Human Services Diploma

Program Overview

The Human Services Diploma program prepares students for a helping career by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to work effectively with individuals and families facing various challenges. The program emphasizes self-awareness, professional integrity, and positive working relationships, and incorporates Indigenous perspectives and social justice issues. Graduates are qualified for a variety of careers in human service settings, including social service work, community support work, and child and youth care work.

Program Outline

• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to work effectively in human service settings.
Students will develop an understanding of human service practice, including theoretical frameworks, ethical considerations, and practical skills.
• Program Description: The program emphasizes the development of self-awareness, professional integrity, and positive working relationships.
Students will gain experience in applying core human service concepts and recognizing the relationship between knowledge and practice. The program also incorporates Indigenous perspectives and addresses social justice issues.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The Human Services Diploma can be completed through three pathways: Kamloops campus, Williams Lake campus, and Open Learning.
Each pathway has a slightly different course structure, but all pathways require the completion of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00 for each course.
• Course Schedule: The program is typically completed over two years, with courses offered in semesters.
Students can choose from a variety of elective courses to tailor their learning to their interests and career goals.
• Individual Modules: The program includes a wide range of courses covering topics such as:
• Introduction to University Writing:
This course focuses on developing academic writing skills, including research, analysis, and synthesis.
• Introduction to Interpersonal Communications and Helping Relationships: This course explores self-awareness and effective communication skills for building helping relationships.
• Introduction to the Family in Human Service Practice: This course examines various family structures and the impact of social, political, and economic factors on families.
• Introduction to Human Service Professional Practice: This course introduces students to professional values, ethics, and practice standards in human service work.
• Human Service Field Education: This course involves a supervised practicum in a human service agency, providing students with practical experience in applying their knowledge and skills.
• Introduction to Human Service Practice with Indigenous Communities: This course examines the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples and explores culturally competent practice.
• Introduction to Social Work Practice: This course explores the profession of social work, including its history, theoretical perspectives, and ethical considerations.
• Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada: This course examines the history and development of social welfare policy in Canada, including issues such as poverty and social security.
• Advanced Communication Skills to Facilitate Change: This course builds on basic communication skills to develop effective strategies for facilitating change in helping relationships.
• Introduction to the Law in Human Service Practice: This course explores the legal framework relevant to human service practice, including family law, human rights legislation, and legal accountability.
• Introduction to Working with Groups in Human Service Practice: This course examines group development theory and the use of group work in human service practice.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Assignments:
Written assignments, such as essays, research papers, and case studies.
• Presentations: Oral presentations on topics related to human service practice.
• Group Projects: Collaborative projects that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in a team setting.
• Practicum: Supervised field experience in a human service agency, where students demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria for each course are outlined in the course syllabus and may include:
• Content Knowledge:
Demonstrating an understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information and applying it to real-world situations.
• Communication Skills: Effectively communicating ideas and information in written and oral formats.
• Professionalism: Adhering to ethical standards and demonstrating professional behavior.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
Providing students with foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks.
• Discussions: Engaging students in critical thinking and dialogue about human service issues.
• Case Studies: Applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Role-Playing: Simulating real-life interactions in human service settings.
• Guest Speakers: Bringing in professionals from the field to share their expertise and insights.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in human service practice.
They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, providing students with valuable guidance and support.
• Unique Approaches: The program incorporates a variety of unique approaches, including:
• Indigenous Perspectives:
Integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the curriculum.
• Social Justice: Emphasizing the importance of social justice and addressing issues of oppression and marginalization.
• Reflective Practice: Encouraging students to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and experiences in relation to human service practice.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Human Services Diploma program are prepared for a variety of careers in human service settings, including:
• Social Service Worker:
Providing direct services to individuals and families in need.
• Community Support Worker: Assisting individuals with disabilities or other challenges to live independently.
• Child and Youth Care Worker: Working with children and youth in a variety of settings, such as schools, group homes, and community centers.
• Case Manager: Coordinating services for individuals and families.
• Advocate: Representing the interests of individuals and communities.
• Program Coordinator: Developing and implementing human service programs.
• Opportunities: The demand for qualified human service professionals is high, with opportunities available in both government and non-profit agencies.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
They are prepared to work in a variety of settings and to address a wide range of human service needs.

Other:

• Residency Requirements: Students must complete six or more TRU credits (distance or on-campus) to meet residency requirements for the diploma.
• Criminal Record Check: Admitted students must complete a Consent to a Criminal Record Check before starting a practicum placement.
• Field Work Courses: Students must receive a minimum grade of C in the field work courses to graduate.