HSS 141 - Field Experience I

Credits: 5
CLIN hours per week: 15
This introductory field experience offers students an opportunity to apply theoretical learning in selected human services settings under the direct supervision of qualified agency personnel; to be arranged through the Human Services instructor. Students will complete and submit field experience documentation, address legal and ethical issues related to their site, track progress on field experience learning objectives, network with other students, self-evaluate their progress, and discuss trends and best practices.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.
Course Outcomes:

Demonstrate integration of knowledge and experience working in human service agencies.
Show professionalism, ethical behavior, and interpersonal skills with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.
Test through practice the basic values and assumptions of the human services profession.
Discuss employment opportunities, best practices, and the skills and competencies required for professions at the human services agency.
Summarize the practical mechanics of the agency’s operations, use of equipment, forms, and reports.
Explain the structure, function, and funding sources of the human services agency.
Identify problems and appropriate course of action to participate in the problem-solving process.
Compare the purpose, policies, and procedures of an agency and the agency’s relationship to other community resources and programs.

Course Topics:

Varied based on specified field placement n a human services agency
The perspective of human service workers within a community and agency setting
Professional behaviors in field placement and future employment
Goals and objectives of the field placement in a human services agency.
Techniques to refine communication, professional, and networking skills.
Ethical dilemmas.
Written journal assessment of growth and overall learning in human services program.
Field placement evaluation.