Human Services

Introduction to Alcohol and Substance Abuse explores the causes and consequences of addiction as it relates to all aspects of society. This course briefly discusses the impact on the healthcare system, family system, and legal system. Historical implications and response to changes over time are reviewed. Topics regarding intervention, treatment, education, and prevention are discussed. Competencies and requirements for licensure in Massachusetts are explained. Addiction issues related to diverse populations are presented.

The course introduces students to the myriad functions of a case manager; including strength-based assessment, planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluating the human service needs of clients and client system (family members, friends, other service providers) within a variety of social service and health care systems. Students will also learn, through case studies and assignments how to plan, advocate for and monitor services on behalf of diverse populations thus limiting fragmentation of service delivery and mental health care.

The course establishes learning opportunities in the field of human services. Based on National Community Support Skill Standards students are required to spend 150 clinical hours in a human services agency. In addition, students participate in a weekly class to process clinical experiences; expand skills, including sensitivity, empathy, confrontation and problem-solving. The course also addresses goal setting, case management and client assessment. CORI/SORI required. By permission of Human Services Coordinator

This course includes an analysis of the conceptions of social work, social welfare and social service delivery systems from both historical and contemporary perspectives. This course includes critical examination of the social justice mandate as well as issues of cultural diversity that effect and inform the practice of social work. Social work is presented as a profession that integrates science, clinical awareness and human understanding in practice intervention, policy development and research. Contemporary issues and problems in various fields of social work practice are explored with particular emphasis on the role of the generalist social work practitioner.

Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Families reviews assessment, intervention, and treatment in dual diagnosis families, from a systems model. Topics include needs, concerns, and resistance in individual members and the family as a whole. Discussions revolve around the dynamics of codependency; a comparison of approaches to family recovery; treatment techniques appropriate to the different phases of family recovery; and strategies to help prevent family relapse.

This course introduces the most commonly used and widely accepted treatment and relapse prevention methods in the mental health and alcohol/substance abuse field. The class explores the role of the social service worker and treatment modalities utilized in the school, prison, outpatient, inpatient, and day treatment areas as they apply to the different special populations. The populations discussed include children, adults, elderly, dual diagnosis, incarcerated, and addiction. Service learning is used for experiential learning.

This course establishes learning opportunities in the field of addictions. Students spend 150 hours throughout the semester in a human services addictions agency to apply the knowledge, values, concepts, and skills of the addiction profession. Students participate in a weekly class to process clinical experiences and focus on skill building in treatment planning, counseling, client engagement strategies, client education, consultation with other professionals and documentation. One hundred (150) hours in a clinical setting are required. CORI/SORI required.

This course introduces the student to the life-long learning process of developing culturally competent social work/human services practice and addresses issues of power and privilege. Working with diverse groups that include; ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship status, gender identity, socio-economic level, age, and faith will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills for culturally competent practice through self-reflection, experiential learning, and critical analysis of privilege and social inequalities.