Human Services Contact: Joann Phillips, jphillips148@ivytech.edu, (574)289-7001 ext 6372

Our Human Services Program concentrates on equipping students with the “real-world” skills that qualify them for rewarding careers helping individuals, families and communities. Human services generalists learn skills that can transfer to any number of careers, from case worker to community living specialist. Students with more specific career interests can concentrate in areas such as substance abuse or elder-care. No matter what specialty you choose, you’ll be exposed to the latest research and thinking, as well as the most up-to-date techniques from instructors with authentic field experience.

Degrees, certificates and specialties

Program description

All classes are 3 credits unless indicated.

Program description Human services professionals reach out to individuals, families and communities. The Human Services Program provides students with the broad understanding they need to help others meet their psychological, social and environmental needs. Students may specialize in Correctional Rehabilitation Services, Generalist, Gerontology,
Mental Health or Substance Abuse. An internship or co-op experience is included.
Program optionsOptions include the Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. The AS degree program transfers into the bachelor’s program in social work at Ball State University. Other transfer-of-credit opportunities also are available.
Occupational areas• Community centers
• Group homes
• Substance abuse centers
• Extended care facilities
• Adult daycare centers
• Senior citizen centers
• Head Start
Typical activities• Interview clients and family members to assess needs
• Determine client eligibility for benefits and services
• Help clients fill out forms to receive benefits and services
• Provide or arrange transportation
• Telephone or visit client homes
• Help parents locate child care
• Provide emotional support to clients
• Monitor and maintain case records on clients
• Advise clients on budgeting and shopping for well-balanced meals
• Organize or lead support groups
• Administer food banks or emergency fuel programs
Knowledge areas• Customer and personal service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs
• Therapy and counseling: Knowledge of the effect of diseases and injuries, how to give advice on social or personal problems, and how to set up a treatment plan
• Psychology: Knowledge of people, their actions, and mental processes
• Education and training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and instruction
• Clerical: Knowledge of general office work such as filing and recording information
• Administration and management: Knowledge of managing the operations of a business, company or group
• Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry and statistics
Earnings, social and human services assistantNational: Average wage $11.46 an hour
Indiana: Average wage $11.18 an hour
South Bend: Average wage $12.04 an hourEmployment outlookEmployment opportunities for social and human service assistants are expected to grow much faster than average (36 percent or more) in Indiana and nationally through 2010.
Sources: CHOICES; Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center (ICPAC)

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