The Human Services program offers three areas of study for people looking for a career in the helping professions. The curricula meets the needs of career-oriented students seeking a certificate in Alcohol & Drug Studies, Human Services Generalist, or Mental Health Worker. In addition, students may continue on and complete an Associates of Science degree in one of these three educational areas. Our programs serve as an introduction to social work, social welfare, criminal justice, counseling, mental health, alcohol & drug counseling, and other helping professions for students planning advanced degrees in these fields. Coursework includes participation in internships or Cooperative Work Experience at various facilities. We also offer an Occupational Skills Award in Eating Disorders and Community-Based Corrections. This skills award may be obtained on its own or in addition to any of our certificate programs.
The mission of the Human Services program is to provide quality education for knowledge acquisition and skill development in the areas of assessment, intervention, treatment, advocacy, and support, on behalf of individuals seeking human services.
Our Alcohol and Drug Studies Program is accredited by the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE).
Alcohol & Drug Studies Certificate of Achievement - 40 Units
Course
Title
Units
Year 1 - Fall
HS 100*
Intro to Human Services
3
HS 170*
Alcohol & Drugs in Society
3
HS 176
Co-Occurring Disorders
3
HS 101
Addiction Studies/ Counseling
3
HS 105*
Ethical Issues and Clients' Rights
3
Year 1 - Spring
HS 131*
Multicultural Diversity in the US
3
HS 140*
Group Leadership and Group Process
3
HS 174
Case Administration, Crisis Intervention and Referral
3
HS 177
Family Dynamics of Addiction and Abuse
3
Year 2 - Fall
HS 110
Field Instruction and Seminar 1
Prerequisite: Five HS Core Courses
3.5
HS 172
Physiological Effects and Pharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs
3
Year 2 - Spring
HS 150
Field Instruction and Seminar 2
Prerequisite: HS 110 Field Instruction and Seminar 1
3.5
HS ###
Restricted Elective
3
Required: Select One Restricted Elective
HS 112
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
3
HS 120
Human Development in the Social Environment
3
HS 128
Community Based Corrections
3
HS 171
Substance Abuse Intervention
3
HS 220
Benefits & Entitlements
3
*Prerequisites (Human Services [HS] core courses) to HS 110 Fieldwork and Seminar
HS Core Courses: HS 100, HS 105, HS 131 (effective Fall 2022), HS 140, HS 170
Human Services Generalist Certificate of Achievement - 37 Units
Course
Title
Unit
Year 1- Fall
HS 100*
Introduction to Human Services
3
HS 120
Human Development in the Social Environment
3
HS 170*
Alcohol and Other Drugs in Our Society
3
HS 105*
Ethical Issues and Clients' Rights
3
Year 1 - Spring
HS 131*
Multicultural and Diverse Populations in the US
3
HS 140*
Group Leadership and Group Process
3
HS 174
Case Administration, Crisis Intervention and Referral
3
HS 177
Family Dynamics of Addiction and Abuse
3
Year 2 - Fall
HS 110
Field Instruction and Seminar 1
Prerequisites: Five HS Core Classes
3.5
HS 176
Co-Occurring Disorders
3
Year 2 - Spring
HS 150
Field Instruction and Seminar 2
3.5
HS ###
Restricted Elective
Required: Select One Restricted Elective
HS 171
Substance Abuse Intervention
3
HS 172
Physiological Effects and Pharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs
3
HS 101
Addiction Studies and Counseling
3
HS 112
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
3
HS 187
Juvenile Violence, Gangs, and Victims
3
HS 220
Benefits and Entitlement
3
PSYC 25
Psychology of Aging
3
SOC 1, 2, 10, or 20
3
*Prerequisites (Human Services [HS] core courses) to HS 110 Fieldwork and Seminar
HS Core Courses: HS 100, HS 105, HS 131 (effective Fall 2022), HS 140, HS 170
Mental Health Worker Certificate of Achievement - 29 Units
Course
Title
Units
Year 1 - Fall
HS 100*
Introduction to Human Services
3
HS 120*
Human Development in the Social Environment
3
HS 140*
Group Leadership and Group Process
3
HS 176
Co-Occurring Disorders
3
HS 105
Ethical Issue and Clients' Rights
3
Year 1 - Spring
HS 131
Multicultural and Diverse Populations in the US
3
HS 174
Case Administration, Crisis Intervention and Referral
3
HS 177
Family Dynamics of Addiction and Abuse
3
HS 220
Benefits and Entitlement
3
Year 1 - Summer
HS 110
MHW Cooperative Work Experience
2
*Prerequisites (Human Services [HS] core courses) to HS 110 Fieldwork and Seminar
HS Core Courses: HS 100, HS 105, HS 131 (effective Fall 2022), HS 140, HS 170
Community-Based Corrections Occupational Skills Award - 12 Units
Course
Title
Units
HS 37
Introduction to Criminology
3
HS 187
Juvenile Violence
3
HS 119
Introduction to Criminal Justice
3
HS 128
Community Based Corrections
3
Students will be required to submit a current TB test and proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the student health center for official clearance prior to registering for HS 110 and again for HS 150 - Fieldwork and Seminar course. An appointment must be made with the Student Health Center to submit paperwork. Additionally, students need to apply for professional liability insurance via HPSO ($28.00). More information on these requirements will be reviewed during the mandatory Fieldwork and Seminar Orientation Session.
