Human Services
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Department: Human Services
Program Type: Human and Public Services
Planning to Transfer? Learn more about the transfer process including the importance of choosing a major and transfer school.
Overview
If you're passionate about helping others and making a lasting difference, Elgin Community College can help you turn that passion into a rewarding career. Our certificate and degree programs in addiction counseling combine expert training with real-world experience to prepare you for professional certification and a successful career in the field. Already have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree? You may be able to transfer many of the required courses into our Advanced Addiction Counselor Training Program. If you're starting, you'll earn credits toward a certificate while working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.
For more information, including specific courses and class descriptions, visit the ECC Catalog.
Prepare for Immediate Employment
The employment outlook for Human Services is generally favorable. Growing awareness and acceptance of the need for mental health services will further expand the field. Opportunities are expected to be particularly good for professionals with a master's degree in a related field. Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding associated occupations and compensation.
Plan of Study and Course Descriptions
Review the ECC catalog for details about the human services plan of study and course descriptions.
Associate of Applied Science
Vocational Certificates
Basic Vocational Certificate
Human Services Stories
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Social Work: What is it and how did we get here?
The social work profession can be traced back to the work of two amazing women, Dorothea Dix and Jane Addams. Looking at their accomplishments, we can see that many of those initiatives have found a home at community colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which human services program is right for me?
ECC offers several specialization options within the Human Services program. You can choose to focus on one of the following areas:
Human Services Generalist
Those majoring in the Human Services Generalist Program often find employment with an Associate of Applied Science degree. Many ECC graduates earn bachelor's and master's degrees in social work, counseling, or psychology.
Human Services Substance Abuse Counseling
This program prepares students to help people with substance use disorders manage their disease and choose pathways to recovery. The program is for individuals entering higher education or seeking Illinois Certification as an addiction recovery counselor. Experienced instructors teach all courses in the Human Services Department at Elgin Community College.
Recovery Support Specialist
Recovery Support Specialists use personal experiences to help others develop and sustain recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. RSS is a new recovery treatment, and ECC is proud to be one of the first Illinois community colleges to offer it. Learn more about the Recovery Support Specialist certificate.
What jobs are in the human services field?
Many graduates find employment in human service agencies. They assist through senior centers and community agencies offering food, shelter, youth services, violence prevention, and substance use recovery.
Is human services a good career?
People who pursue this career are driven by their desire to help people. The work is both hard and extremely rewarding. A human services career offers diverse experiences and opportunities for advancement in fields like leadership, consulting, and private practice.
How long does it take to be a substance abuse counselor?
The Advanced Addiction Counselor Training Program can be completed in three semesters, though it typically takes students longer. Time to completion depends on various factors, such as the number of credits you can transfer. It is also influenced by how many classes you can fit into your schedule each semester.
Can I become a human services counselor without an advanced degree in Illinois?
A postgraduate degree (master's or doctorate) is not required to become a human services counselor. There are many opportunities for those with an associate degree or a certificate. Completing the program qualifies you to take the Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor examination, kickstarting your career. Upon passing that exam, you will be a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), a credential in Illinois. Some students pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year college in counseling, social work, and psychology.
Accreditation
The Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE) accredits the Human Services Generalist Program.
The Human Services Substance Abuse Program is accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA), the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE), and the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).
Are you unemployed or looking for a better career?
ECC is partnering with Kane County WIOA to offer free career training for in-demand jobs. Learn more and see if you qualify.
Contact
Admissions & Recruitment
Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu
Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm
*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689