Academic Calendar Winter/Summer 2017

Human Services

Many of the seats in these courses are reserved for students in the Social Work and Human Services programs (see also Social Work course descriptions). Other students may take these courses if they meet the prerequisites and there is space.
Note: For current transferability information see the B.C. Transfer Guide online at bctransferguide.ca


English Language Requirements

Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the English language entrance proficiency requirements. Students in ESL or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the University Foundations program with lower levels of language proficiency.

HSER 120

3 credits

Introduction to Interpersonal Communications

(formerly SSSW 120)

Prerequisite(s): None

Introduces basic self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills. Students will learn about the nature of the communications process. The emphasis will be on developing and practising the ability to communicate effectively with others. As part of the course requirements, students will be expected to share personal (but not necessarily private) experiences with others.

HSER 127

1 credit

Practicum Placement Seminar

(formerly SSSW 127)

Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 110, HSER 120, HSER 190, CMNS 155, and admission into Community Support Worker program

This course will prepare you for your practicum. Included are discussions of various jobs in the field, requirements of the job, and the values and attitudes necessary for success in the field along with relevant information for selecting and beginning a practicum. In a human services practicum, students are matched to an experienced supervisor in the field who shares expertise and acts as a role model.

HSER 129

1 credit

Practicum Seminar

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into Social Service or Substance Abuse Diploma programs

Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 110, HSER 120, and (CMNS 155 or ENGL 105)

The practicum seminar aims to prepare you for your practicum. The seminar will introduce you to various methods of fieldwork, fieldwork opportunities in the community, and relevant information required for selecting and beginning a social service practicum. In a human services practicum, students are matched to an experienced supervisor in the field who shares expertise and acts as a role model.

HSER 130

6 credits

Practicum I -- Social Services

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 110, HSER 120, and HSER 129 (in the previous semester), and one of CMNS 155 or ENGL 105

This course provides a supervised experience in work situations in which you could later find employment. You will have an opportunity to practice skills gained in prerequisite courses and will receive feedback about your competencies. There will be a weekly seminar, either on an individual or group basis.

HSER 131

6 credits

Practicum

Prerequisite(s): HSER 127 (in the previous semester) and First Aid Certificate (Red Cross Standard First Aid, Red Cross Emergency First Aid, Occupational First Aid Level I, or St. John’s Standard First Aid).

Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 192, 195, 196

This course provides a supervised experience in work situations in which you could later find employment. You will have an opportunity to practice skills gained in prerequisite courses and will receive feedback about your competencies. There will be a weekly seminar, either on an individual or group basis.

HSER 160

3 credits

Introduction to Gerontology

(formerly SSSW 160)

Pre- or corequisite(s): SOC 101, and one of CMNS 155 or ENGL 105

A multi-disciplinary introduction to the concept of aging in our society. Explores the impact on individual functioning and adjustment of such factors as cognition, personality, health and physical change, economic and vocational status, and social relationships and status.

HSER 190

3 credits

Introduction to Community Support

(formerly SSSW 190)

Prerequisite(s): None

An introduction to the field of community support for people working or planning to work in a direct hands-on position supporting children or adults with mental disabilities. The course offers an overview of historical attitudes shaping service provision, and how service provision denies or supports human and legal rights. The implications of the principle of normalization in the lives of people with mental handicaps, their families, and their communities over the past 20 years in North America will be emphasized.

HSER 192

3 credits

Supporting Learner Development

Prerequisite(s): HSER 190

Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 225 or PSYC 250 or EDUC 290, or permission of the Director.

This course provides an overview of information related to teaching students with special needs in today's classroom, with particular emphasis on the concept of inclusive education. Topics such as professional and paraprofessional roles in the classroom, adapting and modifying curriculum, characteristics and program requirements of a variety of special needs students, using and developing a variety of teaching and recording aides, using positive behavior support strategies, using augmentative communication devices, and using task analysis in the classroom, will be explored.

HSER 195

3 credits

Relationships and the Community

(formerly SSSW 195)

Prerequisite(s): HSER 190

This course will provide you with clear insight and understanding into the critical issue of relationships with and of people with disabilities. It will offer a challenging look at individual values and belief systems, and provide you with strategies for creating and maintaining supportive and value-enhancing relationships. The impact of critical issues such as segregation, institutionalization, deinstitutionalization, family support, friendships, intimacy and sexual relationships, leisure and recreational opportunities, with an emphasis of community participation, will be examined.

