HSER 120
3 credits
Introduction to Interpersonal Communications
(formerly SSSW 120)
Prerequisite(s): None
Introduces basic self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills. Students will learn about the nature of the communications process. The emphasis will be on developing and practising the ability to communicate effectively with others. As part of the course requirements, students will be expected to share personal (but not necessarily private) experiences with others.
HSER 127
1 credit
Practicum Placement Seminar
(formerly SSSW 127)
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 110, HSER 120, HSER 190, CMNS 155, and admission into Community Support Worker program
This course will prepare you for your practicum. Included are discussions of various jobs in the field, requirements of the job, and the values and attitudes necessary for success in the field along with relevant information for selecting and beginning a practicum. In a human services practicum, students are matched to an experienced supervisor in the field who shares expertise and acts as a role model.
HSER 129
1 credit
Practicum Seminar
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into Social Service or Substance Abuse Diploma programs
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 110, HSER 120, and (CMNS 155 or ENGL 105)
The practicum seminar aims to prepare you for your practicum. The seminar will introduce you to various methods of fieldwork, fieldwork opportunities in the community, and relevant information required for selecting and beginning a social service practicum. In a human services practicum, students are matched to an experienced supervisor in the field who shares expertise and acts as a role model.
HSER 130
6 credits
Practicum I -- Social Services
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 110, HSER 120, and HSER 129 (in the previous semester), and one of CMNS 155 or ENGL 105
This course provides a supervised experience in work situations in which you could later find employment. You will have an opportunity to practice skills gained in prerequisite courses and will receive feedback about your competencies. There will be a weekly seminar, either on an individual or group basis.
HSER 131
6 credits
Practicum
Prerequisite(s): HSER 127 (in the previous semester) and First Aid Certificate (Red Cross Standard First Aid, Red Cross Emergency First Aid, Occupational First Aid Level I, or St. John’s Standard First Aid).
Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 192, 195, 196
This course provides a supervised experience in work situations in which you could later find employment. You will have an opportunity to practice skills gained in prerequisite courses and will receive feedback about your competencies. There will be a weekly seminar, either on an individual or group basis.
HSER 160
3 credits
Introduction to Gerontology
(formerly SSSW 160)
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOC 101, and one of CMNS 155 or ENGL 105
A multi-disciplinary introduction to the concept of aging in our society. Explores the impact on individual functioning and adjustment of such factors as cognition, personality, health and physical change, economic and vocational status, and social relationships and status.
HSER 190
3 credits
Introduction to Community Support
(formerly SSSW 190)
Prerequisite(s): None
An introduction to the field of community support for people working or planning to work in a direct hands-on position supporting children or adults with mental disabilities. The course offers an overview of historical attitudes shaping service provision, and how service provision denies or supports human and legal rights. The implications of the principle of normalization in the lives of people with mental handicaps, their families, and their communities over the past 20 years in North America will be emphasized.
HSER 192
3 credits
Supporting Learner Development
Prerequisite(s): HSER 190
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 225 or PSYC 250 or EDUC 290, or permission of the Director.
This course provides an overview of information related to teaching students with special needs in today's classroom, with particular emphasis on the concept of inclusive education. Topics such as professional and paraprofessional roles in the classroom, adapting and modifying curriculum, characteristics and program requirements of a variety of special needs students, using and developing a variety of teaching and recording aides, using positive behavior support strategies, using augmentative communication devices, and using task analysis in the classroom, will be explored.
HSER 195
3 credits
Relationships and the Community
(formerly SSSW 195)
Prerequisite(s): HSER 190
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 196
3 credits
Personal Care for Persons with Disabilities
Prerequisite(s): HSER 190 or permission of the Director.
This practical course provides the prospective worker with a fundamental overview of techniques involved in providing personal care, safety and comfort to people with multiple disabilities. The role of the community support worker in relation to the particular responsibilities of other health care professionals will be examined.
HSER 200
3 credits
Counselling Skills
Prerequisite(s): HSER 120
This course is designed to train students to develop their basic helping skills. Students will be expected to develop beginning competencies in a person-centered model of helping. Students will be expected to discuss and share real experiences.
HSER 229
1 credit
Practicum Seminar
Prerequisite(s): HSER 130, and completion of at least 30 credit hours
The practicum seminar aims to prepare students for the upcoming practicum. The seminar will introduce students to various methods of fieldwork, fieldwork opportunities in the community, and relevant information required for selecting and beginning a social service practicum. In a social services practicum, students are matched to an experienced supervisor in the field who shares expertise and acts as a role model.
Students should take this course in the last year of the program.
HSER 230
6 credits
Fieldwork Practicum
Prerequisite(s): HSER 130, HSER 229 (in the previous semester) and 30 credits of diploma-related course work
Supervised work experience in a social service agency. The goals and objectives of this course will be similar to the first-year practicum. However, higher levels of skill performance are required. This course is to be taken during the final semester of the program.
HSER 250
3 credits
Integration of Social Services Theory and Practice
Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 230
This course is designed to be the final synthesis and integration course for the Social Services Diploma Program. Students are encouraged to articulate their own helping philosophy based on an understanding of a multi-theoretical framework, ethics and issues of diversity. Skills to successfully enter and maintain employment in the social services field will be reinforced. Students are encouraged to develop their own plan for continued learning and wellness.
HSER 261
3 credits
Social Policy and Issues on Aging
(formerly SSSW 261)
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 110
This course will explore Canadian social policy on aging, both on a federal and provincial level. Topics include the impact of the social security system, mandatory retirement, the economic situation of the elderly, and other income maintenance schemes. Also included are a survey of services available for the aging population as well as social attitudes towards aging.
