Program Description
The Human Services curriculum prepares students for entry-level career positions in a variety of human services occupations. Students interested in transferring to a four-year college to major in Social Work after completing their studies at BCC should see the program description for the Human Services Option of the Liberal Arts and Sciences AA.
The AAS curriculum prepares students for employment as mental health aides, group residence workers, neighborhood outreach workers, social case work assistants, geriatric counselors, assistant probation officers and other similar positions. Employment opportunities exist in such areas as day care, mental health, social services, aging, rehabilitation of the disabled, group and community work at the public and private level.
Graduates are prepared to pursue further education at senior colleges leading to a baccalaureate degree in several professional areas including social work, gerontology, juvenile justice, psychology, sociology, education and counseling. Human Services students are required to participate in two Human Services field work internships which provide supervised learning experiences in work situations. Students learn to apply theoretical material from the classroom and test career choices in the real world.
The degree articulates with SUNY Empire State College and Boricua College. Students are encouraged to visit the Transfer Planning web site for more information.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Human Services program requirements, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate basic intervention process skills, which include the beginning ability to establish empathic relationships while providing direct service to individuals, families, groups and communities.
- Demonstrate generalist planning skills, which include the ability to analyze client’s needs, develop and implement a treatment plan, and determine the effectiveness of service.
- Demonstrate information management skills, which include the ability to gather and assess client data, prepare and maintain adequate service records, and utilize resources in order to address client needs.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and self-assessment skills, which include techniques that promote ongoing personal and professional development necessary to be an effective and non-judgmental human service worker.
