Human Services

Ms. Susan Beck, Program Director 256. 352.8339 [email protected]

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE (5 semesters) Career Cluster: Human Services Procedures and Requirements At a Glance The Human Services (HUS) curriculum is designed for early evening working hours of human services agencies. students who wish to pursue a two-year degree and Assignment to clinical facilities will be at the discretion of prepare for a paraprofessional career in a human services the program director and/or clinical director. Students may related field. Human Services workers assist social be required to travel distances away from their home for workers, mental health care professionals, health care their clinical assignment. Students will be required to pass workers, substance use counselors, law enforcement, background and drug screenings and complete a variety of public education employees, faith based workers, and other health screenings before being assigned to a clinical facility. professionals to provide a wide variety of services to clients to help the clients improve their quality of life. They access Program Description clients’ needs, investigate their eligibility for benefits and The Human Services Program offers three A.A.S. Degree services, and find ways to obtain those services. Workers options for the student: Mental Health Technician monitor and keep case records on clients and report Associate, Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, and progress to supervisors and case managers. Human Social Work Associate. A student may complete one or services workers may organize and lead group activities, more of the three options, depending upon which option assist clients in need of crisis intervention, or counseling. In he/she desires to pursue. Availability of options taught group homes or half-way houses, they assist those who during the school year varies with the number of program need supervision with daily living skills and personal students. hygiene. They review clients’ records, ensure the client takes their medication, talk with family members, confer The Mental Health Technician Associate (sometimes with medical personnel and caregivers, give emotional called a Psychiatric Technician, Behavioral Health support, and help clients become involved in community Technician, Mental Health Technologist, Mental Health and therapeutic recreation programs. Workers support and Aide, or Counselor Assistant) is trained to work as a assist the client’s participation in a treatment plan, individual paraprofessional in state institutions, mental health centers, or group counseling, or therapy. Workers may be psychiatric (behavioral medicine) units of hospitals, supervised by persons in psychology, psychiatry, social domestic violence shelters, developmental centers, group work, nursing, rehabilitative or physical therapy, education, homes, halfway houses, transition homes, and a variety of clergy, and law enforcement human services facilities. He/she may work with children, adolescents, or adults who are experiencing mental illness, Human Services workers should have a strong desire to dementia, substance use, domestic violence, adjustment help others, have effective communication skills, a sense of disorders (personal loss, stress, and health), brain injuries, responsibility, time-management skills, and possess and autism, ADHD, various categories of behavior-related model ethical behavior. Since helping others can be pathology, and family issues. Upon completion of the stressful, Human Services workers should practice healthy program, a student may voluntarily take the Nationally stress management coping skills, use appropriate Certified Psychiatric Technician exam to become a boundaries with clients, and follow the field code of ethics. Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician. Essential core skills for the field are empathy, genuineness, patience, and unconditional positive regard. Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling Option offers specialized training for students desiring to work with Students will be required to complete hands-on clinical substance users and their families. He/she is trained to experience to allow the student to gain valuable knowledge work in state institutions, mental health centers, profit in observation and assistance in human services facilities. treatment centers, non-profit treatment centers, 12-step Students work under the supervision of professionals in the recovery programs, half-way houses, transition homes, and human services field. Students enrolled in clinical group homes. With the course work in this program and a education will be assigned hours consistent with day and minimum of two years of documented work experience in the addictions field, the student may qualify to take the state

