HUS 121 The Helping Relationship: Delivering Human Services -
This course explores the knowledge, skills and personal characteristics that are critical for an effective helping relationship. The helping relationship is one that partners with and empowers others. Course material is built upon research about human behavior, life stage theory, intervention strategies and strength-based practice. Using demonstration, lecture, role-play and hands on experience, students learn the fundamentals of: basic helping skills, crisis intervention, behavior modification, case management and accurate recordkeeping. Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Placement into college level English Semester Offered: F/S/SU

HUS 125 Group Process for Human Services -
This course examines the theory, process, and practice of group work in human services through lecture and experiential methods. Students learn the value of groups, the stages of group development, the roles and tasks of the group facilitator, and the strategies for dealing with common group problems. Course material will focus on the unique issues of groups commonly found in human service programs: education, discussion, growth, support, and self-help. The experiential component provides students the opportunity to participate in a group with the goal of enhancing self-awareness of personal qualities and skills required for effective group leader roles. Credits: 3
Prerequisites: HUS 101, HUS 121 Semester Offered: F/S/SU

HUS 131 Introduction to Developmental Disabilities -
This course examines a variety of developmental disabilities such as intellectual disability, autism, syndromes (e.g., Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), neurological, sensory, and health impairments, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders. The course incorporates a sociopolitical perspective laws, legislation, court cases, and attitudes on the treatment and support of people with developmental disabilities. Effective teaching and intervention strategies are explored. Special attention is devoted to addressing barriers to integration and the impact on the individual and his/her family. Students explore their own beliefs and biases regarding people with disabilities and their possible role as change agents in society. Credits: 3 Corequisites: ENG 101, HUS 101 Semester Offered: F/S/SU

HUS 141 Community Service: Delivering Human Services -
This course includes fieldwork in human service agencies in the Greater Worcester area. Students learn about the various roles of the human service practitioner and explore multiple aspects of service delivery through the observation and "shadowing" of professionals. Students select three areas of interest within mental health, substance abuse, homeless/outreach, developmental disabilities, gerontology, adolescent behavior management and family/community based services. Visiting a minimum of three agencies during the semester increases students' awareness of community resources and understanding of services provided to agency participants. The course also covers effective communication styles, agency systems and system theory, effective joining styles, establishing strong work habits and ethics, assertiveness skills, self-awareness, and self-management. Credits: 3
Prerequisites: ENG 101, HUS 101, HUS 121 Semester Offered: F/S/SU

HUS 143 Direct Support Practicum -
Students contract for a minimum of 10 hours per week at a practicum placement and a weekly seminar at the College. Practicums are supervised by an agency staff person and by the course instructor, who visits the sites and maintains weekly contact with the students. Students demonstrate sensitivity to diverse populations and satisfactory proficiency in developing, interpreting, implementing, and documenting helping interventions. They understand the appropriate use of supportive services, group facilitation, conflict resolution, and system change strategies; and use appropriate written and verbal communication skills to document their work. Credits: 3
Prerequisites: HUS 101 Semester Offered: F/S

HUS 145 Special Topics in Developmental Disabilities -
This course is designed for human service professionals who work as direct support workers for the Department of Development Disabilities. Students enrolled in this course will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of issues that may have been presented in previous human service classes. In addition, they will further develop their skills in working with both clients and their families. Topics covered in this course include person centered thinking, teaching and learning, diversity, health and wellness, sexuality, humans rights, grief and loss, and working with families. Credits: 3
Prerequisites: HUS 101, HUS 131 Semester Offered: S

HUS 151 Families and Children with Special Health Care Needs -
This course focuses on understanding family systems and development for families with children who have special healthcare needs. Family-centered, strength-based model provides the foundation of the course. Students explore the impact of disabilities and special healthcare needs on family development and functioning; cultural and societal dynamics; home-based intervention and respite care; and the role of service providers in creating professional partnerships. Students receive 20 hours of practical experience including agency orientation, parent networking and self-advocacy groups. Credits: 3
Prerequisites: HUS 101 Semester Offered: F/S/SU

HUS 221 Cultural Competence for Human Service Workers -
This course prepares human service workers in developing awareness and skills to provide culturally competent services to meet the needs of a changing population. Students examine three core principles: the worker must be self-reflective and examine biases within themselves and their profession; the worker must have core knowledge about minority group value systems, beliefs about health and personal problems, histories, traditions and natural systems of support inherent in one's culture; and the worker must be able to demonstrate an integration of this knowledge and personal reflection with practice skills. Credits: 3
Prerequisites: CRJ 101 or HUS 101, ENG 101, SOC 101 Semester Offered: F/S/SU

HUS 231 Legal and Ethical Concepts in Human Services -
This course examines ethical and legal issues that confront human service workers. Students begin by investigating the core values that are the foundation of helping services and examine the issues of social justice and consumer rights. Topics of consumer privacy, confidentiality, duty to disclose, and boundary dilemmas are covered in depth. Examples from Massachusetts's laws and cases are used to help learners understand their legal responsibilities and effectively collaborate with professionals from the justice system. Throughout the course, students develop an understanding of the legal system and how it impacts human service issues. Credits: 3
Prerequisites: CRJ 101 or HUS 101 Semester Offered: F/S/SU

HUS 243 Human Services Practicum I -
This course provides training in technical competency and skills building through 120 hours of directed, professionally supervised individual and group work in a human service agency. Students demonstrate sensitivity to diverse populations and satisfactory proficiency in developing, interpreting, implementing, and documenting helping interventions. They understand the appropriate use of supportive services, group facilitation, conflict resolution, and system change strategies; and use appropriate written and verbal communication skills to document their work. (Only open to students enrolled in the Human Services Program). Credits: 4
Prerequisites: HUS 101, HUS 141, PSY 231 Semester Offered: F

HUS 244 Human Services Practicum II -
This course provides a continuation of the technical competency and skills building through 130 hours of directed, professionally supervised individual and group work in a human service agency. Students demonstrate sensitivity to diverse populations and proficiency in developing, interpreting, implementing, and documenting helping interventions. Students understand the appropriate use of supportive services, group facilitation, conflict resolution, and system change strategies; and use appropriate written and verbal communication skills to document their work. Credits: 4
Prerequisites: HUS 243 Semester Offered: S

9/5/2023