Associate Degrees
A.A. in Chemical Dependency Studies
The degree program in Chemical Dependency Studies centers around the specific skills and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive drug and alcohol counseling. Course work includes the twelve counselor core function applications in addiction screening: intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, client's education, client's rights, confidentiality, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| HEED 310 |
Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED |
11 |
| HEED 315 |
First Aid |
0.52 |
| HSER 300 |
Introduction to Human Services |
3 |
| HSER 310 |
Ethical Issues and Client's Rights (3) |
3 |
| HSER 330 |
Issues of Diverse Populations (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 365 |
Issues of Diverse Populations (3) |
|
| HSER 340 |
Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 400 |
Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) |
|
| HSER 341 |
Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 401 |
Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3) |
|
| HSER 342 |
Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 402 |
Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3) |
|
| HSER 360 |
Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling |
3 |
| HSER 362 |
Practices in Human Services |
3 |
| HSER 365 |
Techniques of Group Counseling |
3 |
| HSER 498 |
Work Experience in Human Services |
0.5 -43 |
| PSYC 300 |
General Principles (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 305 |
Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3) |
|
| or PSYC 480 |
Honors General Principles (3) |
|
| PSYC 340 |
Abnormal Behavior (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 481 |
Honors Abnormal Behavior (3) |
|
| Total Units: |
|
35 - 38.5 |
1This course should be taken before HSER 498.
2This course should be taken before HSER 498.
3Chemical Dependency Certificate or AA students must complete a minimum of 255 internship hours for HSER 498.
The Chemical Dependency Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives
to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the components of a quality chemical dependency counseling program.
- demonstrate the twelve essential counseling skills as they apply to chemical dependency and recovery processes.
- utilize counseling strategies based on examination of scientific theories of addiction.
- identify the community resources used in assisting clients with addiction issues.
- appraise and apply the knowledge of California Professional Codes of Ethics for Drug and Alcohol counselors.
- evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical
decision making.
- demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.
Upon completion of the A.A. degree a student possesses the coursework required for initial certification as a California drug and alcohol counselor (CDAC).
A.A. in Human Services
The A.A. degree program in Human Services centers around the broad array of entry level skills and abilities effectively used in social service delivery systems. Coursework includes the twelve helper core function applications in client screening, intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, consultation, client's rights, confidentiality, crisis intervention, client's education, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| HEED 310 |
Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED |
11 |
| HEED 315 |
First Aid |
0.52 |
| HSER 300 |
Introduction to Human Services |
3 |
| HSER 310 |
Ethical Issues and Client's Rights (3) |
3 |
| HSER 330 |
Issues of Diverse Populations (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 365 |
Issues of Diverse Populations (3) |
|
| HSER 340 |
Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 400 |
Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) |
|
| HSER 360 |
Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling |
3 |
| HSER 362 |
Practices in Human Services |
3 |
| HSER 365 |
Techniques of Group Counseling |
3 |
| HSER 498 |
Work Experience in Human Services |
0.5 -43 |
| PSYC 300 |
General Principles (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 305 |
Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3) |
|
| or PSYC 480 |
Honors General Principles (3) |
|
| PSYC 340 |
Abnormal Behavior (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 481 |
Honors Abnormal Behavior (3) |
|
| SOC 300 |
Introductory Sociology |
34 |
| Total Units: |
|
32 - 35.5 |
1This course should be taken before HSER 498.
2This course should be taken before HSER 498.
3A minimum of two units is required.
4OR SOC 480.
The Human Services Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives
to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- define the functions of social service delivery systems.
- analyze public policy issues, complexities and controversies affecting social service agencies and their clients.
- integrate different theoretical approaches in working with clients.
- identify the community resources used in assisting clients.
- appraise and apply the knowledge of existing California professional codes of ethics for the helping professions.
- describe the application of clients' rights in the social service delivery system.
- evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.
