Human Services - Generalist (A.A.S)

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A.A.S. Degree

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services-Generalist builds upon skills to provide care and services for the whole individual within the framework of his or her relationship to his or her  environment. The program develops knowledge of human behavior, the social environment, and community resources while providing an understanding of the complex network of human services available in a community. The curriculum is designed for entry into the job market and for transfer to baccalaureate degree programs in social/behavioral science.

Students may matriculate directly into the Human Services- eneralist A.A.S. program or transfer previously earned credits from diploma and specialized programs which share an integrated curriculum, including the Human Services Gerontology and Early Child Care & Development concentrations, which provides a foundation for working with diverse populations. This program requires the student to submit approved Act 34 Child Abuse Clearance and Act 151 Pennsylvania State Police Clearance prior to the start of a course that contains a lab or service learning requirements. The clearances must be valid through the end of the semester in which the student is enrolled in the course.

Career Opportunities

Human Services is one of the fastest growing occupational fields. The Human Services-Generalist degree provides training for paraprofessional employment in a variety of organizations including social agencies, community action programs, long-term care and personal care facilities, senior citizen centers and adult care facilities. Example careers include:

• Social and Human Service Case Assistants
• Group Home Worker
• Behavioral Management Aide
• Psychological Aide
• Client Advocate
• Life Skills Instructor
• Crisis Worker
• Group Home Operator

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Appropriately apply psychosocial principles to diverse client situations;
2. Apply knowledge of community resources to support client needs;
3. Develop communication and critical thinking skills including reading, writing, essential math, problem solving, evaluating and organizing;
4. Express the basic elements of effectively employing interpersonal communications, team skills, and quality principles in the work place;
5. Demonstrate skills and knowledge to identify and resolve problems and issues effectively in a target population, including program analyses;
6. Use technology and information resources effectively on the job and to upgrade skills continuously;
7. Express understanding of the fundamental ethical and legal guidelines governing the field of Human Services as specified by the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS), and the ethics of confidentiality;
8. Acquire an appreciation of healthy lifestyles, the rights of individuals, and the circumstances of working in a diverse society;
9. Experience Service Learning throughout the curriculum;
10. Use research and evaluation techniques to make decisions about behaviors and programs.

Obtaining the Degree

To earn the Associate of Applied Science degree, students must:

• Matriculate in the program;
• Satisfactorily complete all degree requirements, including the General Education Core and Technical Core.

Service Learning Component

Human Service-Generalist students make a commitment to working in the community. A majority of this program’s required courses have a 35-hour service learning component that places the student in a desired community setting. The object of the service learning experience is to learn to apply principles and concepts in the student’s field of choice. Students are required to complete 250 hours of service learning, of which 150 hours is completed through an internship. Students must present approved current Act 34 and Act 151 clearances in order to complete the lab work required for each applicable course and the  internship requirement. All students completing internship, field experience, or service learning hours in a public or private school setting are also required to provide the College with a copy of their Act 114  Federal Criminal History Record. Students are advised to register for this clearance prior to the beginning of their second semester. An official copy should be presented to the Office of the Registrar. Information regarding registration and fingerprinting locations may be found at www.pa.cogentid.com. Registration is also available by telephone at 1-888-439-2486.