The field of Human Services is a broadly defined one, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base. The primary purpose of Human Services is to assist individuals, groups and communities to function as effectively as possible in the major domains of living.
A student who is interested in transferring into a four year undergraduate program in the area of Human Services can complete the certificate program as part of the Human Services Concentration at Cape Cod Community College.
In addition to classroom instruction, this program has a minimum of at least one required practicum component, depending on the student’s academic and occupational goals. All practicum classes require students to complete, during a semester, 100 hours of unpaid, field work in an approved Human Service site, with a partnering agency. By the end of the completion of the program students will have developed a transferrable portfolio of coursework and practicum experiences.
Learn more about the program and apply at Human Services Certificate
Requirements
This occupational profile is provided by O*NET.
Upon completion of the Human Services Certificate, students are able to:
- Understand the nature of human systems: individual, group and community outreach.
- Understand the conditions which promote or limit optimal functioning and classes of deviation from desired functioning.
- Identify and select interventions which promote growth and goal attainment.
- Practice planning, implementation, and evaluation of intervention in classroom role-plays.
- Consistently select interventions which are congruent with the values of one's self, clients, the employing organization, and the Human Services profession.
- Process skills which are required to plan and implement services.
Community Support Skill Standards
The Human Services Certificate Program embraces the Community Support Skill Standards (CSSS), which are the core skills defined by direct support professionals. The classes in the certificate program promote the CSSS and the required service learning helps the student reflect on how these skills are utilized in the field. The ethical guidelines students will adhere to are established by the National Organization of Human Service Education.
The following CSSS competency areas are guidelines for learning in the Human Services Certificate program:
Competency Area 1: Participant Empowerment
The competent community support human service practitioner (CSHSP) enhances the ability of the participant to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness; and to make decisions.
Competency Area 2: Communication
The competent community support human service practitioner (CSHSP) enhances the ability of the participant to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness; and to make decisions.
Competency Area 3: Assessment
The CSHSP should be knowledgeable about formal and informal assessment practices in order to respond to the needs, desires and interests of the participants.
Competency Area 4: Community and Service Networking
The CSHSP should be knowledgeable about the formal and informal supports available in his or her community and skilled in assisting the participant to identify and gain access to such supports.
Competency Area 5: Facilitation of Services
The CSHSP is knowledgeable about a range of participatory planning techniques and is skilled in implementing plans in a collaborative and expeditious manner.
Competency Area 6: Community Living Skills & Supports
The CSHSP has the ability to match specific supports and interventions to the unique needs of individual participants and recognizes the importance of friends, family and community relationships.
Competency Area 7: Education, Training & Self-Development
The CSHSP should be able to identify areas for self-improvement, pursue necessary educational/training resources, and share knowledge with others.
Competency Area 8: Advocacy
The CSHSP should be knowledgeable about the diverse challenges facing participants (e.g. human rights, legal, administrative and financial) and should be able to identify and use effective advocacy strategies to overcome such challenges.
Competency Area 9: Vocational, Educational & Career Support
The CSHSP should be knowledgeable about the career and education related concerns of the participant and should be able to mobilize the resources and support necessary to assist the participant to reach his or her goals.
Competency Area 10: Crisis Intervention
The CSHSP should be knowledgeable about crisis prevention, intervention and resolution techniques and should match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
Competency Area 11: Organization Participation
The CSHSP is familiar with the mission and practices of the support organization and participates in the life of the organization.
Competency Area 12: Documentation
The CSHSP is aware of the requirements for documentation in his or her organization and is able to manage these requirements efficiently.
Program Completion
Completion of a program is based on full time enrollment. Many of our students attend part time and may not complete within the one year timeline.
Prerequisite Statement
To graduate within this program in the specified time, students must begin in the Fall semester and successfully place into required courses based on placement test results and/or high school GPA. Academic advisors can assist with questions.