Certificates of Achievement
Chemical Dependency Studies Certificate
The certificate program in Chemical Dependency Studies centers around the specific skills and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive drug and alcohol counseling. Course work includes the twelve counselor core function applications in addiction screening: intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, client's education, client's rights, confidentiality, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| HEED 310 |
Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED |
11 |
| HEED 315 |
First Aid |
0.52 |
| HSER 300 |
Introduction to Human Services |
3 |
| HSER 310 |
Ethical Issues and Client's Rights (3) |
3 |
| HSER 330 |
Issues of Diverse Populations (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 365 |
Issues of Diverse Populations (3) |
|
| HSER 340 |
Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 400 |
Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) |
|
| HSER 341 |
Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 401 |
Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3) |
|
| HSER 342 |
Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 402 |
Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3) |
|
| HSER 360 |
Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling |
3 |
| HSER 362 |
Practices in Human Services |
3 |
| HSER 365 |
Techniques of Group Counseling |
3 |
| HSER 498 |
Work Experience in Human Services |
0.5 -43 |
| PSYC 300 |
General Principles (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 305 |
Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3) |
|
| or PSYC 480 |
Honors General Principles (3) |
|
| PSYC 340 |
Abnormal Behavior (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 481 |
Honors Abnormal Behavior (3) |
|
| Total Units: |
|
35 - 38.5 |
1This course should be taken before HSER 498.
2This course should be taken before HSER 498.
3Chemical Dependency Certificate or AA students must complete a minimum of 255 internship hours for HSER 498.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the components of a quality chemical dependency counseling program.
- demonstrate the twelve essential counseling skills as they apply to chemical dependency and recovery processes.
- utilize counseling strategies based on examination of scientific theories of addiction.
- identify the community resources used in assisting clients with addiction issues.
- appraise and apply the knowledge of California Professional Codes of Ethics for Drug and Alcohol counselors.
- evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.
Upon completion of the certificate a student possesses the coursework required for initial certification as a California drug and alcohol counselor (CDAC).
Human Services Certificate
The certificate in Human Services centers around the broad array of entry level skills and abilities effectively used in social service delivery systems. Coursework includes the twelve helper core function applications in client screening, intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, consultation, client's rights, confidentiality, crisis intervention, client's education, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| HEED 310 |
Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED |
11 |
| HEED 315 |
First Aid |
0.52 |
| HSER 300 |
Introduction to Human Services |
3 |
| HSER 310 |
Ethical Issues and Client's Rights (3) |
3 |
| HSER 330 |
Issues of Diverse Populations (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 365 |
Issues of Diverse Populations (3) |
|
| HSER 340 |
Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 400 |
Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3) |
|
| HSER 360 |
Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling |
3 |
| HSER 362 |
Practices in Human Services |
3 |
| HSER 365 |
Techniques of Group Counseling |
3 |
| HSER 498 |
Work Experience in Human Services |
0.5 -43 |
| PSYC 300 |
General Principles (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 305 |
Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3) |
|
| or PSYC 480 |
Honors General Principles (3) |
|
| PSYC 340 |
Abnormal Behavior (3) |
3 |
| or PSYC 481 |
Honors Abnormal Behavior (3) |
|
| SOC 300 |
Introductory Sociology |
34 |
| Total Units: |
|
32 - 35.5 |
1This course should be taken before HSER 498.
2This course should be taken before HSER 498.
3A minimum of two units is required.
4OR SOC 480.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- define the functions of social service delivery systems.
- analyze public policy issues, complexities and controversies affecting social service agencies and their clients.
- integrate different theoretical approaches in working with clients.
- identify the community resources used in assisting clients.
- appraise and apply the knowledge of existing California professional codes of ethics for the helping professions.
- describe the application of clients' rights in the social service delivery system.
- evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.
