(Also see Substance Abuse Counseling and Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice)
Department Chair: Bakahia Reed-Madison, 847.635.1845, bmadison@oakton.edu
The goal of the Associate in Applied Science degree in Human Services is to train students to work in paraprofessional positions with clients and patients in a variety of human services settings, such as residential and day programs for troubled adolescents; emergency shelters for abused women, adolescents and children; residential homes and schools for developmentally disabled adults and children; and geriatric centers. The program offers coursework for individuals seeking to enter the field, preparing for a career change, or wishing to upgrade their skills for existing positions. It also provides students with a broad array of general education studies along with specific skills in human services. Completion of the degree is an automatic qualification for a Certificate and for transfer to certain bachelors programs in the human services, where desired. The degree program may also serve the needs of students who eventually wish to pursue graduate study in social work or clinical/counseling psychology.
In addition to the Associate in Applied Science degree in Human Services, Oakton offers a 34-credit-hour Human Services Certificate, and a 13-credit-hour Mental Health and Crisis Response for Public Safety Certificate.
Human Services Courses
HSV 1103 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Counseling/Interviewing
Course reviews psychological principles and counseling techniques for public and social/human service workers. Content includes interview varieties, types and purposes; various communication techniques to establish rapport, question, reflect and help clients explore feelings and beliefs; and diagnostic and record-keeping systems. Skills developed largely through class exercises, role-plays and skill practice.
Recommended: PSY 101.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
HSV 1213 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 1)
Assessment, Treatment Planning, and Addiction Strategies
Course examines standardized screening and assessment instruments utilizing electronic health records, including American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria for admission into treatment settings and modalities. Practice integrative and comprehensive approaches that include, but not limited to motivational interviewing, treatment planning, documentation, discharge planning, aftercare, and referral methods. Theoretical and evidence-based practices to be explored include psychoanalytic, humanistic-existential, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, person-centered, trauma-informed care, Stages of Change and co-occurring related approaches.
Recommended: PSY 238
Instruction Type: In-Person
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
HSV 1223 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Cross Cultural Consideration in Counseling
This course provides an overview of theories and models in multicultural counseling for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Identify issues relating to, but not limited to, aging, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, marital status/partnerships, language, socioeconomic status, and social justice. Students will engage in activities to analyze their own cultural awareness, influences, implicit biases, and limitations. The course will review culturally-centered, evidence-based assessments, referrals, and case management services. Culturally appropriate interventions will be analyzed for women, LGBTQ+, justice involved, adolescents, gerontology population, and veterans.
Recommended: PSY 238.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
HSV 2103 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Counseling/Interviewing II
Course continues HSV 110. Content includes review of psychological principles and counseling techniques used by public and social/human service workers. Skills learned previously refined to focus on more in-depth probing of issues blocking effective responding of clients to life’s challenges. Further methods of analyzing and interpreting data uncovered in therapeutic counseling sessions and interviews. Practice given in conducting sessions, analyzing information uncovered in counseling, and proper documentation.
Prerequisite: HSV 110.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Term Typically Offered: Fall
HSV 2504 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 20)
Substance Abuse Practicum I
Course involves placement in an approved field to integrate and apply knowledge and skills in a clinical setting. Minimum 300 (three hundred) hours in a supervised field experience. Focus of practical experience in core functions include screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and record keeping under the direction of a Practicum Site Supervisor. Program coordinator and/or practicum faculty provides ongoing supervision, monitoring and evaluation of student progress.
Prerequisite: Completion of HSV 110, HSV 121, HSV 122, PSY 234, PSY 235, PSY 237 and PSY 238, each with a minimum grade of C, and consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $65
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
HSV 2554 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 20)
Substance Abuse Practicum II
Course involves placement in an approved field to integrate and apply knowledge and skills in a clinical setting. Minimum 300 (three hundred) hours in a supervised field experience, directed by Practicum Site Supervisor. Focus of practical experience in core functions include includes orientation, assessment, ethics, screening, intake, case management, community outreach, treatment planning, essentials of supervision, psychopathology, suicide risk, crisis intervention, client education, referral, charting and record keeping. Department coordinator and/or practicum faculty will provide ongoing supervision, monitoring and evaluation of student progress.
Prerequisite: Completion of HSV 155 or HSV 250 with a minimum grade of C and consent of department chair; also, a minimum of an A.A.S. degree in a Behavioral Science.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $65
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
HSV 2601 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
CADC Test Review
Course reviews content of course work in Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate program and the Core Functions required by IAODAPCA to receive the CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) credential. Focus is on preparation for the IC&RC examination.
Prerequisite: HSV 155 or consent of department coordinator.
Instruction Type: In-Person