Human Service workers are the front-line helpers in any community, making a difference every day for people who need it most. The 2-year Human Services associates degree program prepares students for immediate employment  serving a variety of populations, including children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens. They address a wide range of social needs, such as:

    •  chemical dependency

    •  domestic violence

    •  physical or mental illness

    •  homelessness

Types of jobs available: 
    •  Assessment

    •  Intake worker

    •  Case management

    •  Group work

    •  Activity and program development

    •  Direct and indirect services

    •  Outreach worker

    •  Chemical dependence counselor 

Generalist or Chemical Dependency Specialist options
• The Generalist Option of the Human Services program provides students with competencies to enable them to work with a variety of people with various needs. Career opportunities for graduates are in community-based programs, which emphasize practical approaches to problem solving. All graduates of the Human Services program are eligible to receive certification as a Social Work Assistant from the Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board.

• The Chemical Dependency Option meets the requirements for the Social Work Assistant Certification, and most of the requirements for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II, as specified by the Ohio Credentialing Board for Chemical Dependency Professionals. The Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Option of the Human Services program provides students the competencies that enable them to work with people who are chemically dependent. Career opportunities for graduates include employment in a variety of settings ranging from in-patient programs to community-based outpatient and prevention programs. Students in the program can qualify to be a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant after taking 3 credit hours in Chemical dependency course work. Graduates of the program receive a significant number of board recognized hours towards the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDCII) requirements established by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, and are prepared for licensure exams for LCDC II administered by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services

Hands-on learning and practical experience
You will gain field experience working for a total of 525 hours on-site, with clients, at one of more than 60 practicum sites throughout the Greater Cleveland area, under supervision by licensed agency staff and faculty members. This training will teach you the techniques and skills to be employable immediately upon graduation. Many area agencies hire Tri-C Human Services graduates because they are already well trained.

Flexible course schedules
Many Human Services students work full-time or part-time while attending classes at Tri-C. Daytime and nighttime courses offer maximum flexibility.

To meet financial aid requirements, we recommend that students take Human Services courses concurrently with General Education courses. See below for suggested course sequencing.

Career & Job Outlook: Get more information on what it's like to work in this feild or what the salary range might be

Frequently Asked Questions: See the answers to questions that other potential students have asked