Human Services Paraprofessional Certificate of Achievement

The Program provides students with the knowledge and skills to fulfill Human Service Paraprofessional duties and responsibilities in a competent and ethical manner, with an understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse populations which they will serve. Human Service Paraprofessionals are non-professional employees who provide services under the supervision of certified and/or licensed counselors, social workers, nurses, and/or other professionals. Human Service Paraprofessionals may be members of a team or work with little direct supervision. Employers prefer to hire Human Service Paraprofessionals who have completed post-secondary certificate training and who have some on-the-job experience, such as that provided by Cooperative Work Experience Education or an internship class. This program meets these employer needs, and gives students a clear employment advantage over untrained, inexperienced job applicants. For many, the HUS-P program will be the beginning of a career and academic path. Students seeking immediate employment can complete the Certificate Program, and then complete General Education requirements for the Human Service Associate of Science Degree while working. Students who wish to continue their education in Human Services-related disciplines at four-year colleges will have the ability to work in fields akin to their academic studies, and this work experience will add meaning, purpose and direction to their college coursework.