HSER 196

3 credits

Personal Care for Persons with Disabilities

Prerequisite(s): HSER 190 or permission of the Director.

This practical course provides the prospective worker with a fundamental overview of techniques involved in providing personal care, safety and comfort to people with multiple disabilities. The role of the community support worker in relation to the particular responsibilities of other health care professionals will be examined.

HSER 200

3 credits

Counselling Skills

Prerequisite(s): HSER 120

This course is designed to train students to develop their basic helping skills. Students will be expected to develop beginning competencies in a person-centered model of helping. Students will be expected to discuss and share real experiences.

HSER 229

1 credit

Practicum Seminar

Prerequisite(s): HSER 130, and completion of at least 30 credit hours

The practicum seminar aims to prepare students for the upcoming practicum. The seminar will introduce students to various methods of fieldwork, fieldwork opportunities in the community, and relevant information required for selecting and beginning a social service practicum. In a social services practicum, students are matched to an experienced supervisor in the field who shares expertise and acts as a role model.
Students should take this course in the last year of the program.

HSER 230

6 credits

Fieldwork Practicum

Prerequisite(s): HSER 130, HSER 229 (in the previous semester) and 30 credits of diploma-related course work

Supervised work experience in a social service agency. The goals and objectives of this course will be similar to the first-year practicum. However, higher levels of skill performance are required. This course is to be taken during the final semester of the program.

HSER 250

3 credits

Integration of Social Services Theory and Practice

Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 230

This course is designed to be the final synthesis and integration course for the Social Services Diploma Program. Students are encouraged to articulate their own helping philosophy based on an understanding of a multi-theoretical framework, ethics and issues of diversity. Skills to successfully enter and maintain employment in the social services field will be reinforced. Students are encouraged to develop their own plan for continued learning and wellness.

HSER 261

3 credits

Social Policy and Issues on Aging

(formerly SSSW 261)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 110

This course will explore Canadian social policy on aging, both on a federal and provincial level. Topics include the impact of the social security system, mandatory retirement, the economic situation of the elderly, and other income maintenance schemes. Also included are a survey of services available for the aging population as well as social attitudes towards aging.

HSER 264

3 credits

Workshop Series in Aging -- Current Developments in Caring for the Elderly

(formerly SSSW 264)

Prerequisite(s): None

This course will consist of a group of 10 to 14 different workshops presented by experts in the field. Topics will vary from year to year and students should consult the Director for an exact list.

HSER 290

3 credits

Directed Studies in Social Service Work

(formerly SSSW 290)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Social Services department

This course will appeal to students whose particular area of interest cannot be met through existing courses.

HSER 292

3 credits

Comparative Delivery Systems

(formerly SSSW 292)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 110 and instructor's permission

This course will expose students to the social service delivery system in another province and/or country.

HSER 500

2 credits

Counselling Skills for Addictions Work

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Substance Abuse Counselling program or permission of the Director

Corequisite(s): HSER 510 or SOWK 394; and HSER 527

This experientially based course will help the counsellor focus in on developing strategies for working with clients who use/misuse psychoactive drugs. Skills to be developed include establishing rapport with clients, challenging clients, working through defenses, change processes, setting goals with clients, exploring issues, and approaches to working with clients from culturally and socially diverse populations. Supportive counselling techniques will be practised. The use of written records in the counselling process will be explored and a continuing focus will be on ethical behaviour and appropriate expectations. Extensive use of videotape practice will be made.

HSER 501

2 credits

Group Facilitation Skills for Addictions

Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 500 and HSER 527

This course will assist the counsellor to develop group process and leadership skills in a variety of addictions settings, which may be therapeutic, educational, or social in nature, with a particular focus on the facilitation of psycho-educational groups in chemical dependency treatment. To work effectively with groups, it is important to incorporate the needs of the individual group members and systems when planning and implementing groups. Students will learn to facilitate groups and foster a climate of mutual respect and group acceptance, while using the group as a vehicle to assist members to learn appropriate group and individual skills.

