What can I do in human services?
The Human Services department at Trident Technical College provides graduates with
the skills, knowledge and ethics of the human service discipline to facilitate assistance
to individuals, families and communities in need, primarily by helping them acquire
the skills to solve their own problems.
What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?
Human Services professionals must be compassionate in collaborating with individuals
facing stressful situations. They must have effective communication and interpersonal
skills to ascertain their clients’ needs and assist them in obtaining services. As
such, good listening skills are essential, and counselors must be patient and able
to remain calm when working with all types of clients, including those who may be
in distress. Communication skills are of the utmost importance as counselors need
to be able to express ideas and information to their clients in a way that can be
easily understood. Human Services professionals must be organized in dealing with
paperwork and be able to manage their time well while dealing with a multitude of
clients. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills also are important.
Where can I work?
The Human Services field encompasses any number of jobs in areas such as addiction,
mental health, eldercare, youth services and the like. Human Services professionals
work for nonprofit organizations, private for-profit social service agencies, and
state and local government. They may work in offices, clinics, hospitals, group homes
and shelters. Some travel may be needed around the surrounding communities in which
to see clients.
Human Services professionals work in a wide variety of settings to include mental
health centers, prisons, halfway houses, detox centers, employee assistance programs
and residential or outpatient treatment facilities. Work hours vary according to the
type of establishment in which a Human Service professional works. Although rewarding,
the work is often stressful as many counselors sometimes deal with large workloads
and they may have to intervene in crisis situations. A solid regimen of self-care
activities is encouraged.
What does Trident Technical College offer?
The Human Services department at Trident Technical College provides graduates with
the skills, knowledge and ethics of the human service discipline to facilitate assistance
to individuals, families and communities in need, primarily by helping them acquire
the skills to solve their own problems.
Accreditation and Membership:
The Associate of Applied Science Degree Program in Human Services at Trident Technical
College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
on Colleges (SACSCOS) to award Associate Degrees.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree Program in Human Services at Trident Technical
College is also a member of the Council of Standards in Human Services Education.
Program Outcome Data:
Associate in Applied Science: Human Services
Outcome Measures: Reporting Program Outcome Data-Human Services
Recommended Sequence of Course
A recommended course sequence is a structured plan to help students complete degree
requirements efficiently. Click here for the Human Services associate degree sample program.
Human Services, AAS - Career Outlook