Developmental Disabilities Direct Support Certificate

CONTACT

Donna Rowe, 413.552.2029, drowe@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Developmental Disabilities Direct Support Certificate was created in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to offer college education to staff at agencies providing residential and employment programs and recreational, personal, and family support for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Students are encouraged to enter this Certificate Program in the Fall semester. If they do so, it is possible to complete this certificate in one year, in consultation with their advisor. Generous tuition assistance may be available to professionals currently employed in direct support roles at DDS-funded agencies and organizations.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the presentation of developmental and intellectual disabilities
discuss approaches for supporting and working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families
explain the roles of human services workers more broadly, including professional ethics, helping skills, professional identity and development, and multicultural practice
demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
read, understand, and utilize research and data to support ideas and decisions

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 28 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
DVD 110 - Introduction to Developmental Disabilities Credit(s): 3
DVD 210 - Current Issues in Developmental Disabilities Credit(s): 3
HSV 113 - Introduction to Human Services Credit(s): 3
HSV 122 - Diversity and Social Justice for the Service Practitioner Credit(s): 3
HSV 123 - Helping Skills, Techniques, and Ethics in Human Services and Social Work Credit(s): 3
HSV 288 - Practicum in Human Services I Credit(s): 4
PSY 110(B) - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3
HSV 141 - Foundations of Trauma and Trauma Informed Care/Services Credit(s): 3
or
PSY 216(B) - Human Development Credit(s): 3

TOTAL: 28 CREDITS

NOTES

CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sexual Offender Registry Information) background checks may be required prior to field work and practicum placement and will be conducted by specific agencies in accordance with state regulations. CORI and SORI results are confidential.

Depending on course selection, 100% of this program can be completed online. Go to Online Learning for more information.

(S013)