Child & Youth Care Specialty - Human Services Diploma

Program at a Glance
Length
1 year after successful completion of the first-year program
Campus
Castlegar
Intake Dates
Fall
    Overview

    This program provides the second year of training in a specific human services field, and prepares students for work in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings.

    Practicum experience in community agencies develops your working knowledge of partnerships, hands-on training in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and employment opportunities within your client group.

    Program Outcomes

    Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

    • demonstrate professionalism in practice consistent with the code of ethics and standards of practice of their respective disciplines.
    • use effective interpersonal skills including active listening, collaboration, self-awareness and conflict resolution within multi-faceted roles and contexts.
    • understand and respect cultural differences and multiple ways of knowing.
    • practice from an ethic of inclusivity.
    • establish and maintain wellness strategies to assure work/life balance both personally and professionally.
    • engage in critical thinking, problem solving and reflective practice.
    • Completion of English Studies 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% or higher
    • A minimum of 30 hours paid or voluntary work experience with appropriate groups
    • Applicants who have previously completed a related certificate and are returning for entry into the second year of a Human Services Diploma are required to provide evidence of completion of a certificate in ECCE, EACSW, SSW or equivalent within the last five years. Acceptance for those who graduated prior to five years will be based on evidence of work in the human service field and/or professional development.
    • Applicants with 30 university transfer credits related to human services work, work experience in a related field, and the personal suitability requirements of the certificate programs will be considered for entry into the second year of a Human Services diploma on an individual basis.
    Additional Requirements
      • An official copy of all secondary and post-secondary transcripts
      • Two completed Human Services reference forms
      • A 30 hour work experience form completed by a supervisor who has observed the applicant in a volunteer or paid work situation is required
      • Proof of a negative tuberculosis test or of a clear chest x-ray that is less than 6 months old old for those who have been requested to have this from our community partners
      • A current criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice. Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit acceptance in field placement; acceptance into field placement is a requirement for program promotion
      • Current résumé
      • Personal Statement of interest (250 words)
      • An orientation session is required and will be arranged by the program designate
      Graduation and Promotion

      In order to receive your credential in your program you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00

      Term 4

      HSER 254 Core Concepts in Human Services introduces students to the concepts of theory and practice in Human Services and the interrelationship between the two. A number of theoretical perspectives on change are explored from both a Child and Youth Care and Social Service Worker orientation, including multicultural, feminist, developmental and post modern perspectives. Each of the theoretical perspectives studied offer a basis for understanding the helping relationship and personal change processes. An emphasis will be placed on psychodynamic, humanist, cognitive/behavioural, systemic and solution-focused/narrative approaches to practice.

      Prerequisites
      HS Certificate or Instructor's permission.
      Credits
      3.00

      HSER 258 Fundamentals of Change I is designed to assist the student to develop self-awareness as a helper and to develop both an understanding and a beginning level of skill. Students are required to participate in exercises, role plays, simulations and video taping in interviews and counselling in order to accomplish the course objectives.

      Prerequisites
      HS Certificate or Instructor's permission.
      Credits
      3.00

      HSER 276 Issues in Youth will explore the issues that face those in adolescence and early adulthood in various societies. 'Adolescence' and 'early adulthood' are terms used to describe a time of life in which major developmental and social changes occur. An exploration of adolescence and early adulthood, and the issues that are unique to these stages of life in various societies will occur. Students will be exposed to theories of adolescence, issues of gender, sociological explanations of existing issues, and to local and international programs designed to address these issues.

      Prerequisites
      HS Certificate or Instructor's permission.
      Credits
      3.00

      INDG 287 Introduction to Indigenous Teachings and Practices. This course will provide students with an introduction to Indigenous studies, including key concepts, themes and topics relevant to Indigenous histories and contemporary practices. The history and impact of colonialism, residential schools and oppression will be explored. We will explore Indigenous Worldview and ways in which we can respectfully participate in creating a future vision which embodies respect for cultural diversity and the health of our planet. Local wisdom keepers will be invited to share stories.

      Prerequisites
      ENGL 110 or equivalent, with a minimum of 60%
      Credits
      3.00

      HSER 267 Leadership in Human Services provides a basic introduction to leadership concepts.  Students self-reflect as they explore the concepts of emotional intelligence, leadership style, and the qualities and attributes of an effective leader.  Students create a plan for developing personal leadership skills and have opportunities to improve their leadership performance in managing conflict, overcoming obstacles, and establishing a constructive climate.

      Prerequisites
      HS Certificate or Instructor's permission.
      Credits
      3.00
      or

      PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology II covers topics include thinking and other cognitive processes, development of the individual, personality, mental disorders, health and social psychology. Other topics are added at the discretion of the instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.

      Prerequisites
      English Studies 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60%
      Credits
      3.00
      or

      PSYC 240 Child Development is an introduction to normal child development; this course explores selected aspects of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and moral development of children from birth to middle childhood; and examines the major theories of child development.

      Prerequisites
      PSYC 100 or equivalent
      Credits
      3.00
      Term 5

      HSER 255 Professional Foundations for Human Services explores foundations of Human Service Worker professional practice through an examination of the issues surrounding professional identity, ethical practice, and the interdisciplinary team approach. The skills required for communicating as a professional and as a team member, both oral and written, are developed throughout the course.

      Prerequisites
      HS Certificate or Instructor's permission.
      Credits
      3.00

      HSER 259 Fundamentals of Change II is designed to assist students to build advanced helping skills on the base developed in HSER 258. Students will learn to use their helping relationships and interpersonal communication skills within the framework of the helping process model. Students are required to demonstrate their skill development on video tape, as well as demonstrate analytical skills which will require both self-awareness and knowledge of the helping model. The focus is on the skills required to carry out action planning, support of action and evaluation of outcomes in helping interventions.

      Prerequisites
      HS Certificate or Instructor's permission.
      Credits
      3.00

      HSER 264 Introduction to Professional Child and Youth Care is designed to provide an overview of the child and youth care field, and the professional identity of child and youth care workers, which will enable the student to work with and advocate for children, youth and families in a more effective way. Students will explore the historical development of the field and gain a working understanding of the key concepts and basic principles of practice in the Child and Youth Care field. They will develop a clear understanding of the similarities and differences in the role and function of Child Care Professionals and other Human Service Professionals.

      Prerequisites
      HS Certificate or Instructor's permission.
      Credits
      3.00

      ENGL 111 Introduction to Literature is about living more intensely. Rather than providing answers, literature prompts us to ask better questions of ourselves and each other. Drama, poetry, short stories, and novels will guide us in discussion, reflection, and writing about literature.

      Prerequisites
      English 110, or equivalent with a minimum of 60%
      Credits
      3.00
      or

      PSYC 241 Adult Development is an introduction to teenage and adult development. This course explores selected aspects of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and moral development from adolescence thru late adulthood.

      Prerequisites
      PSYC 100 or equivalent
      Credits
      3.00
      Term 6

      HSER 270 Practicum in a Child and Youth Care Setting. A 200 to 250 hour practicum located in a child and youth care setting. This practicum requires students to work directly with children and/or youths in order to promote professional skill acquisition and integration. Emphasis is placed on observation and recording skills, awareness of personal functioning in relation to the children and/or youths. The ability to demonstrate beginning-level case management planning, intervention, and case-presentation skills with both a one-to-one focus and a group focus are also emphasized.

      Prerequisites
      All required diploma courses
      Credits
      5.00

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