Human Service Practitioner

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MiramichiSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International
WoodstockSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International
MonctonSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International
Saint JohnSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International

Program Overview

We all want to lead productive lives, but in a challenging world, many people face barriers that can hold them back. Human services practitioners connect individuals and families with the support they need to increase their participation in society. From providing physical and emotional support to full-on crisis intervention, when people in the community need help, we’re here to make a difference in their quality of life. If you’ve got a heart for helping others and passion for people and community, a career in human services could be for you.
 
In our Human Service Practitioner program, you’ll learn how to assist vulnerable individuals of all ages with complex needs who are experiencing challenges in daily life. Through a combination of experiential and applied learning, you’ll gain knowledge and skills in delivering individual and group programming, human development, exceptionalities, and counselling strategies. You’ll also study communication methods, ethical conduct, crisis response and behavioural change. Enroll today in the Human Services Practitioner program and get ready to help people make positive strides in their lives.
 

Attention All Human Services Certificate Graduates:
Learn more about the new Human Service Practitioner Diploma Pathway.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies


    Career Possibilities

    Life will always present challenges. Having the skills to help people cope and thrive will always be in-demand. NBJobs predicts good job prospects with 246 new social and community services workers openings over the next three years in New Brunswick alone.
     
    Graduates could work with people of all ages from youth to the elderly in settings that include social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities, and other establishments. Many practitioners also deliver support at their clients’ homes.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.



    Specific Considerations

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Human Growth and Development
    • Documentation
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Interpersonal Communication
    • Family Dynamics
    • Counselling Skills
    • Mental Health and Wellness
    • Program Planning
    • Behaviour Intervention
    • Crisis Intervention
    • Trauma-Informed Care


    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course is designed to examine effective document use in the social services field, aligned with social service agency guidelines. Scenario-based incidents will be used to create and develop professional communication practices. Community service model documents and exercises will give the opportunity to practice and perfect their writing skills. This course will prepare students to have polished written communication skills as they will write various documents for permanent and legal records.

    This course is designed to help students strengthen their fundamental skills in writing clear, effective sentences and paragraphs, and enable them to create organized, unified and coherent documents. The writing process is introduced. Students will recognize the importance of writing for the intended purpose and audience.

    This course is designed to explore the topics, issues and information related to self-care practices.  Emphasis will be placed upon examining the dimensions of wellness and how these dimensions impact the lives of the frontline worker.
     

    This course is designed to allow learners to build a more in-depth understanding of crisis, crisis intervention and trauma informed practice. The focus will be placed on applying best practice approaches of crisis intervention and trauma informed care.

    This course is designed to introduce the field of human services through a one-day per week placement in a human service agency.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of knowledge of various human service settings. Learning will be achieved through work-integrated learning and discussions on various topics related to the placement.

    This course is designed to introduce a full range of exceptionalities experienced by individuals. Focus will be for both exceptionalities that occur prenatally and those that are acquired.

    This course is designed to allow students to practice the skills and competencies of human service practitioners in a work-integrated learning setting. Emphasis will be placed on providing supervised training opportunities with human service agencies and the individuals they serve.  Learning will be achieved through work-integrated learning and discussions on various topics related to the student's placement.

    This course is designed to introduce skills that are used to assist human service practitioners in defining clients' concerns and desired goals.  The focus will be on providing and practicing interviewing skills.  

    This course examines evidence-based skills used to assist individuals affected by exceptionalities.  The focus will be to apply new information to create practical tools that will assist individuals to gain new skills.

    Prerequisites:

    • CSSC1137A

    This course is designed to allow students to practice the skills and competencies of human service practitioners in a work-integrated learning setting.  Emphasis will be placed on providing supervised training opportunities with human services agencies and the individuals they serve.  Learning will be achieved through work-integrated learning and discussions on various topics related to their placements. 
     

    This course is designed to provide an overview of the factors that contribute to the health of human service clients. The focus will examining various health-related conditions experienced by clients and reviewing strategies that promote, model, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

    This course is designed to provide up-to-date information regarding trends and challenges in the field of Human Services.  It will focus on detailed information about workplace settings and practical activities that will allow students to make informed decisions about their future careers.  It will be facilitated through lectures, guest speakers and instructor/student workshops.

    This course is designed to provide an overview of relevant historical and theoretical influences in the development of human service practice and methods.  Emphasis will be placed on the profession's purpose, values, skills, and ethics. Students will also prepare documents needed to enter future Field Placements. Learning will be achieved through lectures, experiential activities, and guest speakers.  

    This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.

    This course is designed to provide information on mental health and wellness.  Emphasis will be placed on abnormal psychology including terminology, diagnostic features, assessment, and treatment of the major psychological disorders.

    This course is designed to develop practical strategies to help clients in the behaviour change process while being trauma-informed. Emphasis will be placed on the application of behaviour modification and strength-based practice to increase quality of life. 

    Learners are introduced to the major concepts and theoretical perspectives of the field of psychology. They explore such topics as history, research methods, sensation, perception, consciousness, memory, and intelligence using critical thinking and skeptical inquiry.

    This course examines theories of child development and factors that influence development from conception to age twelve. Emphasis is placed on developmental sequences in the physical, cognitive, and emotional domains.  

    This course is designed to develop awareness of self-concept and personal communication styles as they relate to interactions with others. Emphasis will be placed on self-concept and self-awareness, verbal and non-verbal communication and conflict resolution strategies.  There will also be a focus on group work, team dynamics, group facilitation techniques and leadership styles.

    This course is designed to examine the developmental milestones and factors that influence development in individuals from adolescence through the remainder of the lifespan.  Emphasis is placed on developmental sequences in the physical, cognitive, and emotional domains.

    Prerequisites:

    • PSYC1087A

    A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

    This course is designed to discuss the major concepts and theoretical perspectives of sociology, leading to the ability to define and analyze various social issues and their causes. In addition, it will develop skills and knowledge in the area of cultural and personal diversity along with the knowledge, attitudes and basic skills necessary to develop and deliver effective supports to diverse populations.

    This course is designed to explore the dynamics of family relationships. Emphasis will be placed on family development and ecological perspectives that enhance the understanding of diverse family experiences and strategies for intervention.
     


    NOC Codes

    42201 - Social and community service workers


    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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