Creating Career Pathways for Human Service Workers Internal Program Review Human Services Program Spring 2001

Human Service Program at QCC Began in 1986 with three “tracks” for an associates degree Mental health generalist Gerontology Addictions Merged together in early 90’s The Certificate Program has changed little

More on QCC HS From 1995 –2000 the program enrolled students per year students graduate each May 50-60% of associates degree graduates continue on to local four-year colleges The associates degree Practicum course requires 120 hours of community-based, supervised fieldwork 60 different local agencies have accepted students from QCC

Employment Trends The Occupational Outlook Handbook:  Social services, except child care, ranks among the fastest growing industries.  Human service workers and assistants - the ninth fastest growing occupation - are concentrated in social services. (projections for )  Opportunities for human service workers are expected to be excellent, particularly for applicants with appropriate postsecondary information. Mass Division of Employment: state projections  Human Service Worker - 42% increase in jobs by 2008  Residential Counselor - 33% increase in jobs by 2008

Local Sources of Feedback about the HS Program Interviews with 15 community- based agencies Advisory Committee meeting In-house Focus Group Feedback from agencies who supervise QCC Practicum students Current HS students

Factors Influencing Workforce Needs and Development Tuition Remission for workers in state funded agencies Development of skill standards for direct service workers Emphasis of funders/employers on career ladders for workers lacking post secondary education Starting pay low, but many opportunities for advancement for workers with experience and education

Concerns and Challenges Discovered through the IPR More practicum hours required to meet CSHSE standards Currently no supervised fieldwork experience in the Certificate program No flexibility or choice in current curriculum No coursework in developmental disabilities or mental retardation, but there is a strong demand for workers in this area Need improvements in the curriculum that enhance transfer Need improved tracking of students from inquiry to graduation, many HS students begin in General Studies and take the wrong classes for HS

Improving Program Currency Revise curriculum to include a new course for additional practicum hours Offering more elective options for students interested in a particular helping area Include new coursework in group work and developmental disabilities Integrate skill standards into all human service coursework Explore alternative strategies for the delivery of learning: onsite, weekend and distance ed

Priority List of Needs  Curriculum revisions –  approved May, 2001, effective September 2001  three new courses need to be developed by Spring 2002, three more for Fall 2002  Fill vacant full time faculty position to teach new courses and coordinate increased practicum learning  More agencies will be needed to offer supervised practicum experiences  Appoint an additional full time faculty to teach new courses and meet the needs of increased enrollment