HSER 120
3 credits
Interpersonal Communications for Human Services
Prerequisite(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 Services Practicum I
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Social Service Worker diploma, HSER 120, and one of (CMNS 125 or ENGL 105).
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 110
200-hour supervised field experience in a social service or school setting. Students attend a seminar that integrates theory and practice, Indigenous and professional codes of ethics, work/life balance, and personal wellness.
HSER 131
7 credits
SCSW Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School and Community Support Worker certificate, HSER 120, HSER 190, SOWK 110, and one of (CMNS 125 or ENGL 105).
Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 192, HSER 195, and HSER 196.
200-hour supervised field experience in a community inclusion or school setting. Students attend a seminar that integrates theory and practice, Indigenous and professional codes of ethics, work/life balance, and personal wellness.
Note: A valid First Aid Certificate (Red Cross Basic Life Support, Occupational First Aid Level 1, or St. John Ambulance Standard FirstAid) 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.
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
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.
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.
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 195
3 credits
Relationships and the Community
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
Interview and Assessment Skills for Human Services
Prerequisite(s): HSER 120.
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 Services Practicum II
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Social Service Worker diploma and HSER 130.
Pre- or corequisite(s): HSER 140, HSER 200, and SOWK 297.
200-hour supervised field experience in a social service or school setting, building on HSER 130. Students attend a seminar that integrates theory and practice, professional and cultural codes of ethics, work/life balance, and personal wellness.
HSER 261
3 credits
Social Policy and Issues on Aging
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
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
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
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.