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certification exam to become a “Certified Alcohol and Drug http://www.wallacestate.edu/programs/health.html. Counselor.” While in the program, the student may qualify The student is responsible for the cost of the to complete FORMLL’s Certified Peer Support Specialist background screening. (CPSS) certification. Note: It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that The Social Work Associate Option (sometimes called a the application is complete and all information is on file. case management aide, social work assistant, community Incomplete applications will not be accepted and you will support worker, or life skills counselor) trains the student to not be considered for entry into the program. Applications work as an assistant social worker or assistant case cannot be faxed or sent electronically. Applications must be manager. Graduates of this option work at mental health submitted in person or via mail. centers, domestic violence shelters, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, developmental centers, state Selection and Notification institutions, hospitals, service providers of the Alabama The Human Services Program accepts new students every Department of Human Resources, addiction recovery semester. programs, various state and federal government programs, Students are selected on the basis of application date and Community Action programs, non-profit assistance completion of admission requirements. Meeting programs, child advocacy centers, adolescent programs, minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance adolescent and adult detention centers, and literacy into the program. programs. Students are trained to work with individuals at Program applications will be reviewed for completion of all stages of the human lifespan. program admission requirements. Students accepted into the Human Services Program will be notified in Admission Requirements writing by the Human Services Program Director. The Minimum admissions standards for the Human Services notification will be mailed to the student at the address Degree program are as follows: on the application. Students who are not accepted will also receive written notification. Program acceptance or Applicants Must: rejection will not be given over the phone. Submit a college application to the Admission’s Office. Following admittance into the program, each student must Meet all general admission requirements of WSCC. respond, in writing, confirming his/her intent to enroll, Be in good standing with the college. within 14 days after the postmarked date of their Meet the essential functions for a Human Services Worker acceptance letter. A student who fails to respond will and for each chosen option. forfeit his/her slot in the class. A signed consent for Applicants must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA drug testing must accompany the acceptance letter. of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale on all high school, GED, and The drug policy can be found at the college’s website college work previously attempted. Official www.wallacestate.edu/drugs/index.html). A transcripts must be provided to the college and background screening policy and acknowledgement attached to the HUS program application. form verifying receipt and understanding of the Submit a program application to the Program Director background check policy must be attached to the indicating their option choice(s). Program acceptance letter. Background check policy can be applications are available online at the college’s found at the college’s website Health education page website or in the program secretary’s office. (http://www.wallacestate.edu/fileadmin/user_upload/WallaceS Applications for fall entry must be received by June tate/documents/Health/Background_Check_Form.pdf) 1, for spring entry by October 15, and for summer Attend a mandatory program orientation. The Human entry by April 15. Applicants received after June 1, Services Program Director will schedule the orientation. October 15, or April 15 will be considered on a Program acceptance will be conditional on receiving space-available basis. The application packet verification from a WSCC approved vendor of a should include the following items: negative drug screening. a. Application for the program. b. High school/GED and official college transcripts Program Expectations and Progression if applicable. Students admitted into the Human Services program are c. WSCC/HUS Observation form – Students must expected to comply with the Health Science Program submit documented evidence of a minimum Regulations and Expectations as published in the of twelve (12) hours of observation in a Programs of Study section of the Wallace State College human services agency. Documentation Catalog. forms are included in the packet. Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all major d. A copy of background screening results. The required and option courses. Students who earn a background-screening link can be grade of “D” or “F” will be required to repeat the course. accessed online at

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Students must take General Psychology 200 (PSY 200) facility have the right to approve or deny student clinical and achieve a grade of “C” or better before enrolling in placement. Only Health Science Division approved Psychology 210 and Psychology 230. background screening vendors will be utilized. The Program option and major required courses more than 5 Human Services Program Director or program secretary years old must be repeated. will give you a list of acceptable background screening Maintain moral and legal standards that determine vendors. Background screening fees must be paid to the acceptable behaviors of social workers, psychologists, vendor before he vendor releases results to the student. and counselors. The Human Services faculty reserves Failure to comply with required background checks will the right to determine behaviors that are inappropriate or result in the student not being placed at clinical and may cause harm to mental health consumers. The dismissal from the Human Services program. Before Human Services Department reserves the right to students complete a background screening, they will be permanently dismiss from the program any student who required to submit an acknowledgement verifying receipt is refused the use of the facilities by the clinical agency. and understanding of the background check policy. Pass all required background screenings and drug Clinical placement site facilities have the right to approve or screenings. deny a student the right to complete a clinical Upon completion of all coursework, students are required to assignment at that facility. file a graduation application. Graduation application Clinical placement sites have the right to request a student applications are available in Lion Central or on the be removed from their facility for unethical behavior. If a college website. The Graduation application should be clinical facility requests a student be removed from a completed and verified by the Human Services Program clinical setting, the student will not be reassigned that Director. You will not receive your degree until you semester and disciplinary charges may be implemented submit a graduation application and pay the graduation as outlined in the current edition of the WSCC catalog. fees in the Cashier’s Office. Graduation fees are the Human Services students are required to have liability responsibility of the student. insurance and accident insurance, available through the college. Clinical Requirements Health insurance is required of all Health Education Before attending clinical the student must: Students. Students are required to submit proof of Complete a departmental clinical application/placement current health insurance. Students will not be placed for sheet available from the program director. clinical until proof is submitted. Obtaining insurance is Provide verification of all three Hepatitis B vaccines. The the responsibility of the student. Wallace State does not three-shot series takes approximately 6 months to offer student health insurance options. complete. Vaccination fees are the responsibility of the student. Students must meet all of the above requirements to be Provide documentation of a current Two-step TB Skin test. considered eligible for clinical placement. Drug testing and Every student must have the initial Mantoux skin test (the background screenings must be completed before a Tine test is not acceptable). student is placed and all required immunizations, Submit a current (within last chronological year) physical vaccinations, physical exam, CPR certification, and proof of exam with evidence of immunizations. Physical exam health insurance must be on file. Students that do not forms are located in the current Human Services Student comply with the clinical requirements will not be placed. Handbook ( sold in the Wallace State Campus Bookstore). Readmission to Program Have a signed consent to drug testing on file. Students who do not enroll in Human Services coursework Take a drug screening before the beginning of each clinical for 12 months (or more) or who are dismissed from the rotation assignment. Only Health Science Division program must apply for program readmission. Students will approved drug testing sites will be utilized. Students will not be allowed to register for HUS courses until all be notified when to report for drug testing. Drug testing readmission requirements are met to include: fees will be included in your tuition and fees account. Application for readmission submitted to HUS program Proof of current American Heart Association Approved CPR director. Students who apply for readmission are required Certification for Healthcare Providers. CPR training must to attach to their readmission application drug screening be earned hands-on and not on-line. CPR training is and background screening verification. Only WSCC available through the EMS Department and Continuing approved drug screening vendors will be accepted. Education at Wallace State. Students are responsible for any fees associated with Complete a mandatory background screening. Wallace readmission requirements. State’s clinical site facilities require background checks Any major required or option courses more than 5 years old before the student is approved for clinical placement at must be repeated. their facility. Based upon the background check, Wallace Attend new HUS program student orientation session. State’s Health Division and each individual clinical site

