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Human Service Diploma

Human Service is a multi-disciplinary field involved in providing support and assistance in partnership with individuals coping with economic disadvantage, mental health issues, developmental, gender and diversity issues as well as challenges such as addiction, family change and involvement with the justice system. Human Service Practitioners can work for government agencies or for profit and non-profit organizations providing services which help people navigate various systems and complexities of day to day living. The work is both challenging and rewarding.

The Human Service Diploma is a two-year (four-semester) program that prepares students for careers with government or non-profit agencies that provide support and assistance to individuals coping with economic disadvantage, mental health issues, developmental, gender and diversity issues, as well as challenges such as addiction, family change and involvement with the justice system.

At TRU Williams Lake, Education Assistant & Community Support (EACS) Certificate is used as year one of the Human Service Diploma program, with students applying to the EACS and completing the credential first, before applying to year two of the Human Service Diploma.

Upon completion of the Human Service Diploma, students who wish to complete their education have the opportunity to ladder into Child and Youth Care or the Bachelor of Social Work degree programs.

Learning options

Full-time and part-time study. Year two of the Human Service Diploma is offered on a full-time basis (five courses per semester) over eight months. Part-time study is also available; most part-time students take two or three courses per semester over two years.

Courses within the Human Service Diploma are available online through TRU Open Learning. Please contact the TRU Williams Lake Academic Advisor for more details.

Application deadline

Applications are accepted until the program has reached capacity; there is no set application deadline.

After the program is full, completed applications will continue to be accepted and placed on a wait-list until the start of the program. Wait-listed applicants will be offered a seat on a first-applied, first-qualified basis should a seat in the program become available before the start of the program.

Educational requirements

Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate
Early Childhood Education Diploma
Social Services Certificate
Other related certificates considered on an individual basis
Minimum TRU GPA of 2.67 (B-) or equivalent from another college or university in an equivalent program of study
If an equivalent program of study was taken at a university or college other than TRU, an official transcript and a copy of certificate issued must be submitted

General requirements

Citizenship: Applicants must be Canadian citizens or have Landed Immigrant Status
Two letters of reference

