Social Service Worker - Human Services Diploma

HSER 254 Core Concepts in Human Services introduces students to the concepts of theory and practice in Human Services and the interrelationship between the two. A number of theoretical perspectives on change are explored from both a Child and Youth Care and Social Service Worker orientation, including multicultural, feminist, developmental and post modern perspectives. Each of the theoretical perspectives studied offer a basis for understanding the helping relationship and personal change processes. An emphasis will be placed on psychodynamic, humanist, cognitive/behavioural, systemic and solution-focused/narrative approaches to practice.

HSER 258 Fundamentals of Change 1 is designed to assist the student to develop self-awareness as a helper and to develop both an understanding and a beginning level of skill. Students are required to participate in exercises, role plays, simulations and video taping in interviews and counselling in order to accomplish the course objectives.

INDG 287: Introduction to Indigenous Teachings and Practices. This course will provide students with an introduction to Indigenous studies, including key concepts, themes and topics relevant to Indigenous histories and contemporary practices. The history and impact of colonialism, residential schools and oppression will be explored. We will explore Indigenous Worldview and ways in which we can respectfully participate in creating a future vision which embodies respect for cultural diversity and the health of our planet. Local wisdom keepers will be invited to share stories.

PSYC 240 Child Development is an introduction to normal child development; this course explores selected aspects of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and moral development of children from birth to middle childhood; and examines the major theories of child development.

HSER 255 Professional Foundations for Human Services explores foundations of Human Service Worker professional practice through an examination of the issues surrounding professional identity, ethical practice, and the interdisciplinary team approach. The skills required for communicating as a professional and as a team member, both oral and written, are developed throughout the course.

HSER 259 Fundamentals of Change II is designed to assist students to build advanced helping skills on the base developed in HSER 258. Students will learn to use their helping relationships and interpersonal communication skills within the framework of the helping process model. Students are required to demonstrate their skill development on video tape, as well as demonstrate analytical skills which will require both self-awareness and knowledge of the helping model. The focus is on the skills required to carry out action planning, support of action and evaluation of outcomes in helping interventions.

HSER 281 Directed Studies Methods is a self directed course where students are expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of the specific theoretical approaches to working with a specific client population. Further, students are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the specific concerns and issues related to this distinctive group, and demonstrate an understanding of the specific approaches and skills used with this group. Learning strategies include library research, exploration of relevant journals, interviewing practitioners and other individual's small group discussions with the instructor and presentation of results. Typical focus areas may include, but are not limited to, people with specific disabilities, people dealing with substance use/addictions, people who experience violence, community-based advocacy, people who perpetrate violence, people with mental illnesses, people with co-occurring disorders, family preservation and support, individual counselling, geriatrics, preparing people for employment, specific ethnic populations, multicultural work, children and adolescents and First Nations work.

PSYC 241: Adult Development is an introduction to teenage and adult development. This course explores selected aspects of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and moral development from adolescence thru late adulthood.

Practicum A second level or advanced practicum for individuals who have completed a previous block practicum or have demonstrated those skills through a PLA. After an orientation to the agency, students are expected to provide direct services, assuming full responsibility with appropriate supervision, to specified clients, or client groups. Students will develop competence in providing a specific service and in participating as a team member in the agency. The practicum is normally 250 hours.