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Readmittance into the program is not guaranteed. Students may apply for readmission to the program one time only. 5th Semester Students may be denied due to, but not limited to: HUS 225 Clinical Internship II 3 Failure to possess a 2.5 GPA for all HUS general education HUS 109 Techniques of Behavior Modification 3 courses ENG 102 or SPH 106 or SPH 107 3 PHL 206 Ethics and Society (or HUM 101) 3 Dismissal from the program BIO 103 Principles of Biology I 4 Refusal by clinical sites to accept the student for clinical Total 16 placement TOTAL CREDITS 74 Dismissal from the clinical site All HUS students are required to specialize in one of the Career Path following options listed below. Each student will be Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in assigned a degree plan based upon the program option the psychology, behavioral science, or social work must consult student specializes. A student may elect to specialize in with the STARS program to ensure transfer of human two or more options. However, students cannot substitute services courses. Human Services courses may not or transfer option classes. All listed option classes in the transfer to specific bachelor degree programs. chosen option must be taken. Must complete 18 hours (additional 3-hour elective) if pursuing secondary option Job opportunities in the Human Services field are expected after initial degree. Each option degree plan is coded using to grow by 28% through 2020. Job prospects are projected the 3-letter abbreviation listed below. If a student changes to be excellent, particularly for those with appropriate post- their major option or add additional options, students must secondary education. Median annual earnings of social and change/add their new degree plan in the Admissions Office. human service assistants were $28,470 in 2014. (Source: Failure to change/add degree plans may limit the student’s U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics). ability to register for classes and may also affect financial aid eligibility. Human Services 1st Semester Mental Health Technician (HMH) Option - 15 semester hours ORI 110* Freshman Seminar 1 HUS 103 Introduction to Developmental Disabilities3 HUS 101 Introduction to Human Services 3 HUS 119 Psychopharmacology 3 HUS 211 Intro: Alcohol & Drug Prevention & Abuse 3 HUS 120 Mental Health Terminology 3 HUS 103 Introduction to Developmental Disabilities3 HUS 218 Behavioral Pathology 3 HUS 120 Mental Health Terminology 3 HUS 223 Guidance and Counseling Techniques 3 PSY 200 General Psychology 3 Total 15 Total 16 TOTAL HOURS 74 *Must complete 18 hours (additional 3-hour elective) if pursuing 2nd Semester secondary option degree after initial degree. HUS 133 Geriatrics 3 HUS 119 Psychopharmacology 3 HUS 218 Behavioral Pathology 3 Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling Option (HSA) HUS 223 Guidance and Counseling Techniques 3 15 semester hours PSY 210 Human Growth & Development 3 HUS 212 Prevention Resources in Drug and Alcohol Total 15 Abuse 3 HUS 214 Working with the Chemically Dependent 3 3rd Semester HUS 215 Working with the Family of The HUS 102 Introduction to Casework 3 Chemically Dependent 3 HUS 104 Fundamentals of Healthcare 3 HUS 216 Relapse Prevention 3 HUS 112 Activity Therapy 3 HUS 217 Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Seminar 3 HUS 222 Group Counseling Techniques 3 Total 15 Total 12 TOTAL HOURS 74 *Must complete 18 hours (additional 3-hour elective) if pursuing 4th Semester secondary option after initial degree. HUS 224 Clinical Internship I 3 PSY 230 Abnormal Psychology 3 ENG 101 English Composition I 3 Social Work Associate Option (HUS) - 15 semester hours CIS 146 Microcomputer Applications 3 HUS 113 Group Dynamics 3 MTH MTH 116 or higher 3 HUS 130 the Community and the Social Worker 3 Total 15 HUS 131 Problems of Children & Youth 3 HUS 138 Counseling from a Cultural Perspective 3 HUS 230 Special Topics in Human Services 3 Total 15 TOTAL HOURS 74

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