Division: Business, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Public and Human Services
Academic Dept: Human Services
HEGIS: 5501
Curriculum Chair: Prof. Helen O’Brian
Tel: 914-606-8520

The certificate in Direct Care Practice is especially useful for those employed in the human services who wish to upgrade their skills and marketability. It is also designed to meet the needs of those who have a degree in another discipline but wish to seek employment, make a career change, or volunteer in human service agencies and organizations.

Opportunities for social and human service workers are expected to be excellent and are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations up to the year 2020, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Employment opportunities are available in numerous human service environments. These include but are not limited to: child-care agencies, group homes, shelters, sheltered workshops, hospitals, services to the aging, clinics, and community mental health centers. The cornerstone of this certificate program is its emphasis on case management.

The certificate in Direct Care Practice includes courses and fieldwork (available in over 100 agencies and schools) where students learn to apply their knowledge and skills to actual work situations. Those who complete the certificate and decide to continue their studies may transfer completed course credits into the college’s A.A.S. degree program in Human Services.