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Human Services & Behavioral Health

Social and Human Services Course Descriptions

SHS 100: Career and College Success: Human Services

Credits: 3.0

This course is designed to enhance student success and transition into or return to college within the human services field. It emphasizes self-assessment, goal-setting, effective study habits, campus resources and education planning as well as exploration of career development and opportunities within human services. Additional topics include diversity, team building, wellness, academic honesty, and the use of online tools to aid in academic success. Prerequisite(s): Placement into ENGLP 093 or AENGL 093.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate the use of learning strategies to comprehend, retain, and apply class content.
  2. Identify, access, and navigate college resources that lead to program success and can inform decisions regarding career paths within the Human Services field.
  3. Identify individual strengths, skills, characteristics, and interests in order to pursue personal, academic, and career goals.
  4. Identify possible career choices and academic pathways for selected human services careers, including the difference between professional/technical and transfer degrees.
  5. Apply effective communication skills when engaging with peers, instructors, and the college community within a culturally diverse environment and in preparation for entering the work force in social and human services, addiction studies, and/or family support studies.

SHS 103: Introduction to Human Services: CD

Credits: 5.0

Covers the history and importance of human services in U.S. society and the values these programs reflect. Includes career paths, knowledge, and skills required for effective practice, including the rewards and challenges of working in this field. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 99 with a 2.0 or higher or placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify the major categories of human services and social welfare programs in the U.S., including identified populations, funding, and adoption.
  2. Explain the intended purposes and functions of human service programs in the U.S.
  3. Describe how historical precedent, political ideology, and social policy decisions impact human service program development.
  4. Identify the foundation and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities required to adequately perform a variety of human service roles and challenges faced. 

SHS 104: Introduction to Addiction Studies

Credits: 5.0

Introduction to misuse of and addiction to psychoactive drugs. Includes history, theories, current research and treatment practices, and the nature of successful recovery as well as prevention concepts. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3 a, c, e and s). Prerequisite(s): ENGL 99 with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate ability to access and explore research-based information regarding the incidence and major demographic prevalence of substance misuse.
  2. Describe the scientific and theoretical basis of addiction models from medicine, psychology, sociology, and other disciplines.
  3. Explain the general history of licit and illicit drug use in the United States.
  4. Identify drugs from three major classifications and describe the impact on the human brain and behavior including short and long-term psychological, social, and health effects.
  5. Distinguish and describe the potential continuum of drug use, and differentiate diagnostic criteria for the Substance Use Disorder diagnosis.
  6. Provide written description of the nature and general structure of treatment and the concept of recovery from addiction as a disorder.
  7. Summarize the general nature of prevention activity and key assessment components.
  8. Explain addiction professionals' standards and ethical guidelines established by Washington State and NAADAC.
  9. Demonstrate the professional skills and attitudes of the Addictions Professional

SHS 106: Introduction to Family Support and Prevention

Credits: 5.0

Introduction to best practices in family support, concepts and professional skills in the field of prevention. Includes theory, evidence based methods and practices, common prevention approaches, and strategies for working with community organizations, families, and systems.  Prerequisite(s): ENGL 99 with a 2.0 or higher or placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify risk, resiliency, and protective factors and processes in individuals, families, and communities.
  2. Describe various models of prevention and the steps in the prevention planning process.
  3. Identify criteria for evaluating success of prevention strategies and programs.
  4. Describe the processes used to sensitively establish relationships with families and other community members.
  5. Describe and demonstrate, from a strengths-based perspective, a sensitivity to the cultural issues critical in prevention design and implementation specifically for efforts with identified populations.

SHS 107: Emotional Wellness

Credits: 2.0

Addresses how to develop awarenessand acceptance of emotional health to navigate effectively through life's challenges and changes. Topics include building resiliency, strengthening social connections, improving emotional regulation, healthy boundary setting, incorporating self-care practices, and responding to grief and loss. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Learn primary and secondary best-practice strategies for the enhancement of lifelong socio-emotional wellness.
  2. Create a holistic, evidence-based self-care plan incorporating all of the dimensions of emotional health covered in this course.

