Part 1 3.7.qxp - Southwestern Oregon Community College

Human Services
Description: The human service professional is dedicated to providing services to
assist individuals, families, and communities to function as effectively as possible in
the major domains of living. Enhancing the quality of life for those served is a primary
goal. A strong desire to help others is an important consideration for a job as a human
services worker, but each human service worker must also have a broad,
interdisciplinary knowledge base in order to succeed in their goal of helping. Human
service workers hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in such diverse settings
as group homes and halfway houses; correctional, developmentally disabled and
community mental health centers; family, child, youth, and senior service agencies;
and programs concerned with alcoholism, drug abuse and family violence.
Employment Opportunities: Human service career opportunities range from good
to excellent with occupational titles that include Caseworker, Mental Health Aide,
Substance Abuse Counselor, Residential Counselor, Family Support Worker, Social
Service Technician, Child Abuse Worker, Personal and Home Care Aide, Child
Advocate, Community Outreach Worker, Treatment Counselor, Skills Trainer, Youth
Worker, Welfare Eligibility Worker, Psychological Aide, Juvenile Court Liaison, and
Intake Interviewer. It is important to note that secondary education improves salary
opportunities.
The Associate of Applied Science in Gerontology degree program is designed
to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of gerontology and to enhance
their learning about the special needs of the elder population. Students will have an
opportunity to participate in practicum experiences in local agencies serving seniors.
The Basic Technical Skills and Core Concepts in Human Services Certificates
of Completion are designed to offer the student very basic skills for entry-level jobs in
social service agencies and non-profit organizations. The credits achieved in these
certificates can be applied to the Associate of Science Human Services Emphasis
transfer program and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Gerontology, Human
Services or Substance Abuse programs. These certificates are designed for the
individual who has a high school diploma or GED or is dual-enrolled while in high
school. It is also designed for individuals currently working in social service agencies
who want to advance in the field by furthering their education while maintaining
employment. For employers, this certificate provides training for workers who may be
promoted to higher levels of responsibility within the business, agency or organization.
Program notes
Associate of Applied Science Gerontology
Notes:
1. Students may challenge CS101.
2. Optional summer term (with instructor’s approval). Six of the ten total credits of
field experience required may be taken during the summer.
3. SP111, SP112, or SP218 may be substituted for SP219.
4. Developmental and remedial courses, listed on page 62, will not fulfill elective
requirements.
5. See Distribution requirement lists on page 63. Courses must be from outside the
student’s area of concentration and not include courses with prefixes CJ or HS.
6. Students enrolled in HS170 must enroll in three credits of HS291.
7. SOC204 or SOC206 may be substituted for SOC205.
8. HE250 or three credits of PE185 may be substituted for PE231.
9. Prerequisite of MTH70 with a “C” or better or appropriate placement test score.
Southwestern Oregon Community College 2006-07 Catalog www.socc.edu Programs 120