In a supportive, compassion-centered learning setting, the Human Services discipline at COCC helps students shape and develop their capacity for counseling, empathizing, and empowering. Practicums in clinical settings offer specialized learning in the fields of addiction treatment, substance use disorder, and individual counseling or group recovery facilitation. The "open" program — new students can start any term — offers three academic tracks: a two-year certificate, an Associate of Applied Science degree, and an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree with a Human Services focus. Training options are geared toward both CADC-I and CADC-II (Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor) state certifications or advanced learning in social work, psychology, youth work, and related studies. The close-knit program imparts essential skills and strategies to help others, but also conditions students on coping with an emotionally challenging career.

"The Addiction Studies and Human Services programs really prepare students for working in the field of behavioral health and addictions treatment. Compassionate care and being in the helping profession can be both challenging and gratifying. If this is your career choice, you will have a great start at COCC to helping people and being an effective counselor or treatment specialist." — Kelli Huntington, CADC ll, QMHA, BestCare's Redmond Residential program director

"The students who have come to us from the Addiction Studies and Human Services programs at Central Oregon Community College are some of our top students." — Mollie Janssen, LCSW, associate professor of practice and coordinator of Portland State University’s Bachelor of Social Work online program

PROGRAMS

Human Services prepares students to work for organizations that serve people in need. Students learn the theories, principles, and practice of providing services. Human Services jobs can include drug and alcohol addiction counselor, youth worker, mental health aide, probation officer, and more. These positions provide services to treatment facilities, schools, prisons, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

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FUTURE STUDENTS

CAREER INFORMATION

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Career Paths in Human Services

STUDENT STORIES

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Student and Alumni Stories

MEET OUR FACULTY

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Faculty Profiles