The Human Services (HSERV) program prepares students for employment in a broad range
of social service agencies. Typical job titles include substance use disorder counselor
treatment professionals, 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 (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 interpersonal communications,
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.
or their Human Services advisors may be able to provide limited guidance for assistance
in program planning. Please note this is a Professional/Technical program and does
not offer a standard transfer degree. However, the program does have articulation
agreements with Fairhaven College at WWU, Evergreen College, and Trinity Western.
For information on SVC articulation agreements with university programs, see the Associate
in Applied Science degree information below. Rose Ness, at 360-416 7705, is the contact for students interested in earning an AAS degree as well as for returning
students who have already earned college degrees and are interested in taking coursework
necessary to become a SUD professional. Contact the Generalist department chair, Claudia Avendaño-Ibarra, at 360.416.7749.
Sample Career Options
The information above reflects the 2025-2026 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most
up to date information.
