Direct Care Practice Certificate

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

A Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Spring 2016. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical knowledge base necessary for employment as a human service professional.
Students will be able to define and apply the major values and ethics of the human service profession.
Students will develop the necessary human service practice skills for work with individuals, families, and groups.
Students will be able to function effectively in entry level positions in human service agencies.

Program of Study

HSERV 101 - Introduction to Human Services
HSERV 102 - Human Behavior and Social Development/Lifespan
HSERV 200 - Ethnic and Cultural Diversity
Free Elective (3 credits, any college course)

The following courses must be taken together:

Minimum Total Credits - 25

Educational Plan: The Educational Plan is an advisement tool that provides important information to students about how to complete this degree. Click here to Download the Educational Plan .

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Direct Care Practice Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

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