Some fieldwork sites may require a background check, drug test, physical and health clearance, and/or holding a valid CPR card through the American Heart Association (no other providers).
To be eligible for HS 110 and HS 150, students must have successfully completed all Human Services core courses (HS 100, HS 105, HS 131, HS 140, HS 170) with a minimum grade of “C” or higher. HS 110 and 150 are exclusively available to students prepared for their fieldwork. An APC (Add Placement Code) for registration will only be issued once all requirements are fulfilled, completed application is submitted, and a letter of confirmation of acceptance has been received. Students must complete Field Work at a Saddleback College approved affiliate site.
For any inquiries, please feel free to contact the program specialist, Sarah Stevenson, at sstevenson@saddleback.edu.
Saddleback College's HS program is a lower division course of study for students who want an Associate’s Degree, Certificate of Achievement, and/or plan to transfer to a 4-year college or university. The HS program serves as an introduction to careers in social work, criminal justice, community-based corrections, counseling, public health and other helping professions. Associated roles include, but are not limited to: mentoring, advocacy, counseling, case management, and house manager.
Certificates
Alcohol and Drug Studies (40 units) - 2 years/4 semesters; $2092.00
Human Service Generalist (37 units) - 2 years/4 semesters; $1954.00
Mental Health Worker (29 units) - 1.5 years/3 semesters; $1523.00
NOTE: Costs based off tuition from FA ’23 and includes parking and health fees.
Occupational Skills Awards (OSA)
Community-Based Corrections (12 units)
Eating Disorders Studies (9 units)
Core Course for all Certificates
HS 100 Introduction to Human Services
HS 105 Ethical Issues and Clients’ Rights
HS 131 Multicultural and Diverse Populations in the United States
HS 140 Group Leadership and Group Process
HS 170 Alcohol and Other Drugs in Society
NOTE: All five of the core course a required before enrolling in HS 110
Class Sequence
Not all classes are offered both semesters, thus we encouraged students to follow the order laid out in each program’s roadmap.
Internship Info
Enrolled students are provided with a list of approved internship sites. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule interviews at sites of interest and have a professional resume for submission during the interview process.
Internship and Recovery
Most internship sites require a specific minimum period of recovery – usually one year.
Internship and Probation
Most internship sites require interns to be without any history of probation/parole OR be off parole or probation for a specified amount of time.
Accreditation
The Human Services Drug and Alcohol Studies Program is accredited by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE)
Transfer Possibilities
CSULB - B.A. in Social Work,
CSUF - B.S. in Human Services
CSUF - B.S. in Criminal Justice
UCI - B.A. in Psychology, Sociology, Social Ecology,
and many others!
The Human Services Field Instruction provides students with an opportunity to integrate the theoretical and conceptual content of Human Services courses with practical experiences in the field. The fieldwork experience provides exposure to Human Services clients, professionals, and the Human Services delivery systems. The Seminar provides an opportunity to process the Fieldwork experience with your Field Instructor and your peers. Students will receive support and instruction to strengthen their individual and professional goals and performance in the field.
Required Coursework
The completion of the Human Services core courses are the prerequisites for application to the HS 110 Fieldwork and Seminar I course. Core courses: HS 100, HS 105, HS 131, HS 140 and HS 170
Fieldwork and Seminar required hours:
Weekly Seminar Hours: 1 hour & 20 minutes
Requirement of Field Experience hours for Alcohol and Drug Studies: 125 (HS 110) and 130 (HS 150)
Requirement of Field Experience hours for Generalist: 100 (HS 110) and 100 (HS 150)
CAADE/ACCBC certification requires a minimum completion of 250 academic-related field experience hours.
The Human Services' Alcohol and Drug Studies Program is accredited by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE). Per the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), all students interning in the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate program must be registered with a State-approved certifying organization to participate in the internship program. Visit the DHCS website for information regarding registration requirements for Alcohol and Drug Studies interns. Per DHCS Regulations, upon registration as an addiction treatment counselor the 5-year time limit begins within which time you must become certified. It is therefore recommended that you do not register until you have secured a site where you will volunteer, work as an employee or intern.
Academic Work Requirements
Required academic study and work requirements for seminar courses are 2-3 hours/week for each unit. HS 110 and HS 150 are each 3.5 units. Therefore, plan on 7-10 hours of assignments and preparation each week in addition to the field site hours. The following are examples of some required assignments.
