Human Services (9660)

Human service workers assist and support people facing problems in living that may include poverty, homelessness, mental illness, drug abuse, domestic violence, physical illness, disability, or life transitions. They are employed in a variety of settings such as community service agencies, group homes, shelters and rehabilitation programs. Human service workers can have a variety of job titles including case manager, social work assistant, victim advocate, or behavior management specialist.  

Job prospects for those with an associate degree in Human Services are excellent. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, opportunities for human service workers are expected to grow much faster than average (15% or more).

The Lakeland Human Services program is designed to prepare students for entry-level paraprofessional and technical positions in a wide variety of human service agencies serving a diverse range of clients. The program also provides a firm basis for the continued professional growth of individuals already in such positions. Educational experiences are tailored to enhance critical thinking and professionalism, while mastering evidence-based practice and career skills as well as increasing knowledge related to human behavior in the social environment.  

Coursework can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis with day and evening sections available. The curriculum is structured to provide students the opportunity to earn educational certificates in Case Management and Chemical Dependency Counseling on their way to the associate degree. A Pre-Social Work certificate is also available that includes the additional coursework required for admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program through our partnership with Youngstown State University at the Holden University Center.

The semester preceding graduation from the associate degree program, students must complete a 210 hour internship experience at an approved agency and within the scope of practice for a Social Worker Assistant in the State of Ohio. Securing an internship site is not guaranteed as it is dependent upon agency acceptance. Agency acceptance is dependent on your academic record, criminal record, and your interview performance in addition to agency needs at the time of application for internship.  Most social services will require completion of BCI and FBI criminal background checks prior to engaging in any fieldwork experience. Please be aware that having been convicted of certain criminal offenses may prevent you from working with specific populations or being certified in this field. It is strongly recommended that you consult with the appropriate state licensing board before embarking on a course of study in this field. In addition, there may be federal requirements or internal agency policies that may prevent an agency from hiring someone with a criminal record.

Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, graduates are eligible to apply for the “Social Worker Assistant” designation with the State of Ohio subject to any additional requirements stated in Chapter 4757 of the Ohio Revised Code.  Upon completion of HMSV 2230 Fundamentals of Addiction Counseling, students are eligible to apply for the “Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant” designation with the State of Ohio subject to any additional requirements stated in Chapter 4758 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Human service students may also choose to continue their studies at the bachelor level by enrolling in our partnership program with Youngstown State University. Two-thirds of the 124 needed credits are offered by Lakeland at Lakeland tuition rates.  The remaining intensive social work credits are offered by Youngstown State University and are held at the Holden University Center across the street from Lakeland’s main campus. Students may transfer either the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services or an Associate of Arts degree. Those with an Associate of Arts can take a concentration of Lakeland’s Human Service courses while completing their Bachelor of Social Work in the Youngstown partnership program.

Certificates are also available.