HSER 264
3 credits
Workshop Series in Aging -- Current Developments in Caring for the Elderly
(formerly SSSW 264)
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will consist of a group of 10 to 14 different workshops presented by experts in the field. Topics will vary from year to year and students should consult the Director for an exact list.
HSER 290
3 credits
Directed Studies in Social Service Work
(formerly SSSW 290)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Social Services department
This course will appeal to students whose particular area of interest cannot be met through existing courses.
HSER 292
3 credits
Comparative Delivery Systems
(formerly SSSW 292)
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 110 and instructor's permission
This course will expose students to the social service delivery system in another province and/or country.
HSER 500
2 credits
Counselling Skills for Addictions Work
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Substance Abuse Counselling program or permission of the Director
Corequisite(s): HSER 510 or SOWK 394; and HSER 527
This experientially based course will help the counsellor focus in on developing strategies for working with clients who use/misuse psychoactive drugs. Skills to be developed include establishing rapport with clients, challenging clients, working through defenses, change processes, setting goals with clients, exploring issues, and approaches to working with clients from culturally and socially diverse populations. Supportive counselling techniques will be practised. The use of written records in the counselling process will be explored and a continuing focus will be on ethical behaviour and appropriate expectations. Extensive use of videotape practice will be made.
HSER 501
2 credits
Group Facilitation Skills for Addictions
Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 500 and HSER 527
This course will assist the counsellor to develop group process and leadership skills in a variety of addictions settings, which may be therapeutic, educational, or social in nature, with a particular focus on the facilitation of psycho-educational groups in chemical dependency treatment. To work effectively with groups, it is important to incorporate the needs of the individual group members and systems when planning and implementing groups. Students will learn to facilitate groups and foster a climate of mutual respect and group acceptance, while using the group as a vehicle to assist members to learn appropriate group and individual skills.
HSER 502
2 credits
Family Work in Addictions
Prerequisite(s): HSER 500, and either HSER 510 or SOWK 394
Corequisite(s): HSER 528
This course will provide addictions workers with an appreciation for the theory and practice of family work from a general systems perspective. This course will examine various approaches to working with families, the diversity of family structure, misconceptions about family work, the family as an emotional system, the importance of family of origin, and the construction and use of family genograms in working with and understanding family functioning.
HSER 510
2 credits
The Nature of Substance Abuse
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Substance Abuse program or permission of Director
Corequisite(s): HSER 500, HSER 527
This course will provide a balanced overview of the nature of substance use/misuse. Issues to be examined will include the concept of chemical dependency; reasons for drug and alcohol misuse; patterns of use; individual, social, familial, and psychological consequences; treatment approaches, prevention; needs of special populations; and workplace issues. Current beliefs, myths, and scientific evidence from an international perspective will be reviewed. The unique interdisciplinary composition of the students will be used as a guiding principle in the investigation of the complex issues to be discussed.
HSER 511
2 credits
Pharmacology and Psychobiology of Addictions
Prerequisite(s): HSER 510 or SOWK 394
Corequisite(s): HSER 528
Students will acquire accurate information about mood-altering chemicals, their primary effect on the central nervous system, how they change mood and behaviour, and how they contribute to substance (mis)use problems. The mechanism of action, benefits, risks, side effects, toxicity, and psychosocial consequences of mood-altering chemicals will be examined.
HSER 512
2 credits
Community Treatment: Assessment and Referral
Prerequisite(s): HSER 510 or SOWK 394
This course will focus on the treatment options available for substance se/misuse in the local and provincial communities. Treatment options (inpatient, outpatient, supportive recovery, detox) and the system of care will be examined. The role of mutual help groups in treatment as well as the support systems available for family members will be examined. The complex interaction of mental health and substance use will be identified. Services beyond the system of care will be identified and their role in addressing addiction issues examined. Students will develop skills in assessment for treatment matching, treatment referrals, as well as in case management. Gaps in treatment services will be explored.
HSER 527
1.5 credits
Integrative and Self-Care Seminars
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Substance Abuse Counselling program or permission of Director.
This is an integrative and self-care seminar as ultimately, what the counsellor has is the “use of self”. The course meets once a week during the semester and is required of all students registered in HSER 500, 501, and 502. Topics to be explored will include: ethics, boundaries, stress, cross-disciplinary teams, legal issues, information sharing, and working with people with HIV/AIDS. Personal strengths and biases that may augment or interfere with client service will be discussed. Certification, licensure, and professional affiliations will be discussed. In HSER 528, the use of clinical supervision in addressing counsellor efficacy will be explored.
HSER 528
1.5 credits
Integrative and Self-Care Seminars
Prerequisite(s): HSER 527
This is an integrative and self-care seminar as ultimately, what the counsellor has is the “use of self”. The course meets once a week during the semester and is required of all students registered in HSER 500, 501, and 502. Topics to be explored will include: ethics, boundaries, stress, cross-disciplinary teams, legal issues, information sharing, and working with people with HIV/AIDS. Personal strengths and biases that may augment or interfere with client service will be discussed. Certification, licensure, and professional affiliations will be discussed. In HSER 528, the use of clinical supervision in addressing counsellor efficacy will be explored.
HSER 530
6 credits
Substance Abuse Practicum
Prerequisite(s): HSER 500, HSER 501, HSER 527; and either HSER 510 or SOWK 394.
Corequisite(s): HSER 528; and HSER 511 or PSYC 383
This practicum will provide an opportunity for the participant to develop their individual, group, and/or family treatment skills in the addictions field. Working in either one or two agencies (as determined by the Director), Students will be expected to contract for their own learning objectives. Student evaluation will be made by both the agency and college supervisor and be based on actual observation of the student. Diploma students will begin the practicum in January of their last year in the program, while certificate students will not start their practicum until March of the last year and are encouraged to consider starting their practicum only after completing all the course work.