SHS 108: Introduction to Re-Entry Services: CD

Credits: 5.0

Explores the role of care coordination and delivery of services for formerly incarcerated persons (FIP) and their reintegration back into the community. Includes overview of service systems, including impact of incarceration on transitions. Examines how laws and policies affect availability and access to services, including potential barriers to effective support for persons from diverse populations impacting advocacy, social justice and equity. Investigates the linkages of trauma history, identity, and resilience. Prerequisite(s): Completion of ENGL 99 with a 2.0 or higher or placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Explain and describe stereotypes as well as the historical context for the status of FIP in contemporary American culture, including how and why the status is affected by racism and classism.
  2. Define components of successful reentry and strategies for successful integration within culturally specific communities, including addressing challenges from institutionalized living. 
  3. Identify the factors that influence/limit successful reentry including cultural factors and time away from supports. To include interventions that can be implemented to mitigate barriers to success.
  4. Describe the ways that current systems impede or promote access during the reentry transition, including primary care, behavioral health and wellness, housing, legal and voting rights, education and employment  while identifying community resources that provide culturally responsive service delivery.
  5. Explain the importance of utilizing effective communication strategies that promote self-efficacy and pro-social living, and the importance of practicing professional ethics and boundaries.
  6. Describe advocacy methods that reduce stigma and advance positive change for justice-involved people while identifying ways to become involved in advocacy efforts.

SHS 111: Social Issues Forum

Credits: 1.0

Seminar with special focus on topics of current interest in the human services field. Presenters include outside human services professionals as well as Edmonds faculty.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe issues relating to a current event or topic in the area of human services.
  2. Explain how current information applies to social service workers and consumers.
  3. Identify methods to monitor ongoing information and explore further resources related to topic.

SHS 112: Child and Family Welfare

Credits: 3.0

Course addresses issues facing children, parents, and families such as family disruption, foster care involvement, special needs, adoption, abuse, and extenuating parental challenges. Covers how human services workersprovide protection andintervention, and conduct home visits.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identity the factors that contribute to a child being at risk.
  2. Describe methods used to support children when their families cannot do so, such as family preservation, foster care placement, residential treatment, and adoption.
  3. Identify common ethical, cultural, and safety issues, as well as best practice in home visiting.

SHS 113: Law and Ethics for Addictions and Human Services

Credits: 3.0

Introduction to the foundations and content of ethical codes and the process of ethical decision-making. Includes information about federal and state laws and mandates governing all human services professionals, including addiction professionals. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC246-811-030 (3r, s and w). Prerequisite(s): SHS 103, SHS 104or SHS 106.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate comprehension of the difference between ethics and the law.
  2. Describe multidisciplinary perspectives that influence professional standards and legal mandates.
  3. Articulate the importance of performing self evaluations, client consults, and seeking ongoing supervision.
  4. Integrate information from a comparison of several professional ethical codes, including those for human services and addiction professionals.
  5. Demonstrate awareness and respect for the importance of cultural competency and the ethical codes that address related values.
  6. Describe and summarize the need to adhere to federal and state laws and regulations related to human services or addiction work.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to use Web-based research.

SHS 114: Counseling and Interviewing Skills

Credits: 5.0

Identify values, knowledge, and competencies necessary to engage and sustain helping relationships and to identify and clarify consumer concerns and goals. Stresses effective use of interpersonal communication skills through class participation, reflective exercises, and role play simulations. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (2 k).

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate the use of a variety of interpersonal communication skills to establish a therapeutic alliance, support client self disclosure, and move the process of counseling forward.
  2. Identify how cultural factors may influence the helper's interactions with clients.
  3. Describe how to collect and assess information, including history, life challenges, and goals, and use this information to support clients.
  4. Demonstrate comprehension of motivation and change theory specific to Humanistic, Cognitive, and Behavioral approaches, and its significance in shaping the goals and methods used in working with clients or consumers.

SHS 115: Interpersonal and Group Work

Credits: 4.0

Focuses on interpersonal and leadership skills necessary for working with individuals and groups in human service settings. Identifies the role and stages of groups, leadership and facilitation qualities, and conflict resolution. Includes practice in Robert's Rules of Order and skills for effective group facilitation.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of various facilitation and leadership styles and the utility of the styles in group process and identify own facilitation style.
  2. Describe and identify the basic types of groups and the stages of group development.
  3. Apply culturally informed methods to support and enhance group dynamics.
  4. Demonstrate the interpersonal and process skills needed to plan for and lead a group, including the designing of activities, group exercises, introduction, and closure.