HSER 502

2 credits

Family Work in Addictions

Prerequisite(s): HSER 500, and either HSER 510 or SOWK 394

Corequisite(s): HSER 528

This course will provide addictions workers with an appreciation for the theory and practice of family work from a general systems perspective. This course will examine various approaches to working with families, the diversity of family structure, misconceptions about family work, the family as an emotional system, the importance of family of origin, and the construction and use of family genograms in working with and understanding family functioning.

HSER 510

2 credits

The Nature of Substance Abuse

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Substance Abuse program or permission of Director

Corequisite(s): HSER 500, HSER 527

This course will provide a balanced overview of the nature of substance use/misuse. Issues to be examined will include the concept of chemical dependency; reasons for drug and alcohol misuse; patterns of use; individual, social, familial, and psychological consequences; treatment approaches, prevention; needs of special populations; and workplace issues. Current beliefs, myths, and scientific evidence from an international perspective will be reviewed. The unique interdisciplinary composition of the students will be used as a guiding principle in the investigation of the complex issues to be discussed.

HSER 511

2 credits

Pharmacology and Psychobiology of Addictions

Prerequisite(s): HSER 510 or SOWK 394

Corequisite(s): HSER 528

Students will acquire accurate information about mood-altering chemicals, their primary effect on the central nervous system, how they change mood and behaviour, and how they contribute to substance (mis)use problems. The mechanism of action, benefits, risks, side effects, toxicity, and psychosocial consequences of mood-altering chemicals will be examined.

HSER 512

2 credits

Community Treatment: Assessment and Referral

Prerequisite(s): HSER 510 or SOWK 394

This course will focus on the treatment options available for substance se/misuse in the local and provincial communities. Treatment options (inpatient, outpatient, supportive recovery, detox) and the system of care will be examined. The role of mutual help groups in treatment as well as the support systems available for family members will be examined. The complex interaction of mental health and substance use will be identified. Services beyond the system of care will be identified and their role in addressing addiction issues examined. Students will develop skills in assessment for treatment matching, treatment referrals, as well as in case management. Gaps in treatment services will be explored.

HSER 527

1.5 credits

Integrative and Self-Care Seminars

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Substance Abuse Counselling program or permission of Director.

This is an integrative and self-care seminar as ultimately, what the counsellor has is the “use of self”. The course meets once a week during the semester and is required of all students registered in HSER 500, 501, and 502. Topics to be explored will include: ethics, boundaries, stress, cross-disciplinary teams, legal issues, information sharing, and working with people with HIV/AIDS. Personal strengths and biases that may augment or interfere with client service will be discussed. Certification, licensure, and professional affiliations will be discussed. In HSER 528, the use of clinical supervision in addressing counsellor efficacy will be explored.

HSER 528

1.5 credits

Integrative and Self-Care Seminars

Prerequisite(s): HSER 527

This is an integrative and self-care seminar as ultimately, what the counsellor has is the “use of self”. The course meets once a week during the semester and is required of all students registered in HSER 500, 501, and 502. Topics to be explored will include: ethics, boundaries, stress, cross-disciplinary teams, legal issues, information sharing, and working with people with HIV/AIDS. Personal strengths and biases that may augment or interfere with client service will be discussed. Certification, licensure, and professional affiliations will be discussed. In HSER 528, the use of clinical supervision in addressing counsellor efficacy will be explored.

HSER 530

6 credits

Substance Abuse Practicum

Prerequisite(s): HSER 500, HSER 501, HSER 527; and either HSER 510 or SOWK 394.

Corequisite(s): HSER 528; and HSER 511 or PSYC 383

This practicum will provide an opportunity for the participant to develop their individual, group, and/or family treatment skills in the addictions field. Working in either one or two agencies (as determined by the Director), Students will be expected to contract for their own learning objectives. Student evaluation will be made by both the agency and college supervisor and be based on actual observation of the student. Diploma students will begin the practicum in January of their last year in the program, while certificate students will not start their practicum until March of the last year and are encouraged to consider starting their practicum only after completing all the course work.

Last extracted: November 04, 2016 02:23:15 PM

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