HUMS 1581: Introduction to Professional Human Service Practice
Students review the field of human service practice beginning with an overview of personal and professional values and ethics that are key elements of practice. Additional topics include observation, record keeping, community mapping, team work, and self-care.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the five values that are key to a professional practice: individualization, self-determination, confidentiality, accountability and normalization.
- Reflect on personal values and their congruence with professional values in human service practice.
- Identify aspects of professional knowledge in human service practice.
- Demonstrate basic observation and recording skills.
- Apply the concepts of diversity, context, power & discourse in critical reflection.
- Identify personal stressors and self-care strategies frequently associated with human service work.
- Provide a public presentation and practice giving and receiving feedback.
- Investigate a human service in a community and develop a visual representation.
Course topics
- Lesson 1: Introduction to the Human Service Profession
- Lesson 2: Introduction to Personal Values, Self-Knowledge, and Self-Care
- Lesson 3: Introduction to Critical Reflection
- Lesson 4: Introduction to Professional Values in Human Service and the Code of Ethics
- Lesson 5: Individualization and Self-Determination
- Lesson 6: Confidentiality, Accountability & Normalization
- Lesson 7: Working with Cultural Diversity
- Lesson 8: Observation and Recording
- Lesson 9: Working Effectively in Groups and Teams
- Lesson 10: Community and Concept Mapping
- Lesson 11: Effective Presentations and Giving Feedback
- Lesson 12: The Community Mapping Presentation
Required text and materials
The following material is required for the course:
- O’Hara, A., Weber, Z. & Levine, K. (2016). Skills for human service practice: Working with individuals, groups and communities. (2nd Canadian Ed.). Oxford.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780199011827
Assessments
In order to successfully complete this course, students must obtain 50% overall and 50% on the final mandatory project.
Please note that for this course to apply to the completion of Social Service Worker Certificate, students must obtain a C grade (60%), or higher, overall in the course.
| Personal Values Paper | 20% |
| Code of Ethics Review | 5% |
| Activity Assignment 1 | 2.5% |
| Activity Assignment 2 | 2.5% |
| Activity Assignment 3 | 2.5% |
| Midterm Test | 25% |
| Activity Assignment 4 | 2.5% |
| Activity Assignment 5 | 2.5% |
| Activity Assignment 6 | 2.5% |
| Mandatory Final Project | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