SHS 116: Cognitive and Behavioral Skills

Credits: 3.0

Introduces skills from evidence-based treatment methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Focus is on choosing practical techniques for use in various human services and addictions programs.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe techniques that can be used to help people manage difficulties with thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of evidence-basedcognitive and behavioral methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
  3. Describe how the skills of Motivational Interviewing (MI) are necessary in the helping process to lead toward positive change.
  4. Explain how the principles of cognitive and behavioral methods and motivational interviewingare useful in a variety of human services settings, and be able to apply skillsto various practical situations.

SHS 117: Crisis Intervention

Credits: 3.0

Introduces theory and practice of crisis intervention. Includes history, stages and goals of crisis intervention, types of crises, suicide assessment and intervention, compassion fatigue, de-escalation strategies, and other methods of resolving crisis.  Prerequisite(s): Completion of SHS 114 or FSS 124 is required to take this course.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify stressors, challenges, and other factors that are likely to precipitate a crisis state.
  2. Explain the stages, process, and goals of crisis intervention.
  3. Demonstrate de-escalataion skills that would be needed in a crisis situation.
  4. Identify key factors associated with suicide and demonstrate knowledge of suicide intervention techniques and resources.
  5. Describe the effects of crisis intervention on the human service worker.

SHS 121: Case Management and Community Resources

Credits: 3.0

Defines the role and functions of a case manager, history, tasks and challenges of the job, and knowledge and skills necessary to be effective, including how to make referrals and act as an advocate and community resource specialist.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define the concept of case management.
  2. Define tasks or functions of a case manager and the key components of the strengths-based case management approach.
  3. Identify what kinds of knowledge and skills are necessary to effectively perform the case manager role.
  4. Identify the essential elements of a comprehensive individualized service or personal responsibility plan (also referred to as a case plan).
  5. Identify a basic process for resolving ethical dilemmas involving service delivery.
  6. Describe the process of making effective referrals.

SHS 122: Racialized Trauma

Credits: 3.0

Course examines the cumulative effect of racism on the lives and experiences of people of color. Includes both multigenerational and historical trauma. Expands on ACEs concepts to focus on structural and community impacts such as inequitable economic options, policing, access to services including healthcare and education. Stresses, through class participation and reflection, needed changes in social services delivery. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite:ENGLP 93 or AENGL 93 placement.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Assess the effects of multigenerational and historical racial trauma on the everyday life experiences of People of Color.
  2. Identify and explainhow inequitable economic options, policing, access to services including healthcare, (mental health, mental illness), oppression and education contribute to racial trauma.
  3. Identify psychosocial impact of exposure to racially traumatic experiences.
  4. Explore the needed changes in social services delivery and the role service providers play in addressing race-based trauma.

SHS 126: Counseling Theories

Credits: 5.0

Examines different counseling theories of change, including humanistic, behavioral, cognitive, systems, and brief approaches. Includes opportunity to evaluate theories and techniques based on individual career goals. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3 k). Previously SHS 216.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Discuss key concepts and methods underlying contemporary counseling theories, including humanistic, behavioral, cognitive, systems, and brief approaches.
  2. Compare and contrast counseling theories to identify common elements and significant differences in how service is provided to clients.
  3. Formulate questions relevant to selecting appropriate methods for use with a variety of clients in different treatment settings.
  4. Articulate a rationale for developing an integrated theory and practice that is relevant to specific populations in the area of human services.

SHS 132: Introduction to Mental Health Technician

Credits: 5.0

Introduction to the mental health technician career path. Includes overview of the history and development of the mental health technician role within health care. Provides overview of behavioral, environmental, and other interventions to maintain milieu and patient well-being. Includes career paths, knowledge, and skills required for effective practice. Prerequisite(s): SHS 114 and SHS 218. Corequisite(s): SHS 218.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify best practices for mental health technicians.
  2. Identify key interventions used when providing care to vulnerable populations.
  3. Analyze the range of practice, ethical expectations, and legal and licensing laws pertaining to the field.
  4. Describe the processes used to develop a person-centered relationship and person-centered service.
  5. Explore career opportunities and placements in a variety of settings including inpatient units, structured care homes,and other work sites.
  6. Develop skills in de-escalation, patient assessment, rehabiltative intervention, documentation, suicide intervention, and milieu treatment.

