HUS 100 - Introduction to Human Services

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly, one term.
Explore Human Services as a profession. Study the evolution and history of Human Services and social welfare policy. Examine the Generalist Practice and the role of the Human Service Professional. Investigate professional ethics and values in Human Services, and the underlying philosophies, attitudes, and human service delivery models. Learn skills and intervention strategies, including case management, as well as various approaches to helping. Begin the process of self-awareness and growth in relation to helping others.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 111 or ENG 115 or ENG 121 or permission of the department chair.

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Outline the evolution and development of human service professions and identify the characteristics of helpers and the process of becoming a human services professional.
- Identify human services as a profession and other mental health professionals
- Acknowledge professional associations in human services
- Discuss motivations for choosing the helping profession
- Identify characteristics of the effective human service worker
- Acquire the skills of an effective human services professional
- Becoming a human service professional
Explore the historical and political roots of human services as well as current ideological and political influences.
- Disccuss the history of the human services field
- Idenitfy the standards in the profession/code of Ethical Standards of Human Services
- Acknowledge human service agencies and organizations
Examine the role of social welfare policy in human services.
- Discuss human services policies and organizations
- Discuss the evolution of social welfare policy in human services
Examine diversity and ethical practices in the helping process.
- Acknowledge cultural diversity
- Identify multicultural counseling
- Demonstrate the skills for working with diverse populations
- Identify ethical, professional, and legal issues when working with diverse populations
Identify underlying philosophies, attitudes, values, and approaches to understanding human behavior and describe the helping process.
- Identify the typologies of human service professionals
- Understand the human services systems
- Discuss the client and basic human needs
- Acquire skills for working with the whole person
- Identify the stages of the helping relationships
- Demonstrate helping skills
Identify specific populations and practice areas in the field of human services: children, adolescents, adults, elderly, child welfare, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, mental health, family services, substance abuse, etc.
- Discuss child welfare, adult services and aging, homeless individuals and families, and developmental disabilities
- Convey knowledge regarding the health care system, educational settings, mental health system, and the welfare policy
- Discuss addictions, domestic violence and sexual assault
Examine the various roles of human services workers and identify the theoretical perspectives and approaches which influence human services practice
- Discuss the nature of the helping relationship
- Identify the roles of the human service professional
- Compare and contrast the major theoretical orientations such as Psychodynamic Approach, Behavioral Approach, Humanistic Approach, Cognitive Approach
- Differentiate the Individual vs. Systems Approach to client(s)
- Identify Persons in Environment Theory and Strength Based Perspective
- Discuss individuals, families, groups and communities.
Describe various human services delivery systems and compare models of human services delivery.
- Explore the Medical Model
- Explore the Public Health Model and Human Service Model
Illustrate aspects of appropriate case management services for children, adolescents, adults, elderly and other special needs populations.
- Discuss assessment, treatment planning, and documentation
- Explain monitoring and evaluating, referrals, and follow-ups.
Exploring becoming a human services professional.
- Explain the importance of career development
- Explore models of career development
- Articulate how to choose a career in the human services profession
- Identify professional competence and qualifications
- Establish educational pathways

Core Competencies
Core 1 Communication Core 3 Information Literacy Core 4 Personal Wellness Core 5 Self Management Core 8 Social and Civic Responsibility