Human Service

Identifies the programs and activities of social and human service. Focuses on the practical problems facing the human service/mental health worker and examines the attitudes and objectives to be attained.

The student will work in an approved human service setting under the supervision of an approved professional. Periodic conferences between the supervisor and practicum coordinator are planned to evaluate the student’s progress. At the close of the semester, the student will submit documentation of the practicum activities/experience and demonstrate the ability to relate theory to practice in the chosen field of experience. The student will complete a total of 125 hours of field experience.

The student will examine and explore a variety of social and professional issues in today’s society relating to the helping field. Skill- and knowledge-based topics necessary for the success of the student’s career in today’s workplace may include basic human needs in homelessness, poverty, advocacy work, grant writing/proposals/funding, culturally competent counselor standards, and community mental health delivery systems, as well as professional issues and skills that face today’s helping professional.

A case-related study of the ethical principles determining the standards of practice in the human service field including mental health and addiction counseling. This course is reserved for the practitioner. Topics taken from the related national code of ethics will be discussed. The issues presented will be roleplayed and resolved according to universal philosophical principles. Philosophy as the foundation of professional practice guides this course. It will meet professional requirements for ethical training.

The student will continue field experience work in an approved human service setting under the supervision of an approved professional. Skills, knowledge, and personal characteristics are built on and integrated into the learning and supervision of this course, as well as second-year coursework including ethics, individual counseling, and conflict resolution. Periodic conferences between the supervisor and practicum coordinator are planned to evaluate the student’s progress. At the close of the semester, the student will submit documentation of the practicum activities/experience and demonstrate the ability to relate theory to practice in the chosen field of experience. The student will complete a total of 125 hours of field experience.

The student will also complete an interview with the practicum advisor the semester prior to the first scheduled practicum. Special requests regarding practicum entrance may be brought to the department chair by the student. Review of the requests will be made by the department faculty and special exemptions may be made for entrance into the practicum.