SHS 145: Supporting People with Disabilities/Impairments

Credits: 3.0

Course explores the historical, cultural, medical and social constructions of disabilities and impairments. Includes introduction to models of disability, disability humility, ableism, client advocacy and challenges of the built environment. Exploration of careers for working with people living with disabilities/impairments and information on how providers can implement needed changes in social services delivery.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Articulate various models and theories of disability/impairments
  2. Explain the significance of disability as a form of difference, recognizing power and discrimination dynamics
  3. Identify a variety of causes of disabilities/impairments, accompanying barriers as well as needed accommodations
  4. Describe career opportunities for social services workers seeking employment in working with people with disabilities/impairments

SHS 151: Creative Activities

Credits: 3.0

Provides an overview of the practice of several widely accepted creative activities, therapeutic benefits, and applications in human services as well as health care settings. Includes development of individual and group activities to support the goals of recipients.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define the theory underlying activity therapy.
  2. Plan and design an activity program specific to relevant populations, such as seniors or youth; those with disabilities, addiction, or mental illness; or individuals in recreational settings.
  3. Demonstrate ability to plan, facilitate and document individual and group activity sessions.

SHS 155: Special Topics in Social and Human Services

Credits: Maximum of 5.0 possible

Specialized courses/seminars on current issues in SHS field. Each class will have its own outline and syllabus as appropriate. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe current information and issues relating to the specific seminar topic.
  2. Identify resources related to topic for further exploration or use with consumers.
  3. Explain implication and application of specific seminar information for social service workers and consumers.

SHS 160: Exploration In Human Services

Credits: 1.0 to 8.0

Provides an opportunity to earn credits for experiences such as community service, attendance at workshops or seminars, or other professional development activities including research.1 to 5 credits depending on the scope of the workload. Permit code required. S/U grade option. Registration permitted first seven weeks (six weeks in summer) as space is available.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Develop a focused plan regarding the application of off-campus educational or volunteer experiences to individual career goals.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of a topic area or community agency that is relevant to the general field of human services by attending workshops or seminars, volunteering, or completing other specific professional development activities including research.
  3. Evaluate course experiences and apply them to human service work in the form of a written report.

SHS 161: Aging In America

Credits: 3.0

Introduces the topic of gerontology. Includes information about aging, related social, economic and health consequences and the associated social services roles for those working with older adults. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe "ageism" and its impact on social integration of older adults.
  2. Explain the historical context for the status of older adults in contemporary American culture, including how and why the status of the elderly has changed since Colonial times.
  3. Describe "aging," a developmental stage of adulthood that is positive.
  4. Differentiate normal age-related changes from illnesses that can occur in the later part of life.
  5. Identify adaptive options to the many transitions American adults may experience as they age.
  6. Define "successful aging" and strategies for health maintenance.
  7. Identify cultural factors that influence/limit individual ability to achieve one's greatest potential as an adult.
  8. Identify professional objectives associated with service provision to this cohort.

SHS 165: Working with Bereavement

Credits: 3.0

Understanding the role and challenges of human service providers in responding to clients in bereavement. Includes exploration of societal responses to death and dying, coping methods, and styles of mourning. Examination of client, caregiver and system responses to grief and loss. Prerequisite(s): Completion of 10 credits of SHS, FSS and/or AHE courses.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the difference between grief, bereavement and loss.
  2. Describe some of the cultural belief systems related to death, dying and bereavement.
  3. Explain the biological, psychological and social implications of dying on all affected by the death.
  4. Identify the supports that human service providers can offer to the dying and their families in preparation for death.
  5. Explain the ethical and legal considerations associated with critical care, the dying and the dead.
  6. Describe options for care for the dying such as hospice, POLST, advance directives, end of life consultation and other end-of-life care options.
  7. Articulate the tasks of grief and how death informs all other types of losses.

