Our Human Services academic certificate program will prepare you to work in the behavioral health and human service fields. You will learn how to demonstrate a basic set of helping skills (warmth, empathy, reflective listening) needed for entry-level employment in human service agencies, work as a culturally sensitive ethical practitioner, demonstrate a stronger sense of self resulting from personal growth experiences, and use critical thinking and writing skills needed for working with clients. You will also do one practicum, which may be completed at your place of employment. Along with the core helping skills, you will be introduced to job-specific helping courses in fields of practice such as addictions, disabilities, gerontology or youth work.
Human Services Academic Certificate
Career Options
Careers
Find your path.
Community Health Worker – est. salary $44,532
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs– est. salary $52,539
Receptionist and Information Clerk – est. salary $34,477
**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Courses and Completion Sequence
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHHS 101 - Introduction to Behavioral Health & Human Services | 3 credits | BHHS 101 is a prerequisite for BHHS 111 | |
| BHHS 111 - Introduction to Helping Skills | 3 credits | BHHS 111 with a grade of "C" or better is a prerequisite for BHHS 194 and BHHS 195. | |
| BHHS 105 - Introduction to Group Dynamics | 3 credits | ||
| ENGL 101 - English Composition | 3 credits | ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better is a prerequisite for ENGL 102 | |
| BHHS 110 - Principles and Practices of Positive Youth Development: Community, Family, and Youth Engagement or BHHS 121 - Foundations of Addiction Studies or BHHS 171 - Introduction to Aging Studies or BHHS 161 - Introduction to Disability Studies |
3 credits | ||
| CIS 103 - Applications & Concepts * | 3 credits | Students with computer experience may apply for credit by exam through the Computer Technologies Department. |
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHHS 194 - Case Management Practice | 3 credits | Prerequisite: BHHS 111 with a grade of "C" or better | |
| BHHS 195 - Practicum in Behavioral Health/Human Services I | 3 credits | Prerequisite: BHHS 111 with a grade of "C" or better | |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Prerequisite:ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better | |
| BHHS 151 - Family Violence, Abuse and Trauma or BHHS 241 - Crisis Intervention |
3 credits | ||
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (or higher) | 3 credits |
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions.
$47,474
4,093
in the region
+3.8%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, or medical care.
- Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
- Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
- Maintain case history records and prepare reports.
- Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $32,160. Normal pay for Child, Family, and School Social Workers is $47,474 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $74,770.
Program Information
Human Services Academic Certificate
Degree Type:
Academic CertificateCredits Needed to Graduate:
33