Direct Support Certificate

Courses and Requirements

This one-year certificate program is designed for students who express an interest in working with individuals with intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities. The major goal is to educate students to provide direct support services in agencies that services individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities. The curriculum content includes human service core courses and a course which focuses on understanding disabilities. It is integrated with the National Community Support Skill Standards. All 22 credits, required for the certificate, can be applied to the Associate Degree in Human Services. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all HUS courses in order to graduate.

Additional Admission Criteria and Information 

Please find additional information here: Required Forms.

All courses with an “HUS” prefix, other than the introductory course HUS101, are restricted to students enrolled in the Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate, the Community Support Human Service Practitioner Certificate, the Direct Support Certificate or the Human Service Associate Degree. Any requests for exceptions to this policy need to be addressed to the course instructor or Program Coordinator. 

CORI/CHRI/SORI

Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.

Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for their careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.

Requirements

Program Notes

Students are prepared to provide direct services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities with the goal of improving the quality of life and increasing self-sufficiency. The practicum course provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in the field and to integrate that work experience with their academic learning.

Recommended Course Sequence Direct Support Certificate

Year 1

Fall

Spring

Summer