Human Services Technology, Developmental Disabilities, and Addiction and Recovery Studies
Human Services is about helping people and includes assisting others in overcoming social problems such as poverty, relationship problems, domestic violence, crime, and substance use.
What You Will Learn
Human Services Professionals may work in various environments, including hospitals, family service agencies, group homes, shelters, or rehabilitation and recovery centers. Human Services is also one of the fastest-growing professions heading into the next century.
You can earn a specialized degree or certificates in:
- Human Services Technology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Addiction and Recovery Studies
Certificates are primarily designed for those individuals who already have advanced degrees and are interested in furthering their human services skills.
Coursework emphasizes personal, social, psychological, and personal impact of issues, such as domestic violence, child abuse, disabilities, homelessness, mental health, aging, and substance use, among many others. Foundational knowledge includes the history of human service studies, professional standards, and ethical responsibilities. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- apply critical thinking skills to formulate and evaluate clients' needs based on the available evidence
- demonstrate ethical decision-making practices in the Human Services field
- identify appropriate assessment tool to appraise the clients needs, and develop person centered plans
- implement and demonstrate cultural competency skills while providing services
- develop a personal philosophy of human services based on best practices
Although there is currently no state licensure required for Human Services Generalists, graduates will be eligible to take the national Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner developed by the Center for Credentialing and Education upon program completion. If completing a Human Services degree in the Addiction and Recovery Studies program you will be able to take the exam to be a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
The human services technology program provides an exceptional educational experience in all of our programs. We offer didactic, experiential and clinical experiences, giving you a well rounded learning opportunity. Our program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education which ensures we meet national standards in quality and consistency in both our program and curriculum.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in the Human Services Technology Club and apply to join the Tau Upsilon Alpha National Organization for Human Services Honor Society.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.