Human Services Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree (A45380)

Overview

The purpose of the Human Services Technology Program is to provide citizens of Gaston and Lincoln Counties the opportunity to become employed in the rapidly growing field of Human Services. Graduates should qualify for positions as services providers in mental health, child care, family services, social services, rehabilitation, correction, and educational agencies.

Specifically, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and educational services. This preparation involves a curriculum that emphasizes the development of relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes in human services as well as preparing students for specialization in specific human service areas.

Students will learn how to apply knowledge and skills by participating in fieldwork experience. They will learn techniques in interviewing, counseling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution as well as skills in conducting case management and identifying the influence of interactions in group settings.

Human Services Technology Co-op Placement Students are required to complete two semesters co-ops to gain field experience. The Human Services career field includes agencies and organizations that may require a criminal background check and drug screening as part of their process for determing eligibility for a student's co-op placement and potention employment.

Degrees Available

Human Services Technology Degree

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Program Outcomes

Gaston College graduates receiving an associate of applied science degree in Human Services Technology will be able to:

1. Identify the knowledge, skills, and roles of ahuman service worker.
2. Analyze experiential learning in small groupsand identify and explain the influence of interactions of group members ingroup settings.
3. Performbasic interviewing skills needed to function in a helping relationship usingthe Microskills Model.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of counselingtheories and performance of counseling techniques.
5. Demonstrate an integration of the knowledge,skills, and experiences gained in classroom and clinical experiences withemerging trends in the field.
6. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of how toassess crisis situations and respond appropriately with the appropriatedifferential techniques applicable to various crisis situations.
7. Demonstrate professional work ethic/traits and personal behaviors necessary for career success.

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Resources

Human Services Suggested Course Sequence
Human Services Technology Career Opportunities
Southern Organization for Human Services

National Organization for Human Services (NOHS)
Human Services Technology Students are encouraged to become involved in professional associations such as the National Organization for Human Services. This organization consists of members from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds with the mission of fostering excellence in human service delivery through education, scholarship, and practice. Student memberships are available. Additional information is available at the NOHS website: www.nationalhumanservices.org

Contacts

Department Chair, Applied Social Sciences: Ann Elliott
Office: CAS 107
Phone: 704.922.2382
Email: elliott.ann@gaston.edu

You may contact the faculty and staff for any further questions.

Faculty	Phone	Location	Email
Dr. Kelly Sutton, Program Coordinator	704 825-3737 ext. 311	KCC 223	sutton.kelly@gaston.edu