Courses and Requirements
This one-year certificate provides opportunities for students to learn theory and develop skills to assist individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse to improve their quality of life. Supervised clinical experiences (residential programs, shelters, independent living programs, etc.) are integral to the program. The curriculum addresses the Human Service philosophy and code of ethics, supportive counseling, community networking and referrals, group dynamics and principles of behavior management. The program is based on the National Community Support Skill Standards and is approved by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education. All 32 required credits may be applied toward the Associate Degree in Human Services.
Courses with an “HUS” prefix are generally restricted to students enrolled in the Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate, the Community Support Human Service Practitioner Certificate or the Human Service Associate Degree. HUS 101, the introductory course, is open to any NECC student who meets the proficiency requirements. HUS 171, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, is open to students with a major in criminal justice, as well as those students in the human services programs. 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.
Additional Admissions Criteria:
Enrollment Services will provide additional admissions criteria for this program. The Admission Criteria Packet can be found on Forms.
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:
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| GOV101 | American Government & Politics | 3 |
| HUS101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS103 | Community Resources and Client Populations | 3 |
| HUS190 | Human Services Practicum I | 4 |
| HUS291 | Human Services Practicum II | 4 |
| HUS201 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
| HUS202 | Behavior Management Principles & Techniques | 3 |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Program Notes
Students are prepared to provide direct service to individuals with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness and other problems in living.
Practicum courses give students the opportunity to gain experience in the field and to integrate that work experience with their academic learning.
All college credits earned within this certificate may also be transferred towards the Associate Degree in Human Services.
Helpful Hints
Students are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator with any questions or concerns about the CORI/SORI/CHRI process. Those with legal issues in their background will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records.
In order to insure the maximum transfer of credits, students who wish to pursue a four-year degree are strongly recommended to consult with the Program Coordinator before selecting any electives.
Recommended Course Sequence Community Support and Human Services Practitioner Certificate
Year 1
Fall
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HUS101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS103 | Community Resources and Client Populations | 3 |
| HUS190 | Human Services Practicum I | 4 |
| HUS201 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
Spring
| ENG102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| HUS291 | Human Services Practicum II | 4 |
| HUS202 | Behavior Management Principles & Techniques | 3 |
| GOV101 | American Government & Politics | 3 |
Graduates are eligible to apply for the credential of Human Services Board Certified Practitioner offered by the National Organization for Human Services.
Graduates may choose to enter directly into the workforce as a beginning professional or may transfer directly into the Human Services Associate Degree program.