Human Services Technician
This six-month program prepares students with a working knowledge necessary to assist caseworkers and human service providers. These entry-level workers assist with programs that aim at preventing and resolving problems in human relationships and help individuals overcome personal, professional, and social barriers in a broad variety of fields. This program includes an externship. In addition, current Human Service workers are encouraged to take classes to update their counseling skills and can earn a professional certificate.

Requirements

• Introduction to Computers * : 3 credits
• Keyboarding I : 3 credits
• Keyboarding II: 3 credits
• Office Procedures II: 3 credits
• Human Relations: 3 credits
• Introduction to Chemical Dependency *: 3 credits
• Introduction to Human Services *: 3 credits
• Life Span Development*: 3 credits
• Counseling Skills *: 3 credits
• Case Management Skills *: 3 credit s
• First Aid/CPR *: 1 credit
• Externship: 2 credits
  Total: 30 credits minimum

Note: The seven courses marked with an asterisk (*) make up the core of a Professional Certificate, usually taken by workers in that field. These can be taken over two or more quarters.)

Placement and Career Path
Job requirements in this field usually include adequate communication skills, good problem-solving skills, and an understanding of community resources. Employers typically look for diverse people who enjoy working with and helping others solve and overcome their problems. The Human Services graduate can seek employment in government and non-profit sectors of the economy. Social and Human Service Assistants, Other Counselors, and Social and Religious Workers are projected at over 700 openings a year through 2012 in the Twin Cities. These jobs may include employment counselors, chemical health technicians, foodshelf workers, case aides, and intake specialists, but there are many other possibilities.