SHS 185: Human Growth and Development: CD

Credits: 5.0

Addresses the multidimensional process of human development from conception to death. Topics include growth and change across the lifespan from biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (2 o). Prerequisite(s): ENGL 99 with a minimum grade of 2.0 or placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe development, including biological, cognitive, and psychosocial, as an ongoing set of processes across the lifespan.
  2. Analyze different developmental events from the perspectives of several theories and recognize those theories when used by others to explain events.
  3. Identify the research methods used in the study of human growth and development and be able to evaluate their usefulness.
  4. Describe development from the perspective of diverse consumer populations and explain developmental controversies related to these differences.
  5. Recognize important developmental concepts and be able to apply them to a variety of career settings.

SHS 218: Survey of Mental Illness

Credits: 5.0

Overview of nature, management, and treatment of commonly encountered psychiatric disorders. Major diagnoses will be examined in terms of identifying symptoms, current treatment protocols, and the use of psychiatric medications. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3p). Prerequisite(s): SHS 114.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the history of mental health treatment and cultural issues that influence attitudes toward mental health services for providers and consumers of services.
  2. Identify the features of mental health disorders according to the DSM-5, including symptoms, risk factors, functional impairment, and case management challenges.
  3. List common psychotropic medications used for various mental health disorders and explain the role of human service workers in medication management.
  4. Identify the interactions between mental illness and addictions, and explain treatment protocols for clients diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.
  5. Analyze the programs and effectiveness of the mental health service delivery system in Washington state.
  6. Describe the mission and goals of support organizations for the mentally ill such as NAMI and the services they provide.

SHS 219: Working With Diverse Populations: CD

Credits: 3.0

Course explores the complexities of culture and its influence on service delivery while focusing on the importance, benefits and challenges of diversity as well as their effects on the human services relationship. Investigates variables that interact with culture that may influence delivery of services with specifics for SUD treatment, family support, mental health technican and/or human services that affect cultural and marginalized groups, including people living with disabilities or who are otherwise different. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3e). Prerequisite(s): SHS 126, SHS 114, or SHS 115.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Explain the impact of heritage, attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and acculturative experiences on an individual's views of others and the effects of power and privilege for providers and consumers.
  2. Identify advocacy processes needed to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for consumers.
  3. Encourage the elimination of biases, prejudices and discriminatory behavior with culturally or otherwise marginalized or diverse clients, communities, and society.

SHS 222: Pharmacology & Pathogens in Addiction Treatment

Credits: 5.0

Identifies pharmacological and physiological effects of psychoactive substances related to addiction, how effects are produced, treatment methods for chronic conditions, and drug interactions. Reviews blood & airborne pathogens, including HIV/AIDS brief risk intervention for people with substance use disorder. Includes behavioral addictions and psychotropic medications. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3 b and g). Prerequisite(s): SHS 104.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the impact of psychoactive drugs on the human body, including ingestion, absorption, metabolism, effects on the brain, liver, vascular, organs, and acute and chronic states of related disease, and repair.
  2. Explain the fundamental pharmacological properties of each drug classification and the mechanics of their entry and impact throughout the body and brain.
  3. Explain common medical, psychological, and cognitive conditions that may precede, coexist, or be created by drug misuse, and which mimic intoxication, toxicity, and withdrawal.
  4. Identify physical, pharmacological, and psychological implications and symptoms of intoxication, withdrawal, and toxicity for psychoactive substances alone and in interactions with one another.
  5. Explain the nature of physiological detoxification, homeostatic dynamics, and indicators of recovery for each drug classification.
  6. Understand Addiction Medicine practices and harm-reduction interventions.
  7. Understand blood & airborne pathogens, including HIV/AIDS brief risk intervention for people with substance use disorder.

