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Printed on 5/21/2025

Human Services Assistant

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31-520-1 Technical Diploma (TD) Full Time 28 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

The Human Services Assistant technical diploma is ideal if you’re looking to assist and provide client services in a wide variety of fields such as psychology, rehabilitation or social work, including support families. This technical diploma will provide you with strong skills in interviewing, communicating, building rapport for trusting relationships and counseling techniques for professions where this is key. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. You’ll also be able to assist social workers with developing, organizing and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation or dependent care. As an embedded technical diploma, this program ladders fully into the Human Services associate degree program. Note: the Human Services Assistant program does not lead directly to State licensure to practice counseling.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (18 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Boundaries & Ethics - Helping Professions
    10-550-210
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10550210
    • Credits: 3.00

    Evaluate the ethical codes of the helping professions. Examine professional boundaries related to the helping professions. Incorporate ethical standards into decision making processes. Examine ethical considerations related to professional standards for the helping professions. Examine ethical considerations related to state and federal regulations for the helping professions. Examine the ethical considerations related to professional self-care.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • Student is in progress in Human Services (10-520-3) Program of Study

    • Student is in progress in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (10-550-1) Program of Study

    • Student is in progress in Substance Abuse Counselor in Training (20-550-1) Program of Study

    • Student is in progress in Human Services Assistant (31-520-1) Program of Study
  • Introduction to Interviewing and Counseling Skills
    10-550-206
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10550206
    • Credits: 3.00

    Analyze foundational skills in the counseling relationship. Analyze the stages of the helping processes and the roles professionals play in the processes. Analyze the importance of establishing therapeutic relationships. Apply basic counseling techniques. Apply interviewing and counseling skills through mock counseling sessions and personal experience reflections. Examine issues of boundaries and ethics.

  • Foundations of Case Management
    10-550-202
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10550202
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduction to case management techniques and processes. Incorporates intake assessment techniques, service planning techniques, referral processes, coordination of care, and discharge processes determined by a multidisciplinary team approach. Includes client self-determination and autonomy. Incorporates clinical documentation requirements and processes.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • SOC SERV 10550208 - SUDC Assessment, Diagnosis (Grade of C or better required)

    • COMMUNIC 10801195 - Written Communication (Grade of C or better required)

    • Student is in progress in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (10-550-1) Program of Study​

    OR ALL of the following:

    • COMMUNIC 10801195 - Written Communication​

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Human Services (10-520-3) OR Human Services Assistant (31-520-1)

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Substance Abuse Counselor Education 360 Hr Comprehensive Program (20-550-2) Program of Study​
  • Group Facilitation
    10-550-204
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10550204
    • Credits: 3.00

    An introduction to theory and practice of group dynamics and processes. Includes ethical considerations, effective group leadership, and stages of group development. Also includes demonstration of group facilitation skills, clinical documentation, co-facilitation strategies, reflective practitioner techniques, and group formation.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • SOC SERV 10550206 - Intro Interviewing Counseling (Grade of C or better required)

    • Student is in progress in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (10-550-1) Program of Study

    OR ALL of the following:

    • SOC SERV 10550206 - Intro Interviewing Counseling

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Human Services (10-520-3) OR Human Services Assistant (31-520-1)

    ​

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Substance Abuse Counselor Education 360 Hr Comprehensive Program (20-550-2) Program of Study
  • Developmental Psychology
    10-809-188
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809188
    • Credits: 3.00

    Developmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • SOC STY 10809198 - Intro to Psychology

    • Student is in progress in Practical Nursing (31-543-1) Program of Study

    • Instructor Consent
  • Understanding Substance Use
    10-550-201
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10550201
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explore the bio-psych social dynamics of substance use. Examine treatment approaches, models, and screening criteria. Examine substances of abuse, history of SUDs, and their impact on the individual and society.

    Occupational Supportive (6 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Intro to Psychology
    10-809-198
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.