Human and Social Services (HSS)

Human and Social Services (HSS)

The Human and Social Services program at Cincinnati State prepares graduates for employment in a variety of human services, social services, and behavioral health settings, including mental health, chemical dependency treatment, corrections, developmental disabilities, and other areas.

Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, and are eligible to register as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) through the Ohio Counseling, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board. 

The SWA registration process requires earning grades of C or higher in all relevant coursework, including mandatory practicum experience. In addition, those seeking SWA registration must submit an official transcript, complete BCI and FBI background checks, and complete other steps outlined on the Ohio CSWMFT Board 

For more information, please contact the Humanities and Sciences Division at (513) 569-1700.

To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.

Human and Social Services (HSS)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
ADC 100Drugs in Society ( B) 303
IM 111Computer Applications ( B) 233
PSY 110Introduction to Psychology ( G) 303
Semester 2  
ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G)  303
HSV 110Introduction to Human Services ( B) 303
HSV 115Counseling and Interviewing Techniques ( T) 303
SOC 105Introduction to Sociology ( B) 303
Semester 3  
PSY 200Abnormal Psychology ( T) 303
MAT 131Statistics 1 ( G) 223
SWK 110Introduction to Social Work ( B) 303
HSV 210Treatment Planning and Documentation ( T) 303
Semester 4  
HSV 215Group Work in Human Services ( T) 404
SWK 200Social Welfare Policy ( T) 303
HSV 291Human Services Practicum 1 ( T) 1102
PHI 110Ethics ( G) 303
Semester 5  
PSY 225Lifespan Development ( T) 303
HSV 220Family Theory and Services ( T) 404
HSV 292Human Services Practicum 2 ( T) 1102
SWK 205Case Management for Human Services Professionals ( T) 303
Total Credits:  572561

Electives

First Year Experience Elective
FYE 100College Success Strategies: Overview1
FYE 105College Success Strategies: Overview and Application2
FYE 110College Success Strategies: Practice and Application3
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3
ENG 105English Composition 2: Business Communication3

Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.

  • This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
  • The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.

The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum. 

G = General Education course in this curriculum

B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum

T = Technical course in this curriculum

Human and Social Services (HSS)

  • Apply evidence-based theoretical concepts and frameworks that guide the process of engagement, assessment, service planning, intervention, and evaluation.
  • Conduct oneself according to the standards within the profession including following codes of ethics and displaying the essential qualities and characteristics of professionals in this field.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics and patterns contributing to the development of an individual’s current functioning
  • Articulate and exchange ideas using clear, concise, and open communication skills including verbal, non-verbal, and written communications in a professional manner.
  • Utilize practices and techniques that encompass group facilitation, assessment, behavior change, and motivating practices working with diverse client populations.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical practice with a sensitivity to and respect for diversity.
  • Critically analyze, synthesize, and evaluate multiple sources of information and evidence.
  • Engage in healthy practices, sufficient self-awareness, and effective self-care.

Courses

HSV 110 Introduction to Human Services
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

An introduction to the human services field. Topics include: settings where human services professionals practice; the role of the social work assistant; ethical, legal, and professional standards; and understanding how to serve a diverse population.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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HSV 115 Counseling and Interviewing Techniques
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on components of interviewing and counseling within the helping professions. Topics include: counseling theory and techniques, and intervention strategies and skills used by human services professionals.
Prerequisites: HSV 110 or SWK 110 or PSY 110 (minimum grade C for all)
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HSV 210 Treatment Planning and Documentation
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on record keeping for the human services profession. Topics include: functional, legal, and ethical aspects of documentation; electronic record keeping; and problem statements, client assessments, goal/service plans, and progress notes.
Prerequisites: HSV 115 (minimum grade C)
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HSV 215 Group Work in Human Services
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on the history, practice, and theory of group work pertaining to human/social service settings. Topics include: types of groups, stages of the group process, role of the facilitator, participant roles and influences, and group counseling techniques.
Prerequisites: HSV 110 or ADC 105 (minimum grade C for both)
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HSV 220 Family Theory and Services
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on family theories, counseling approaches, and intervention strategies. Topics include: services and resources available to families, concepts related to traditional and nontraditional families, and intergenerational patterns of behavior and family traits.
Prerequisites: HSV 110 or SWK 110 or ADC 105 (minimum grade C for all)
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HSV 291 Human Services Practicum 1
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 10 Lab Hours.

Students spend at least 10 hours per week, for a total of 150 hours for the semester, at a community agency providing direct service under professional supervision. Students also participate in a weekly 1-hour seminar. Confidentiality and professionalism are emphasized.
Prerequisites: HSV 110 and HSV 115 and HSV 210 (minimum grade C for all)
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HSV 292 Human Services Practicum 2
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 10 Lab Hours.

A continuation of HSV 291, focused on developing and enhancing skills. Students spend at least 10 hours per week, for a total of 150 hours for the semester, at a community agency providing direct service under professional supervision. Students also participate in a weekly 1-hour seminar.
Prerequisites: HSV 291 (minimum grade C)
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Faculty

Program Chair/Advisor

Nicholas Balle, MSW, LSW
nicholas.balle@cincinnatistate.edu

Humanities and Sciences Division Advising

(513) 569-1700
HSDAdvising@cincinnatistate.edu