Human Services (HSER) Courses
HSER 300 Introduction to Human Services
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR
300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a comprehensive overview of the field of human services and an introduction to attitudes and methods that enhance communication skills in human relations and enable effective intervention in problem situations. It emphasizes the roles and skills of associate professionals, such as but not limited to drug and alcohol counselors, mental health workers, and activity directors with the elderly, and adolescent and child welfare assistants. It also emphasizes group techniques. An off-campus site visit is required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- distinguish between the different client populations most commonly served by human services workers
- compare and contrast the different functions of human service agencies in both the private and public sector
- compare and contrast the duties and responsibilities of workers in a variety of human services positions
- understand diverse client populations served by human services workers
- analyze public policy issues, controversies, and complexities affecting human service agencies or their clients
- compare different theoretical approaches for working with clients
- describe career opportunities in the field of human services
- demonstrate increased self-awareness (e.g., verbal fluency, voice tone, body language, feelings, attitudes, strengths)
- demonstrate clarity (concreteness), brevity, and objectivity in verbal communication
- demonstrate an awareness of others' feelings, concerns, and ideas as expressed verbally and through body and tonal messages
HSER 310 Ethical Issues and Client's Rights
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:HSER 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a comprehensive exploration of the basic ethical issues involving human services delivery. Topics include professional ethics, confidentiality, counselor and clients' rights, and other areas involving ethical controversies. This course is not open to students who have completed GERON 304.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the state and federal laws most often violated in human services delivery.
- analyze existing California Professional Codes of Ethics.
- describe the application of clients' rights in human services agencies and institutions.
- evaluate appropriate professional behavior in human services agencies and institutions.
- examine one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
- compare and contrast privacy and confidentiality as they apply legally and ethically in the field.
HSER 330 Issues of Diverse Populations
- Same As:PSYC 365
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a study of the values, problems, issues, concerns, and counseling needs of diverse populations by race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical/cognitive/emotional/developmental ability, and age. It also explores the cognitive and emotional aspects of prejudice as it relates to interpersonal, cultural, and institutional discrimination. This course is not open to students who have completed PSYC 365.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and examine specific values, beliefs, and experiences of diverse populations by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity, ability/disability, age, and socioeconomic class.
- evaluate the impact of bias, stereotyped thinking, prejudice, and discrimination in working with diverse populations.
- analyze the issues of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, and classism as they relate to working with diverse populations.
- develop culturally responsive prevention, intervention, and/or resolution to identified issues and problems affecting diverse populations.
- assess one's personal attitudes regarding diverse populations.
HSER 340 Introduction to Chemical Dependency
- Same As:PSYC 400
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR
300; OR ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area E1
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines the biopsychosociocultural effects of chemical dependency on the individual and the family. It includes an analysis of alcohol and drug use; misuse and abuse across age, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and economic conditions contributing to substance abuse; and a description of community efforts at prevention and treatment. This course is not open to students who have completed this course's equivalent.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the psychological, physiological, and sociocultural issues related to substance use, misuse, and abuse.
- describe the psychological and physiological progression of substance abuse.
- examine the dynamics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, and economic conditions inherent in substance use, misuse, and abuse situations including alcohol and drug preferences and codependency.
- compare and contrast the key components of assessment and recovery programs for alcoholism and drug abuse including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA), inpatient and outpatient treatment agencies, and private and public harm reduction initiatives.
HSER 341 Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs
- Same As:PSYC 401
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HSER 340 or PSYC 400 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a study of the absorption, metabolism, and the mechanism of action of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs including opiates, stimulants, depressants, cannabinoids, and psychedelics. It includes the pharmacological mechanisms as well as the social and psychological implications of tolerance, habituation, and substance abuse of the user and abuser. This course is not open to students who have completed PSYC 401.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and explain the biological, social, and psychological implications of psychoactive drug use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- compare the effects of each class of psychoactive drugs upon the human brain and body.
- predict the effects of psychoactive drugs on behavior based on the pharmacology of each drug.
- analyze issues and challenges in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction.
- explain why high rates of relapse are common in substance abuse recovery based on pharmacological and neurological principles related to substance use and abuse.
- evaluate new research in the fields of psychopharmacology and addiction based on an understanding of pharmacological principles.
