Human Services Worker (HSW)

This course is an introduction to basic human services. It includes discussions of major target populations, the major helping professions, the social context and the history of helping, roles performed by professional helpers, intervention skills, values and ethical and legal considerations. Students are challenged through group discussions to determine whether the field is suitable for them and whether their values are congruent with values espoused by human service professions. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

In this course, students gain skills from a new experience in an approved, compensated, human service-related position. Together with the instructor, the employer, and the co-op placement office, students determine work assignments and learning objectives to connect classroom learning with career-related work experience. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; consent required

In this course, students are introduced to basic interviewing skills used in helping professions, as well as the process of individual needs assessment. Students will learn both attending and influencing skills. In addition, they will learn how to write goals, objectives and program notes in the context of a client intervention strategy. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; HSW 100 minimum grade "C"

In this course, students are introduced to using small groups to promote change. Group dynamics and developmental theory are studied in depth. Concepts such as norms, conformity, cohesion and patterns of interaction are covered. Problems such as scapegoating and triangulation are analyzed. The following competencies are taught: screening candidates, composing the group, attending to thoughts and feelings, linking, observing group process, using activities and exercises, and ethical group practice. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; HSW 100 or SOC 100, minimum grade "C"

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of home-based social work with families. Students will learn how to describe American families as social systems, how to describe the structure of a family, and how to identify common patterns in family functioning. Common problems and special circumstances in family functioning will be addressed. Students will learn to identify effective ways to engage families. Basic social work interventions with families will be described. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; HSW 100 or SOC 100, minimum grade "C"

In this course, students will review and evaluate necessary skills that will be utilized in human services employment settings. Topics covered will include ethics, professional research, professional behavior, preparing for the workplace, and several other areas of professional concern. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; HSW 100 and HSW 200, minimum grade "C" , may enroll concurrently in HSW 200; HSW 220 or SOC 220, minimum grade "C", may enroll concurrently in HSW 220 or SOC 220

In this course, students will be integrated into the working world by completing field work in human service agencies. The students have an opportunity for a variety of experiences based on their placement. The field work will be integrated with course work during a one hour seminar. Learning objectives will be individualized according to the field internship and career goals of each student. Instructor approval for enrollment in this course will be based on previous course completion, documented acceptance to HSW program, exhibiting behaviors as described in the HSW student handbook and a secured placement. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; HSW 100, HSW 200, HSW 220 or SOC 220 and HSW 229; minimum grade "C" all HSW and SOC requirements; consent required; students must secure placement and submit required paperwork to be considered for permission to enroll

In this course, students will explore workplace dynamics through various theoretical lenses. They will apply core theoretical frameworks, such as system theory, behavioral/social learning theory, psychodynamic theory and developmental theory. Students will be required to write a 3-5 page APA style research paper demonstrating their understanding of theory as applied to their current helping role. This course is reserved for students who are actively participating in a job (paid or unpaid) that is part of a helping profession. Overrides for this course are given after submitting the required HSW 235 request packet. Please reach out to the instructor for further information. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; HSW 100, HSW 200, (HSW 220 or SOC 220) and HSW 229; consent required

In this course, students will study the basic principles of pharmacology, including both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and the application of these principles to addictive drugs. In particular, students will focus on the functioning of the nervous system with an emphasis on neurotransmission, the evolution of our understanding of the biological mechanisms of addiction, and various physiological effects, including the mechanism of action of both legal and illegal psychoactive drugs. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PSY 240 minimum grade "C" Level II Prerequisite: Both PSY 100 and BIO 101 or BIO 102 are strongly recommended

In this course, students will receive an overview of tools used to assess the co-occurrence of a mental illness and a substance use disorder. Students are introduced to basic mental illness concepts presented in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and explore the influence and interaction of a substance use disorder related to a mental illness. In addition, students will be provided with ethical guidelines related to working with, assessing and treating addiction. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

In this capstone course, students will integrate theory into the simulated practice of treating addictions. Students will apply the theoretical foundations to treating addiction and learn about possible barriers associated with treatment. By the end of this course, students will have a basic understanding of treatment options and begin to demonstrate the skills used with each option. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; HSW 296 or PSY 296, minimum grade "C"; may enroll concurrently in both courses; HSW 297 or PSY 297, minimum grade "C"; may enroll concurrently in both courses