Weekly field experience logs
Weekly seminar assignments and attendance
Individualized Learning Plan
Independent Study Project
Agency Presentation
Applying to the Fieldwork and Seminar course
Attend the Fieldwork and Seminar Orientation. Dates, time, and location will be updated and added the HS program website. Complete the Field Instruction and Seminar Application using the provided application link. Link will go live after the orientation.
Fieldwork Sites
All Field Experiences must be completed at a site that has a current Agreement with the South Orange County Community College District. A current list of approved sites will be provided to registered students. Students may contact sites to request an interview for placement only after registration in the course, which requires the submission of an application and an Add Permit Code (APC).
Fieldwork Site Requirements
Each site may have its own requirements or desired intern qualifications/limitations. Some examples are:
Interview for the position, complete a "job" application, and submit a current resume.
Completion of specific courses/training requirements/workshops.
Be without any history of probation/parole OR be off parole or probation for a specified amount of time.
If in recovery, have a specified minimum period of recovery – usually one year.
Submission of a urinalysis, Background check or Live Scan, CPR, First Aid, and TB clearance may be required at certain sites.
Enrolled students will be provided with a list of approved internship sites. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule interviews at sites of interest and have a professional resume for submission during the interview process. Resources for resume preparation are available through the Saddleback College Student Employment Resources. The following link has resume-writing resources. Go to Saddleback Career Placement Services and contact Eric Hilden. Enrolled students are encouraged to begin the site selection process as soon as possible prior to the start of the semester. Sites requiring background checks can take up to 4 or more weeks for final approval.
Beginning Fieldwork Hours
Students may begin internship hours ONLY after the start of the semester with the completion and submission of requisite forms and the receipt of the Student Site Confirmation Letter from the college field instructor. Internship hours may NOT commence prior to the start of the semester and without the approval of the fieldwork instructor.
Evening, Weekend, and Holiday Fieldwork hours
If the site provides the appropriate supervision for the internship experience during those days/hours and the student has the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning activities, the student may intern on nights and weekends. The only holidays the student may not intern or those recognized by the college and the college is closed.
Minimum and Maximum Number of Weekly Internship Hours
Students must complete a minimum of 8-hours per week and may NOT exceed 17-internship hours per week.* Deviation from the stated hours requires prior approval by the field instructor. *Flexibility during the pandemic.
Completing an Internship if on Probation/Parole
Many sites do not provide internships for students who are currently on probation or parole. Students in this situation are encouraged to complete all their certificate coursework while awaiting discharge from probation/parole and discuss your circumstances with one of the Field Instructors prior to applying for the Fieldwork program.
Establishing a Site Not Already on the Approved List
Establishment of a new site requires a process that is completed by the Field Instructors. If a student has knowledge of an agency that is interested in providing internship opportunities for Human Services students, provide your respective field instructor with the contact information of the agency of interest.
The estimated cost of attendance at Saddleback College includes an estimate for tuition and fees, books and supplies as well as basic living expenses like food and housing, and personal and miscellaneous expenses. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than the amounts listed below.
Expenses
Living With Parents (2 Semesters)
Living Away from Parents (2 semesters)
Tuition & Fees
$1,432
$1,432
Books & Supplies
$1,062
$1,062
Living Expenses: Food & Housing
$14,480
$25,916
Personal & Misc.
$4,059
$4,968
Transportation
$1,791
$1,962
Total Resident
$22,824
$35,340
Total Non-Resident
$35,124
$47,640
Expenses
Living with Parents
Living Away from Parents
Tuition & Fees
$712
$712
Books & Supplies
$354
$354
Living Expenses: Food & Housing
$4,827
$9,276
Personal & Misc.
$1,353
$1,656
Transportation
$597
$654
Total Resident
$7,843
$12,652
Total Non-Resident
$13,993
$18,802
Expenses
Living With Parents
Living Away from Parents
Fall & Spring
Summer
Fall & Spring
Summer
Tuition & Fees
$1,432
$712
$1,432
$712
Books & Supplies
$1,062
$354
$1,062
$354
Transportation
$1,791
$597
$1,962
$654
Total Resident
$4,291
$1,666
$4,462
$1,723
Total Non-Resident
$16,591
$7,816
$16,762
$7,873
Enrollment Fee: $46 per unit
Based on 15-units for Fall, Spring and Summer
Health Fee $26 for Fall and Spring, $22 for Summer
Non-Resident Tuition (in addition to the $46 per unit enrollment fee): $446 per unit ($376 non-resident tuition fee + $70 capital outlay fee)
Estimated cost of attendance may be adjusted for documented circumstances such as dependent care expenses, purchase of a computer, and other special circumstances (except for students enrolled less than half-time)
