The Purpose of Human Service:

To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among people,
To make music in the heart

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Program Description

Allegany College of Maryland's Human Service Associate Program is designed to:

1. Prepare graduates for employment in human service positions;
2. Develop the basic knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to work effectively in the helping professions;
3. Provide the foundation for further training and specialization in such areas as social work, psychology, rehabilitation, addictions, developmental disabilities, and related fields;
4. Facilitate the personal growth and development of the student as a unique and worthwhile person;
5. Promote an integrative approach to health and healing which promotes people, partnerships, and possibilities.

The Human Service Program utilizes a learning community approach to facilitate growth and skill development. In the clinical phase of the program, twenty-five students enroll in clinical courses as a group for four semesters, working closely with two faculty members to support, risk, and learn as a group.

The Human Service Program also emphasizes a holistic approach to health, healing, and personal development. Diversity is valued, respect is cultivated, and challenge is encouraged.

For more information on a career as a Human Service Associate contact Program Director, Cherie Snyder at (301) 784-5556, or Brenda Mathews (Faculty/Administrative Secretary) at (301) 784-5557.

Career Opportunities

The Human Service Associate curriculum is a two-year career program designed to prepare students with the education, skills, and experience necessary for employment in entry-level human service positions.

• Private Mental Health Agencies
• State Mental Hospitals
• Services for Developmentally Disabled
• Correctional Institutions
• Hospitals
• Children/Youth Services
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Social Service Agencies
• Aging Services
• Community Mental Health Centers
• Educational Programs

Some positions held by AA graduates:

• Activity Assistant/Director
• Addictions Counselor
• Health/Wellness Educator
• Crisis Counselor
• Teacher's Assistant
• Human Development Associate
• Mental Health Associate
• Rehabilitation Worker
• Family Worker
• Senior Adult Site Manager
• Job Coach

Clinical Phase Admission Process

The first step is for the student to apply to the College and take the placement assessments. Application to the four semester Clinical Phase of the Human Service Program is made in the spring semester and twenty-five students are selected to begin clinical course work the following fall. Application packets are available beginning in December and can be requested by calling the program secretary at 301-784-5557.

While the Program can be completed on a full-time basis in two years, most students elect to spread the course work over three or more years.

Course Work

The Human Service curriculum provides a strong theoretical background while focusing on practical application in the classroom and in field placement. Coursework covers such areas as:

• advocacy
• ethics
• group work
• counseling and interviewing
• helping techniques
• behavior management
• crisis intervention
• case recording
• project planning
• wellness and mind/body skills

Seventy credits are required to complete the Human Service A.A. degree. Of these, 32 are Human Service courses; the remaining general coursework includes English, speech, math, psychology, sociology, health/physical education, and science.

Self-awareness, character, and ethical development are strongly emphasized throughout the clinical phase. Every student develops a Personal Mission Statement by the time they graduate.

Specialties in aging, integrative health and wellness, and addictions may be developed through selection of elective course work.

Letters of Recognition are granted by the college and available in Leadership, Integrative Health & Addictions.

Program Affiliations / Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a vital aspect of the curriculum. Students accumulate over 480 hours of actual field experience and supervised practical training in the helping fields.

As the student progresses in the program, increased responsibility and opportunities for skill development are provided, culminating in an independent field project during the final semester.

A wide variety of fieldwork sites are available in the Western Maryland region as well as Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Bachelor's Degree Options

Although designed as a career program, the Human Service Program does provide a background for later study in related fields, such as Social Work, special education, occupational therapy and applied psychology. Students contemplating transfer should speak with the Student Success Center. Close work relationships have been established with area colleges and universities. Our most frequently chosen transfer pattern has been in Social Work.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are many scholarships and various forms of financial aid available to help students with expenses at Allegany College of Maryland. Contact the Scholarship Office by emailing Sandi Stein.

Accreditation

The Human Service Associate Curriculum at Allegany College of Maryland has been formally approved by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.

For Further Information Contact:

Cherie Snyder, MSW, MA
Program Director
Human Service Associate Curriculum
Allegany College of Maryland
12401 Willowbrook Road SE
Cumberland, MD 21502-2596
301-784-5556
301-784-5015 (fax)
csnyder@allegany.edu

Brenda Mathews, Faculty/Administrative Secretary
301-784-5557
bmathews@allegany.edu