Social Sciences: Human Services

Bob Moschgat
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Social Science Division
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8430

Associate Professor Patricia McDaniel
Associate Professor Mary Greene
Human Services Program
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8601/8356

Program Summary

The Human Services program is designed to prepare students for a career in a variety of human services agencies. Students may, for example, find employment as case managers, social work assistants, family advocates, residential counselors, crisis workers, or classroom assistants. Students may work with a variety of populations, such as the physically or developmentally disabled, elderly, youth at risk, or individuals in crisis. While not designed as a transfer program, many of our graduates go on to four-year colleges such as College of St. Rose (Social Work), Cazenovia College (Human Services), SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome (Psychology or Sociology), Ithaca College (School of Health Science/Human Performance), Hilbert College (Human Services), Empire State College and several others.

Program of Study at Herkimer

• Introduction to Social Services
• Introductory Psychology
• Introductory Sociology
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Problems
• Marriage and Family
• American Minorities
• American Government
• Social Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• English
• Physical Eduation
• Math Elective
• Topics in Human Biology or Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Freshman Seminar
• Interpersonal Communication
• Practicum in Human Services I and II
• Social Science Elective
• Criminal Justice or Human Service Elective

Click Human Services for the current program of study page.

Skill Requirements

Students interested in pursuing the study of Human Services should have a strong desire to help others, along with the patience and understanding to interact with people seeking assistance. Other important qualities include good verbal and written communication skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to manage time effectively. In some settings, a driver's license may be required for employment.

Nature of the Work

Upon graduation, Human Services majors may assume a variety of job titles including social services assistant, case management aide, social work assistant, residential counselor, community support worker, community outreach worker, life-skill counselor, or gerontology aide. They generally work under the direction of professionals from a wide variety of fields such as psychology, social work, rehabilitation, or education.

Human Services graduates may provide direct and indirect care to clients. They may assess client needs, assess eligibility for benefits and services, assist clients in obtaining benefits and services and arrange and/or provide transportation for clients. Human Services graduates may help in administration of food banks or emergency assistance agencies. They may monitor and keep case records, visit client homes, or assist clients with daily living skills. They may organize and lead group activities, or assist clients in need of counseling or crisis management.

Job Outlook

Human Service Assistant is one of the most rapidly growing occupations and is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Median annual earnings for social and human service assistants in 2002 ranged from $31,280 for state government to $20,010 for residential mental retardation, mental health and substance abuse facilities.