Courses
CMNS 2290 Technical Communication (3,0,0) CMNS 2290 Technical Communication (3,0,0) Credits: 3 credits Delivery: Campus Students study a variety of technical communications used to document professional activity, including proposals, technical and formal reports, policies and procedures, technical descriptions and definitions, and instructions. Students learn the importance of documentation and accountability as part of professional due diligence, applicable across many fields including journalism, business, government, public service, consulting and research institutes. Students develop skills in assessing communication needs in a scenario, identifying communication goals, audience need and relevant media. Finally, students learn skills in research and synthesis to ensure professional engagement and presentation of research material. Prerequisites: CMNS 1291 OR CMNS 1290 OR ENGL 1100 OR ENGL 1101 OR CMNS 1810 Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of CMNS 2290, ENGL 2290 AND CMNS 2291 For more information, search for this course here.
HUMS 2060 Introduction to Social Work Practice (3,0,0) HUMS 2060 Introduction to Social Work Practice (3,0,0) Credits: 3 credits Delivery: Campus Students explore the profession of social work through an examination of the history, philosophical foundation, and contemporary theoretical perspectives. Topics include an overview of social work theories, roles, and practice models, including the relevant Codes of Ethics and Practice Standards, as they apply to individuals, families and communities. A primary focus of the course is understanding individuals, families and communities using a social justice perspective which examines the social structures that influence people's lives, and lead to various sources and forms of oppression and marginalization in Canadian society. Prerequisite: Admission to the Human Service Diploma Program or permission of the Program Coordinator Note: Students cannot get credit for more than one of HUMS 2060, HUMS 2061, SOCW 2060 or SOCW 2061 For more information, search for this course here.
HUMS 2220 Theoretical Foundations in Human Service Practice (3,0,0) HUMS 2220 Theoretical Foundations in Human Service Practice (3,0,0) Credits: 3 credits Delivery: Campus Students are introduced to various theories for human service practice. By examining a range of theories appropriate to professional practice, the link between theory and practice is established. Participants integrate theories into their practice framework and investigate the suitability of various theories in practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Note that students cannot receive credit for both HUMS 2220 and HUMS 2221 For more information, search for this course here.
HUMS 2530 Professional Communications and Helping Relationships (3,0,0) HUMS 2530 Professional Communications and Helping Relationships (3,0,0) Credits: 3 credits Delivery: Campus Participants develop the values, language, speech, and skills required for the development of professional helping relationships. Utilizing critical reflection, participants examine relationship development with members of diverse populations, conduct relationship building activities, and learn the process of giving and receiving professional feedback and supervision. Prerequisite: HUMS 1540 with a grade of C or better and HUMS 1580 with a grade of C or better. Admission to the Human Service Diploma Program or permission of the Program Coordinator Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of HUMS 2531, ECED 1440 or HUMS 2530 For more information, search for this course here.
HUMS 2600 Human Service Field Education - Year 2 (0,2,14P) HUMS 2600 Human Service Field Education - Year 2 (0,2,14P) Credits: 4 credits Delivery: Campus Students participate in a 190-hour supervised practicum at an agency, which delivers community-based services to children and youth, families and others in the community. The focus is on students demonstrating professional and ethical practice, appropriate and accountable professional decision-making; and reflexive practice. Students will explore the social justice factors affecting the service user population in the agency. Prerequisite: HUMS 1601 with a grade of C or better OR HUMS 1600 with a grade of C or better OR EDCS 1580 with a grade of C or better Note: Students cannot receive credit for both SOCW 3040 or HUMS 2600 For more information, search for this course here.
HUMS 2120 Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada (3,0,0) HUMS 2120 Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada (3,0,0) Credits: 3 credits Delivery: Campus Students examine the history and development of human services and social welfare policy in Canada. Topics include poverty, with particular reference to women and Indigenous People, as well as major political ideologies and their impact on social policy. Students explore the structure of government and the development of a social security system in Canada, and one model for policy analysis is introduced. Prerequisite: Admission to the Human Service Diploma program or permission of the Program Coordinator Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of SOCW 2120, SOCW 2121 or HUMS 2120 For more information, search for this course here.
HUMS 2500 Special Topics (3,0,0) HUMS 2500 Special Topics (3,0,0) Credits: 3 credits Delivery: Campus Students examine selected current issues in child and youth care and human service practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the Human Service Diploma program or permission of the program coordinator For more information, search for this course here.
HUMS 3530 Advanced Communication Skills to Facilitate Change (3,0,0) HUMS 3530 Advanced Communication Skills to Facilitate Change (3,0,0) Credits: 3 credits Delivery: Campus Students build on their basic communication skills through the purposeful and conscious application of multiple frameworks and practice theories. The focus is to integrate problem solving and planned change theory with core communication skills to build effective helping relationships with individuals. Students develop the ability to utilize professional theories and frameworks to understand and facilitate change in their work. Prerequisite: HUMS 2530 with a minimum C grade and HUMS 2220 with a minimum C grade and admission to the Human Service Diploma Program or permission of the Program Coordinator Note: Students cannot receive credit for both SOCW 3530 and HUMS 3530 For more information, search for this course here.
HUMS 3570 Introduction to the Law in Human Service Practice (3,0,0) HUMS 3570 Introduction to the Law in Human Service Practice (3,0,0) Credits: 3 credits Delivery: Campus Students explore the law as an expression of social policy, and the processes by which laws are developed, enacted, and changed. Students are introduced to family law and the family courts, and to human rights legislation with special reference to how laws affect children and human services. The organization of legal services, and the legal accountability and liabilities of human service workers and others in the human service field, are presented. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following: SOCW 3570, CYCA 3570, HUMS 3570 Prerequisite: Admission to the Human Service Diploma program or permission of the Program Coordinator For more information, search for this course here.
Arts elective

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