mental health technician community outreach worker, life skills counselor, and gerontology aide.  These jobs usually work with professionals from a wide variety of fields, such as nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitation, or social work.  Human services workers provide direct and indirect client services.  They assess clients' needs, establish their eligibility for benefits and services, and help clients obtain them.  They may organize and lead group activities or assist individuals with daily living skills, including providing emotional support.

What human services specializations or options are offered at SCC?

What is victimology?

What is gerontology?

What will I learn about youth services work?

What does substance abuse care involve?

Can I gain experience while attending classes at SCC?

I like the fact that I can get a job with an Associate of Science degree, but I may want to continue my education and earn a bachelor's degree.  Will my courses transfer?

What kind of people skills should I possess for a career as a human services worker?

What human services specializations or options are offered at SCC?

In addition to a general Human Services degree pathway, our students can choose more specific studies in victimology, gerontology, youth services, and substance abuse.

What is victimology?

Victimology is the study of victims and what makes a person a potential victim.  Students of victimology services will learn how to help the victim through the physical and emotional impact of the crime. They will learn crisis intervention and how to counsel victims for enrollment into various assistance programs. Particular attention is given to helping the victim understand the criminal justice system.

What is gerontology?

Gerontology - the study of aging - encompasses a multidisciplinary core of knowledge. It includes physical changes associated with aging, the emotional and intellectual processes of people as they grow older, and how people interact within their family and their community. 

What will I learn about youth services work?

Students will learn adolescent psychology, crisis intervention, and various aspects of the juvenile justice system and the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.  Training will prepare the student to address the needs of youths in treatment programs, including problem-solving, recording skills, group skills, and mediation.

What does substance abuse care involve?

Workers may assist with treatment programs or preventive programs conducted by social or government agencies, community groups, employers, and the health care professions.  The goals are to help abusers of drugs or alcohol to stop using them, recover from their effects, and adopt new lifestyles.  Course work at SCC emphasizes that treatment is a continuum of processes from intervention through rehabilitation.  The student will learn theories and practices related to defusing crises and the referral of those in crisis.

What about experience?  Can I gain experience while attending classes at SCC?

Yes.  An essential component of the Human Services degree is the practicum.  In the third and fourth semesters of the program, you will be required to spend 9-11 hours per week working in a social agency to gain practical experience.  You will receive formal training and supervision from the agency while earning three credit hours toward your degree in Human Services.

I like the fact that I can get a job with an Associate of Science degree, but I may want to continue my education and earn a bachelor's degree.  Will my courses transfer?

The student earning an Associate of Applied Science degree needs to be aware that the courses taken for the degree are specifically designed to help students enter the work force after approximately two years.  However, if you wish to transfer to a four-year institution, be aware each accepts the A.A.S. courses according to its own plan.  Close advisement is necessary to optimize your choices.

What kind of people skills should I possess for a career as a human services worker?

Persons interested in this program should enjoy working with people and have a strong desire to help others, including patience and understanding.  They should possess good verbal and written communication skills and have a positive attitude about themselves and others.

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