Overview
The Skagit Valley College (SVC) Human Services (HSERV) program prepares students for employment in a broad range of social service agencies. Typical job titles include substance use disorder counselors, residential treatment workers, case managers, outreach, and community workers. The program has a core of courses that all students must complete for the Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) degree with either a Generalist or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling emphasis. By their second quarter, students determine which HSERV emphasis they will pursue. Students must enroll in HSERV 198 Pre-Practicum Seminar, which prepares students for practicum (work-based experience) in an agency. After a student’s first quarter, the HSERV full-time faculty will serve as the students’ advisors for subject matter needs, and the counseling and advising office will remain the advisor for all other needs.
The Human Services program includes classroom training in counseling, ethics, case management, substance abuse treatment and crisis intervention. An agency-based practicum experience is also required. Many courses are offered sequentially, and students are expected to take courses in sequence.
Students interested in transferring to a four-year college should see a counselor. Human Services advisors may be able to provide limited assistance in program planning. The Human Services program does have articulation agreements with Fairhaven College at Western Washington University (WWU), Evergreen College, and Trinity Western. For information on articulation agreements with university programs, see the Associate in Applied Science Degree, AAS degree information. Students interested in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) degree or returning students who have already earned college degrees and are interested in taking coursework necessary for becoming a SUD professional should contact Rose Ness at (360) 416-7705. Students interested in the Generalist AAS degree should contact Department Chair, Claudia Avendano-Ibarra, at 360.416.7749.
Sample Career Options