SHS 225: Group Counseling for Substance Use Disorders

Credits: 5.0

Addresses the role and efficacy of groups in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) settings, including the stages of group development, group dynamics, principles of leadership, models of groups, and best practice guidelines for group work with SUD patients. Course includes practice sessions facilitating psycho-education groups. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3 l). Prerequisite(s): SHS 104 and SHS 114

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the specific risks, rewards, and ethical considerations when leading groups.
  2. Describe and identify the basic types of groups as well as the stages of group development, group leadership styles and group dynamics.
  3. Describe skills involved in forming a group for SUD services, including the following: selection of members, facilitating goals, planning psychoeducation groups, and reviewing outcome criteria.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge on how to incorporate standardized group curriculums in conjunction with individualized treatment plans and best-practice standards.
  5. Describe a leader's need and ability to adapt clinical interventions and counseling strategies based on individual characteristics of client: special needs, relapse potential, culture, health, and mental status.
  6. Demonstrate the skills needed to plan for and lead a SUD psychoeducation group, including the designing of activities, group exercises, introduction, and closure.

SHS 226: Addiction and Youth and Family Systems

Credits: 5.0

Identifies impact and dynamics of addiction on the family system, including role distortions, boundary diffusion, absence and neglect, and interference with healthy development. Includes skills for assessment and treatment for addiction with adolescent clients and their reintegration back into the family unit. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3 m, n and u). Prerequisite(s): SHS 104 and SHS 114.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the impact of addiction on the family system, including roles, boundaries, relationships, and development during both active use and recovery.
  2. Explain the age-specific needs common to adolescents and how addiction impacts development into adulthood.
  3. Identify current screening instruments used for assessment of addiction in youth and describe client placement according to ASAM criteria as it applies to this population.
  4. Demonstrate skills necessary to successfully engage adolescent clients in the interview and assessment process.
  5. Explain confidentiality regulations of Washington state and exceptions in how they apply to adolescents and families.
  6. Identify methods used to involve the family in the treatment and recovery of their family members with addiction, as well as for themselves.
  7. Demonstrate ability to assess and refer individuals, youth, and family members to appropriate resources to support and sustain recovery.

SHS 227: Assessment and Diagnosis In Addiction Treatment

Credits: 3.0

Introduces diagnostic skills required to accurately screen and assess for the various DSM-5 Substance Use Disorders; and to use an ASAM bio-psychosocial approach for effectively determining a level of care, identifying community resources and making referrals. Includes SBIRT training. This course, in conjunction with SHS 228, addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3 d, f, h, i, j, q, r, v and w). Prerequisite(s): SHS 104, SHS 113, SHS 114 and SHS 218.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe and demonstrate an understanding of the initial assessment process, including SBIRT, screening, assessment, interviewing skills, diagnosis, and participant-driven treatment planning.
  2. Describe the diagnostic criteria of Substance Use Disorder according to the current DSM.
  3. Describe the ASAM biopsychosocial assessment dimensions and process, and describe the ASAM levels of care continuum.
  4. Understand how to assess for imminent danger as part of an ASAM biopsychosocial assessment.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to provide participant-driven referrals for treatment and other services based on participant risks, needs, strengths, resources, and preferences.

SHS 228: Case Management In Addiction Treatment

Credits: 3.0

Introduces mandated requirements for case management and treatment planning responsibilities; including writing initial and ongoing service plans, record keeping, clinical notes, discharge planning, and patient advocacy. Includes an overview of care coordination with various funding sources and public agencies. This course, in conjunction with SHS 227, addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3 d, f, h, i, j, q, r, v and w). Prerequisite(s): SHS 227.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Prepare participant-driven initial service plans, ongoing service plans, and discharge plans.
  2. Write behaviorally descriptive clinical notes that accurately reflect patient progress on identified treatment goals.
  3. Describe the mandated requirements for addiction record keeping, documentation, treatment reviews, and discharge planning.
  4. Explain how behavioral health care coordination works with various funding sources and public agencies.
  5. Locate and describe related federal and state laws and behavioral health organization regulations regarding confidentiality, client care standards, and documentation of treatment events, progress, and outcomes.

