HSER 120
3 credits
Interpersonal Communications for Human Services
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces students to effective interpersonal communications for human services. Topics include active listening, building rapport, conflict resolution, cultural humility, emotional intelligence, empathy, Indigenous cultural safety, personal and professional values, use of self, verbal and non-verbal communications, paraphrasing, questioning, and worldview.
HSER 130
7 credits
Social Service Worker Practicum I
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Social Service Worker diploma, HSER 120, and (CMNS 125 or ENGL 105).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 110. Note: As of January 2025, pre/corequisites will change to HSER 140, (PSYC 101 or 102), and SOWK 110.
Supervised field experience in a community-based social service setting. Students must also attend field education workshops and seminars that are grounded in social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
HSER 131
7 credits
Education Assistant/Community Support Worker Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School and Community Support Worker certificate, HSER 120, HSER 190, HSER 192, and one of (CMNS 125 or ENGL 105).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 195. Note: As of January 2025, pre/corequisites will change to include HSER 194.
Supervised field experience in a school or community inclusion setting. Students must also attend field education workshops and seminars that are grounded in social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Note: A valid First Aid certificate (Red Cross Basic Life Support, Occupational First Aid Level 1, or St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid) is required prior to practicum placement.
HSER 140
3 credits
Introduction to Indigenous-Centred Human Services
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Social Service Worker diploma.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 120 and SOWK 110.
Introduces the history of human services as it relates to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada from point of contact to the present. Students are prepared to work with Indigenous Peoples in culturally safe ways, exploring Indigenous-settler relationships and differing worldviews.
Note: Fieldtrips outside of class time are required.
HSER 160
3 credits
Introduction to Aging & Working with Older Adults
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): CMNS 125 or ENGL 105.
Introduces the concept of aging at the individual and societal level within the context of changing demographics and biological, psychological, and sociological determinants: health, economics, employment, housing, family life, cultural diversity, elder abuse and neglect, and end-of-life issues.
HSER 190
3 credits
Introduction to Community and School Support
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School and Community Support Worker certificate or Social Service Worker diploma program.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Introduces students to current service provisions within schools and community for people who have diverse abilities. Topics include the history of community living, transitioning from school to community, person-centred planning, and the intersection of professional ethics and personal values.
HSER 192
3 credits
Supporting Students in Schools
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School and Community Support Worker certificate or Social Service Worker diploma.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in schools, as directed by classroom and Learning Support teachers. They will explore the Education Assistant's role in achieving meaningful participation for diverse students in inclusive schools.
HSER 194
3 credits
Education Assistants and Inclusive Schools
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School and Community Support Worker certificate or Social Service Worker diploma.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will consider schools as engaging and inclusive gathering places for all learners. They will explore the education assistant’s collaborative role in supporting social and emotional well-being for individual students and the school community.
HSER 195
3 credits
Relationships and the Community
Prerequisite(s): HSER 190
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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 200
3 credits
Interview and Assessment Skills for Human Services
Prerequisite(s): HSER 120.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will learn beginning competencies in models of interviewing, assessment, and intervention. Students will be expected to practice interpersonal communication skills in the context of a helping relationship, engage in reflective practice, and explore personal experiences as they relate to their own worldview, values, and ethics.
HSER 230
7 credits
Social Service Worker Practicum II
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Social Service Worker diploma and HSER 130. Note: As of January 2025, prerequisites will change to include HSER 140.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 140, HSER 200, and SOWK 297. Note: As of January 2025, pre/corequisites will change to include SOWK 210.
Building on HSER 130, this is a supervised field experience in a community-based social service setting. Students must also attend field education workshops and seminars that are grounded in social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
