HS 287S Practicum: Human and Social Services

Lab Hours: 21
Credits: 7

Provides experience working on-site in a human service agency to integrate field and classroom experiences. Offers Social Services students two different practicum sites, each at least two terms in length, during the Associate of Applied Science degree acquisition. Second-year practicum is more comprehensive and provides an opportunity to develop more advanced skills.

Prerequisite: HS 103, HS 150, HS 155, and HS 170; or consent of instructor. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in HS 265 or HS 266 to commence (or continue in) practicum at a second site. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Student Learning Outcomes:

Personal knowledge and skills: Develop, practice, and evaluate the values and skills possessed and/or acquired as a human services worker.
Service knowledge and skills: Develop and practice skills necessary to work with clients or consumers served by the agency.
System knowledge and skills: Develop an awareness of the philosophy, activities, and practices of the agency.
System knowledge and skills: Develop the capacity to work with agency staff in establishing and maintaining the student’s professional role in the agency.

Content Outline

Personal Knowledge and Skills
- Intercultural competency
- Personal characteristics
- Values
Service Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding the clients
- Service and treatment modalities
- Assessing behavior
- Instructional techniques
- Evaluation
System Knowledge and Skills
- Ethical codes and boundaries
- Workplace expectations
- Community resources and referrals
- Records
- Work relationships