- demonstrate an understanding of basic pharmacology principles such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
HSER 342 Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery
- Same As:PSYC 402
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HSER 341 or PSYC 401 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a study and evaluation of techniques used in the treatment of alcohol dependency. This course will cover both physical and psychological effects of alcohol use, abuse and the impact on family and society. Topics include prevention, intervention, individual and group counseling, detoxification, twelve-step program, therapeutic communities, aftercare programs, harm reduction and addressing high risk drinking. This course is not open to students who have completed this course's equivalent.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze drug and alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- compare various theories of drug and alcohol addiction.
- differentiate treatment issues of drug and alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- describe treatment methods and counseling approaches of drug and alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- describe how alcohol abuse impacts the individual, family and community.
- identify harm reduction, addiction treatment services, and after care programs for sub-populations such as: adolescents, pregnant teens and women, college students, women,
individuals with co-occurring disorders, and older adults.
HSER 360 Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HSER 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:HSER 310
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
The course includes: a survey of interview and counseling techniques appropriate for paraprofessionals in mental health, corrections, and substance abuse counseling. It includes case management practices and skills. Practices and skills include: interviewing techniques, using assessment forms, developing treatment plans, monitoring referrals, notetaking and documentation, learning and practicing effective communication.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate techniques for interviewing and counseling.
- analyze and apply appropriate approaches in dealing with a variety of problems including but not limited to: mental illness, addiction, housing, unemployment, and relationship distress.
- demonstrate an awareness of one's own reactions to clients, based on one's own past experiences.
- demonstrate the techniques of interviewing and counseling appropriate for associate level helpers in social service agency settings.
- identify effective communication.
- demonstrate the ability to complete assessments.
- understand documentations, forms and record keeping.
HSER 362 Practices in Human Services
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:HSER 365 and 498
- Enrollment Limitation:Completion of the American River College Human Services Agency Placement Process.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides advanced study and applied integration of human services theory to prepare students for field experience. It cover techniques in applying concepts, values, and skills acquired in other core courses related to the process of helping others.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define and apply the twelve core functions of counseling for successful employment in the fields of human services and/or chemical dependency.
- identify and evaluate ethical and legal issues related to interventions with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities in generalist practices and chemical dependency.
- demonstrate understanding of principles related to accurate client charting and documentation.
- demonstrate cultural competence and humility in working with diverse client populations.
- differentiate among the community resources used for referring clients.
- integrate personal growth and development goals with professional growth and development goals.
HSER 365 Techniques of Group Counseling
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HSER 360 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the basic elements of group counseling with the goal of developing effective techniques for conducting groups. Ethical issues are compared and analyzed. Emphasis is on the use of facilitating skills, exploring group dynamics, understanding group procedures and knowledge of the stages of group process.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the general goals of the group counseling experience including group process components.
- analyze ethical and professional issues in group experiences.
- describe rights of group participants and/or obligations of group leaders.
- demonstrate multiple group techniques of counseling.
- analyze the theoretical and practical approaches used by successful group leaders.
- demonstrate growth in self-understanding and in communicating with group members from the LGBTQ, racial trauma, addiction, mental illness and poverty.
- demonstrate knowledge of the principles of group dynamics, including group process components, development of group stages and group member roles and behaviors.
- demonstrate techniques for each stage of group counseling: initial, transitional, working and final stage.
- be able to select criteria to develop group proposal skills and methods of evaluation of effectiveness of group leadership skills.
HSER 495 Independent Studies in Human Services
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
HSER 498 Work Experience in Human Services
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to human services with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Human Services Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of human services. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.
During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate application of industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in a field of human services to a transfer degree level career as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- make effective decisions, use workforce information, and manage their personal career plans.
- behave professionally, ethically, and legally during work, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational norms.
- behave responsibly during work, exhibiting initiative and self-management in situations where it is needed.
- apply effective leadership styles during work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity.
- communicate in oral, written, and other formats, as needed, in a variety of contexts during work.
- locate, organize, evaluate, and reference information during work.
- demonstrate originality and inventiveness during work by combining ideas or information in new ways, making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshaping goals in ways that reveal new possibilities using critical and creative thinking skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
HSER 499 Experimental Offering in Human Services
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
