Learn how to build and maintain healthy relationships, communicate effectively and increase inclusion for vulnerable individuals within your community.

Please note, the Human Service Work program is offered every year in Kelowna and on a rotating basis in Vernon and Salmon Arm.

The curriculum for the Diploma in Human Service Work reflects the expanding responsibilities and evolving practice standards for graduates from non-degree social service programs. It has been developed with extensive community consultation and learning objectives are guided by provincially identified practice competencies.

The Human Service Work Diploma is a full-time and demanding endeavour. Students are in class approximately 18 hours/week and are expected to read and complete assignments outside of class on a daily basis. Students take responsibility for their own learning as well as being active participants in the classroom. Students graduating from this program will be working with people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged in some way. This generally requires graduates from this program to be client-centered, able to explore and challenge themselves (thoughts, feelings, behaviours) and to be open to change. Students entering into this program must be emotionally, physically, cognitively, and psychologically healthy.

As students progress through the Human Service Work program, they will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to:

Relationships

Develop respectful, positive and ultimately helpful relationships with others. Encourage and assist others to expand their network of supportive relationships.
Communication

Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with individuals and groups. Interact successfully and strategically by applying communication skills best suited to specific contexts.
Professionalism

Conduct oneself in a reliable, ethical and professional manner by acknowledging personal limitations, fulfilling role responsibilities and embracing professional values.
Community

Increase inclusion and acceptance of all people in their community while embracing a commitment to principles of social justice. Support access and development of appropriate resources and social support networks.

Advocacy

Effectively advocate in a collaborative, empowering way while demonstrating knowledge of relevant systemic contexts. Empower others by promoting self advocacy and the acquisition of self advocacy skills.

Team Work

Contribute to positive team development and functioning by using knowledge of group process and engaging in self assessment, collaborative decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

Use critical thinking skills in relevant situations.

Self-Awareness

Self-reflect and solicit feedback to increase awareness of the impact that one's attitude, beliefs, and behaviour have on self and others.
Skillful Practice

Promote client's quality of life, health and well-being through the application of such skills as assessment, planning, teaching, facilitating, providing emotional support, and action planning.

Life Long Learning

Continually strive to develop personally and professionally through a variety of learning experiences.

As students develop the above program outcomes, it is expected that they will demonstrate the following in the classroom:

Professional behaviour

Ability to engage in self-reflection

Ability to work as a member of a team

Ability to accept and integrate feedback as they evolve into a HSW professional

Ability to embrace change

Tolerance for diversity

The Diploma program is connected to a number of universities and university colleges throughout B.C. Details about transfer credit are available upon request.

Past graduates of the Human Service Worker Certificate program and graduates with certificates from other colleges will have opportunity to upgrade to a diploma credential. Seats will be awarded based on time and date of application. A limited number of seats will be available for students who wish to enrol on a part-time basis.Students will be required to complete multiple practicum work terms. Placements may be anywhere in B.C., so travel may be required.

Human Service Work graduates practice in many areas of the social services field, including: services for children and youth, community inclusion, vocational support, residential support, recreation and leisure activity support, criminal justice programs, programs supporting vulnerable women and broad-based support programs for individuals with mental illness who experience barriers to wellness.