SHS 229: Addiction Counseling and Relapse Prevention

Credits: 5.0

Covers principles and skills of addiction counseling in a variety of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) settings, and with a variety of specified populations; including, individuals, groups, and families. Reviews evidence-based SUD treatment and intervention practices. Includes relapse prevention and recovery re-integration practices. This course addresses the educational content specified in WAC 246-811-030 (3 c, k and t).  Prerequisite(s): SHS 104, SHS 114, and SHS 185.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Analyze various SUD evidence-based treatment theories and practices.
  2. Identify SUD treatment and continuing care components, including recovery planning and relapse prevention.
  3. Explain the stages of change and demonstrate the ability to identify SUD best-practice interventions for each stage.
  4. Learn how to effectively respond to social-emotional crises and high-risk behavior from clients and make appropriate referrals for co-occurring disorder complications.
  5. Articulate the tenets of being a Trauma-Informed practitioner and understand the core set of Trauma-Informed practices.

SHS 230: Pre-Practicum

Credits: 2.0

Prepares students for field entry through resume and goal preparation, scheduling interviews, self assessment, supervision discussions, and site selection. Intended for students who have completed foundational courses in SHS or FSS and taken prior to SHS 231 or SHS 271. Permission code required.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Evaluate personal readiness for a practicum and set preliminary learning goals.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the skills of creating a resume, researching agencies, preparing for and participatin in interviews and site selection.
  3. Explain the requirements, tasks, challenges, and responsibilities required to insure success in a practicum setting.

SHS 231: Social Services Practicum

Credits: 5.0

Provides supervised field experience related to studied discipline, and develops professional skills needed for gainful employment. Includes coursework and clinic time. Intended for students near completing a Social Services or Family Support Studies degree. Completion of ENGL& 101, SHS 113, SHS 218 and SHS 219; or instructor permission required for this course. Permission code required.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Complete 90 hours of supervised observation time in an industry setting specific to one's chosen field of study. These hours can be completed either through a contracted internship or through pre-approved externship opportunities.
  2. Learn and demonstrate the interpersonal skills needed to enter the workforce as a constructive member in the Social Services field.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the specific skills needed to acquire gainful employment and for continuous career development.
  4. Engage in a process of self-reflection to identify one's personal knowledge, skills, and attitudes in need of ongoing professional advancement.
  5. Review best-practice standards taught in prior courses related to industry legal standards, ethical decision making, and self-care.

SHS 233: Mental Health Technician Field Practicum

Credits: 3.0

Field experience: Mental health technician students observe and learn from working professionals and apply knowledge and theory from classroom to supervised work in community settings. Prerequisite(s): AHE 162, AHE 164, SHS 132, and SHS 218 with minimum grade of 2.0; or instructor permission. Permit code required.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Apply enhanced skills and abilities by participation in additional practicum hours in a community site.
  2. Identify professional challenges of the assigned role in the human service agency.
  3. Observe and analyze information gained during placement at the community setting.
  4. Examine and evaluate personal thinking as well as the thought process and perspective of others.
  5. Demonstrate ability to write clear and well organized reports appropriate for the community setting.
  6. Demonstrate listening skills that positively enhance relationships in a community setting, and show ability to work as part of a professional team.

SHS 271: Addiction Studies Practicum

Credits: 5.0

Provides supervised field experience related to Substance Use Disorder treatment, and develops professional skills needed for gainful employment. Includes coursework and clinic time. Intended for students near completing an Addiction Studies degree. Completion of ENGL& 101, SHS 113, SHS 104, SHS 218, and SHS 219; or instructor permission. SUDP-T license required prior to registration. Permission code required. Prerequisite(s):  

Course Level Objectives

  1. Complete 90 hours of supervised observation time in a Department of Health licensed Substance Use Disorder treatment agency. These hours can be completed either through a contracted internship or through pre-approved externship opportunities.
  2. Learn and demonstrate the interpersonal skills needed to enter the workforce as a constructive member in the Substance Use Disorder treatment field.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the specific skills needed to acquire gainful employment and for continuous career advancement.
  4. Engage in a process of self-reflection to identify one's knowledge, skills, and attitudes in need of ongoing professional development.
  5. Review best-practice standards taught in prior courses related to industry legal standards, ethical decision making, and self-care.

SHS 299: Special Project: Social and Human Services

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Credit available with approval. For information, contact department faculty. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Develop a focused plan regarding the application of off-campus educational or volunteer experiences to individual career goals.
  2. Participate in activities in the community, including volunteering, attending workshops or seminars, or completing other specific professional development activities including research.
  3. Evaluate course experiences and apply them to human service work in the form of a written report.
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