Direct Support Certificate

This one-year certificate program is designed for students who express an interest in working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The major goal is to educate students to provide direct support services in agencies that services individuals with intellectual/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.

A minimum of 22 credits are required for graduation. (All credits can be applied to the Associate Degree in Human Services).

Additional Admissions Criteria: Human Services Criteria Packet

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.

Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all HUS courses in order to graduate.

Enrollment Services will provide additional admissions criteria for this program. The Admission Criteria Packet can be found HERE.

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 History Record Information (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

Course NumberTitleCredits
ENG101English Composition I

3

HUS101Introduction to Human Services

3

HUS150Issues in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

3

HUS190Human Services Practicum I

4

HUS105Introduction to Disabilities

3

HUS201Group Dynamics

3

PSY101Introduction to Psychology

3

Schedule Tips: HUS105 is offered SPRING ONLY, HUS150 is offered SUMMER ONLY

Courses with PrerequisitesHUS190, HUS105, HUS150, HUS201

Milestone Courses: HUS101, HUS105, HUS150, HUS190, HUS201

Recommended Course Sequence/Pathway Direct Support Certificate

Course NumberTitleCredits

Year 1 Fall

Course NumberTitleCredits
ENG101English Composition I

3

HUS101Introduction to Human Services

3

Year 1 Spring

Course NumberTitleCredits
HUS105Introduction to Disabilities

3

HUS190Human Services Practicum I

4

HUS201Group Dynamics

3

Year 1 Summer

Course NumberTitleCredits
HUS150Issues in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

3

PSY101Introduction to Psychology

3

Total Credit Hours: 22