Human Services, Certificate of Completion

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The Certificate of Completion is designed for individuals currently working in a human service setting, but who do not have college experience or hold a college degree in this area. As such, non-traditional students are encouraged to enroll. The course sequence is intended to provide a broad overview of the field of human services, social welfare systems, and specific populations and groups engaged in social services. Students can tailor the program to their career needs through the selection of a specialized elective in human services, as well as an elective consistent with a broader liberal arts education.

Through the selection of a specialized elective, students can customize their education to meet their immediate career needs in the fields of disability, gerontology, child welfare or other social service settings. Course content addresses the skills and knowledge necessary to function more effectively and efficiently within any human service setting. Graduates will be able to apply a set of professional values and critical thinking skills to the day-to-day judgments common to direct support positions, as well as gain an understanding of the programs, benefits and rules that comprise the broader social welfare system and impact their daily work.

Upon earning the Certificate of Completion, students will be prepared to advance beyond entry-level human service positions while they continue to pursue further education toward the Certificate in Human Services or an Associate of Science degree. The Certificate of Completion is envisioned as a first step on the career ladder in human services. See the Certificate in Human Services for additional information.

Graduates are able to:

identify social welfare programs serving vulnerable populations
apply social work values and the Code of Ethics to controversial topics and case scenarios
access community resources for specific target populations with whom they work
describe a strengths-based approach to client assessment and intervention
define and promote self-determination and empowerment among individuals with whom they work
communicate effectively with individuals and families regarding social service needs and resources
demonstrate basic interviewing and supportive counseling skills

NOTE: Students in this program may not be eligible for Financial Aid; students should meet with an Academic Advisor or Financial Aid staff to discuss options for Financial Aid eligibility.

Curriculum – Certificate of Completion Program

HMNS 102 - Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare 3 Credits
HMNS 201 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 Credits
HMNS 205 - Interviewing and Counseling Skills 3 Credits
Human Services Specialization Elective 3 Credits ^1,3
General Education 3 Credits ^2,3

Total Credits 15

¹ In consultation with their sponsoring agency (if applicable), select a course from among the following specialized electives: HMNS 110 Introduction to Disabilities , HMNS 220 Introduction to Gerontology , WGST 110 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies , CRMJ 212 Juvenile Justice , HMNS 240 Introduction to Special Education , NURS 221 Perspectives in Death and Dying or successful completion of the Child Welfare Certificate Program.

² In consultation with the Certificate Program Coordinator and sponsoring agency, if applicable, select a course from among ENGL 111 English Composition I , COMP 102 Computer Literacy , COMM 201 Intercultural Communication , MATH 101 Number Systems , PSYC 103 Introduction to Psychology , SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology , or BIOL 142 Introduction to Nutrition .

³ Students interested in seeking the NJ Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Credential should take HMNS 105 Introduction to Addiction , and PSYC 103 Introduction to Psychology to meet requirements for the Human Services Certificate of Completion; plus 3 additional courses: HMNS 208 Assessment and Treatment of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction , HMNS 212 Community Resources and Case Management , and HMNS 213 Advanced Counseling Skills . Upon application and presentation of the RVCC transcript to the Board of Examiners for Addictions Professionals students will be recognized as having completed the 270 hours of coursework required toward the CADC credential and be prepared to move to the next steps: Completion of 300 hours of practicum experience, followed by 3000 hours of paid supervised experience with an addictions services agency under the supervision of an LCADC.

NOTE: ENGL 111 English Composition I is recommended prior to registering for other academic courses to establish English proficiency. Placement testing is required prior to registering for ENGL 111.