Human and Social Services Specialist 

 

The Human and Social Services Speciailst program prepares students with the basic work and technical skills needed to be hired, to retain employment, and to advance in the human services fields.

Disabilities and human service technicians have a wide array of job titles, including human service worker, case management aide, social work assistant, community support worker, mental health aide, community outreach worker, life skill counselor, and gerontology aide. They usually work under the direction of professionals from a variety of fields, such as nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitative or physical therapy, or social work.

 

The amount of responsibility and supervision they are given varies a great deal. Some have little direct supervision; others work under close direction. Technicians provide direct and indirect client services to ensure that individuals in their care reach their maximum level of functioning. They assess clients' needs, establish their eligibility for benefits and services such as food stamps, Medicaid, or welfare, and help to obtain them. They also arrange for transportation and escorts, if necessary, and provide emotional support. Technicians monitor and keep case records on clients and report progress to supervisors and case managers.

Technicians play a variety of roles in a community. They may organize and lead group activities, assist clients in need of counseling or crisis intervention, or administer a food bank or emergency fuel program. In halfway houses, group homes, and government-supported housing programs, they assist adults who need supervision with personal hygiene and daily living skills. They review clients' records, ensure that they take correct doses of medication, talk with family members, and confer with medical personnel and other caregivers to gain better insight into clients' backgrounds and needs. Technicians also provide emotional support and help clients become involved in their own well-being, in community recreation programs, and in other activities.

In psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and outpatient clinics, technicians work with professional care providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to help clients master everyday living skills, communicate more effectively, and get along better with others. They support the client's participation in a treatment plan, such as individual or group counseling or occupational therapy.

Diploma Option 37  Total Credits  9-Month Program View All Course Descriptions For This Program
Course	Credits
CIS109 Word Level I	1
CPR100 CPR/First Responder	1
DST101 Introduction to Human Services	2
DST110 Introduction to Human Service Agencies	2
DST120 Lifespan Development	3
DST125 Community Support and Inclusion	2
DST145 Documentation	2
DST150 Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions	4
DST160 Service and Support Planning	1
DST165 Cues, Tools, and Adaptive Technology	2
DST175 Teaching and Coaching Strategies	2
DST185 Working with Families	1
DST299 Internship	3
ENGL102 Career Communications	2
HC110 -Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)	4
MATH090 -Basic Mathematics	2
ORT010 -Orientation	1

CIS109 -Word Level I

An introductory course in word processing which includes basic technical concepts as well as hands-on experience. The utility of the computer is demonstrated by introducing Windows and word processing to the student. Back to top

CPR100 -CPR/First Responder

Students will be instructed in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care in accordance with the American Heart Association and First Aid in the workplace. Also covered is what to do in the first five minutes. The information will enable the first responder to manage almost any emergency situation until professional help arrives. Back to top

DST101 -Introduction to Human Services

This course will introduce the student to human service delivery systems, core competencies of the position, and ethics in the field. It will also identify and practice general work skills and professionalism. Back to top

DST110 -Introduction to Human Service Agencies

This valuable opportunity will allow students to participate in direct on site observations of services and activities being provided by the agency's staff.     Back to top

DST120 -Lifespan Development

Course will review the sequence of human growth and development. The course will include a review of the stages of human growth and the theories of human development. Course will also examine the physical, cognitive and socio emotional development from infancy to adulthood. Back to top

DST125 -Community Support and Inclusion

This course will focus on inclusionary activities that integrate residential, vocational, recreational/leisure and social skills within the community setting.     Back to top

DST145 -Documentation

This course introduces accurate charting techniques and record management. Topics include confidentiality, statistical calculation of data, monitoring behavioral objectives and task analysis.     Back to top

DST150 -Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions

The course will teach modern research methods to define the common disabling and chronic conditions of people using human services. Research will include identification of common causes, characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and services available for each condition. Back to top

DST160 -Service and Support Planning

Introduce plan development in diverse human service fields including mental health, disabilities services, education, rehabilitation, long-term care, and crisis management. Topics will include team dynamics, assessment, reporting, problem solving, conflict resolution, goal writing and measurement. Back to top

DST165 -Cues, Tools, and Adaptive Technology

This course will provide an orientation to adaptive equipment and technology, alternative communication techniques and education strategies using visual and auditory tools. Back to top

DST175 -Teaching and Coaching Strategies

This course will explain the proactive approaches to the development of adaptive behaviors and redirection of undesirable behaviors. The course will emphasize protective procedures, dignity, and civil issues regarding management of inappropriate behaviors. Back to top

DST185 -Working with Families

This course will explain the human service considerations involved while working with and strengthening families. The course will cover assessment and strategies to meet the developmental and emotional needs of each member of a family.     Back to top

DST299 -Internship

This project is designed to provide the advanced student with direct involvement in a training related vocational setting of their choice. Students will select from opportunities available in the special education school setting, residential or vocational setting within an adjustment training center, extended services available through a long term care facility, or in home/personal care services in a residential setting. The program coordinator will assist the student in meeting educational objectives of the course through on site observation and consultation as demanded. . PREREQUISITES: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF FIRST SEMESTER DST COURSES AND PSYC 110 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT     Back to top

ENGL102 -Career Communications

Covers the communication skills required for success during the job hunt and on the job. Back to top

HC110 -Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This course is designed to provide the student with basic health care skills and an opportunity to complete the SD state examination for nursing assistant certification. Throughout the course, there is emphasis on proper infection control procedures and health and safety measures. Back to top

MATH090 -Basic Mathematics

This course provides a mathematically sound and comprehensive coverage of basic computational skills and their applications. Certain topics from algebra are also included. The content and level of rigor of the text form the basis of a course that would properly serve as preparation for a traditional algebra course. The text has been specifically developed to meet not only the needs of the traditional post secondary student, but also the needs of the mature student whose mathematical proficiency may have declined during years away from formal schooling. PREREQUISITES: High School Math and a COMPASS Score in Pre-Algebra Domain of 33 or higher Back to top

ORT010 -Orientation

The course is designed to increase the student's success in school by assisting the student in obtaining skills necessary to complete his/her education objectives. Topics include: study skills, communications skills, and problem solving skills.     Back to top