Human Services Technology, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse
You are committed to service; you are an empathetic leader who excels at building relationships and solving problems. You listen well and show that you care about others' well-being. In the human services field, you will practice with the utmost integrity. Enroll in the Human Services Technology program at Central Piedmont and earn an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Technology with a concentration in either Developmental Disabilities or Substance Abuse. There are also many specialized certificates available designed primarily for individuals who already work in the field.
What You Will Learn
As stated by the Southern Organization for Human Service Education, "Human Service professionals receive formal education combined with practical experience... Human Service professionals go wherever people are experiencing difficulties. Their profession is a vital one — not merely a job... their value is centered in their commitment to assisting others in maximizing their potential." Human services are designed to promote or enhance the personal well-being of individuals and is one of the fastest growing professions heading into the next century. The human services technology program at Central Piedmont will provide you with a basic body of knowledge and skills that will prepare you to be effective in a wide range of human service agencies. You can earn a specialized degree or certificate in:
- Human Services Technology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Substance Abuse
Coursework will provide an understanding of the personal, social, psychological, and personal impact of issues, such as domestic violence, child abuse, disabilities, homelessness, mental health, aging, and substance abuse, among many others. Foundational knowledge includes the history of human service studies, professional standards, and ethical responsibilities. You will develop interpersonal and cross-cultural effective communication skills to work with a range of populations. You will study family structure dynamics and addiction process. Through training in case studies, you will practice interview and counseling techniques, research, crisis intervention strategies, therapy and prevention methods, and legal procedures. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- formulate and evaluate clients' needs based on the available evidence
- develop a personal philosophy of human services based on current research on best practices
- identify and apply appropriate assessment tools to evaluate and document clients' individual needs and context during an interview and/or home study in a multicultural environment; these tools include the utilization of attending and listening skills, development of supportive and empathetic presence, assessment and formulation of goals, the ability to plan and evaluate change, working with people/clients in crisis, and the development of a self-care process
- identify and apply appropriate human services ethics based on current human services practices
- explore ethical conflicts within the field of human services.
Although there is currently no state licensure required for human services generalists, graduates will be eligible to sit the national Human Services Board Certified Practitioner credential developed by the Center for Credentialing and Education upon program completion. Graduates are employed in the criminal justice system and corrections centers, mental health clinics, social services, family services, disabilities agencies, rehabilitation centers, substance abuse treatment centers, non-profit organizations, and childcare and educational facilities. The Board Certified Human Services Professional credentialing will offer greater employment opportunities for the human services professional.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
The human services technology program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education. You will gain valuable hands-on experience through a required internship. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the Human Services Technology Club as well as to 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.