| Description |
: "What is Human Services anyway?" Human services is a generic term used to describe workers who have various job titles, but who are all involved in helping professions. Workers with an AAS or an AS in Human Services usually work under the direction of a professional and the amount of responsibility and supervision that they are given depends upon the type of setting in which they are employed. Salary range for graduates ranges from approximately $6.50 to $13.00 per hour. The top range positions are often found in the correctional setting.
In the program, a great emphasis is placed on clinical activities. Students are placed as interns in social agencies, nursing facilities, and mental health care settings. The student will be required to complete a total of 180 hours per placement, which averages about 12 hours per week in the normal semester, about 18 per week in the summer session. By working in diverse areas, students get to know about many areas of human services work. The student is enrolled in an internship seminar in conjunction with the placement. In this class setting, all interns get to share their problems, concerns and learning experiences.
First semester courses in Human Services include Introduction to Human Services and Helping Relationships and Techniques. The introduction course explores the history of human services, career opportunities and the role of the human services worker. Helping relationships and techniques examines the helping process in terms of skills, helping stages and issues involved in a helping relationship. All classes emphasize client autonomy and confidentially.
Our AS degree transfers in a 2+2 program to ISU. This means that a student who graduates from Ivy Tech with a AS degree in the Human Services program can choose to enter ISU with advanced standing in the Community Health program.
"What opportunities will this degree afford me that I can't qualify for with a high school diploma?". While many employers DO hire high school graduates for these positions, most prefer applicants with some college preparation in human service work. Because so many human service jobs involve direct contact with people who are vulnerable to exploitation or mistreatment, employers try to select applicants with educational preparation to meet these specific needs.
"What kind of person seeks a career in a human service field?". IF YOU ARE… …the one everyone comes to with problems. …have a real desire to help others. …have a strong sense of responsibility …can help without judging …want a career that is more than a job …want to make a difference in someone's life then the type of person who should consider a career in Human Services … IS YOU !!! |
