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Please note, the Human Service Work program is offered every year in Kelowna and on a rotating basis in Vernon and Salmon Arm.

The curriculum for the Diploma in Human Service Work reflects the expanding responsibilities and evolving practice standards for graduates from non-degree social service programs. It has been developed with extensive community consultation and learning objectives are guided by provincially identified practice competencies.

The Human Service Work Diploma is a full-time and demanding endeavour. Students are in class approximately 18 hours/week and are expected to read and complete assignments outside of class on a daily basis. Students take responsibility for their own learning as well as being active participants in the classroom. Students graduating from this program will be working with people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged in some way. This generally requires graduates from this program to be client-centered, able to explore and challenge themselves (thoughts, feelings, behaviours) and to be open to change. Students entering into this program must be emotionally, physically, cognitively, and psychologically healthy.

As students’ progress through the Human Service Work program, they will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to:

Relationships

Develop respectful, positive and ultimately helpful relationships with others. Encourage and assist others to expand their network of supportive relationships.

Communication

Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with individuals and groups. Interact successfully and strategically by applying communication skills best suited to specific contexts.

Professionalism

Conduct oneself in a reliable, ethical and professional manner by acknowledging personal limitations, fulfilling role responsibilities and embracing professional values.

Community

Increase inclusion and acceptance of all people in their community while embracing a commitment to principles of social justice. Support access and development of appropriate resources and social support networks.

Advocacy

Effectively advocate in a collaborative, empowering way while demonstrating knowledge of relevant systemic contexts. Empower others by promoting self-advocacy and the acquisition of self-advocacy skills.

Team Work

Contribute to positive team development and functioning by using knowledge of group process and engaging in self-assessment, collaborative decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates of the two-year Human Service Work Diploma are prepared for employment in the social service, mental health and developmental disabilities fields. Students develop a theoretical knowledge base, a foundation of professional ethics and values, critical thinking ability, essential support skills, and a process for integrating all of their learning into a functional practice framework. Students apply this practice framework to develop empowering, purposeful relationships that promote increased levels of health and well-being in individuals, families and groups.

Regional delivery of studies can differ according to the campus location, this program is offered every fall in Kelowna, and alternating years in Vernon and Salmon Arm.