Human Services Foundations
Explore the array of human services careers to define your pathway.
- Students have the opportunity to sample five programs in the human services area that best match their career choice
- Program includes a scenario-based group project to see the perspective of each of the human service professionals from different sectors
- Upon graduating, this program includes transfer credits for courses in advanced human services programs at Algonquin College
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Winter 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
In this program, you develop core skills that are common to all areas of human services such as relationship building, team work and stress management. You increase your own awareness of issues of diversity and inclusion in Canada and how social issues influence human and community development. You develop a strong understanding of client and community needs and the impact that systemic barriers have on marginalizing specific populations. This exploration empowers you to select a population group and industry that you would like to focus on. You develop academic skills and career planning skills to support you through the next stages of your academic study.
This foundational training provides students with an introduction to more advanced human services programs including, but not limited to:...(read more)
Overview
Explore the array of human services careers to define your pathway. The one-year Human Services Foundations Ontario College Certificate allows you to explore career opportunities within human services and prepare for the most appropriate academic and professional pathway for you. Human services supports individuals, families and communities to attain a higher quality of life. As a student, you examine how different human services professionals collaborate to contribute to a better society.
In this program, you develop core skills that are common to all areas of human services such as relationship building, team work and stress management. You increase your own awareness of issues of diversity and inclusion in Canada and how social issues influence human and community development. You develop a strong understanding of client and community needs and the impact that systemic barriers have on marginalizing specific populations. This exploration empowers you to select a population group and industry that you would like to focus on. You develop academic skills and career planning skills to support you through the next stages of your academic study.
This foundational training provides students with an introduction to more advanced human services programs including, but not limited to:
- Child and Youth Care
- Social Services Worker
- Community and Justice Services
- Early Childhood Education
- Developmental Services Worker
As a graduate, you will qualify to receive transfer credits in related programs for some courses taken in this program. Contact the Program Coordinator to explore specific transfer credit opportunities.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Want to contribute to positive change in their community.
- Enjoy working with others.
- Have a strong work ethic.
- Are open minded and embrace the concepts of diversity and respect.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
COR1928
Course Name:
Introduction to Sociology
Course Description:
Sociology is the study of society and culture which aims to explore our interdependencies and differences. By providing a critical lens to t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2029S
Course Name:
Foundations of Communication
Course Description:
Students develop language and communication skills necessary to promote success in education pathways and careers. With effective workplace ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM0080
Course Name:
Life Skills for Academic Study
Course Description:
There are specific skills and competencies that students need to be successful in academic pursuits. Students develop skills in time managem... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FAM0081
Course Name:
Introduction to Human Services
Course Description:
Human services supports individuals, families and communities to attain a higher quality of life. Students examine the human services delive... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FAM0082
Course Name:
Career Planning for Human Services
Course Description:
Career planning strategies are a key component of goal setting and decision making concerning career choices. Students explore various roles... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1259
Course Name:
Diversity in Canadian Society
Course Description:
In a rapidly shrinking world, understanding diversity is becoming increasingly important. Students explore concepts of diversity and inclusi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM0083
Course Name:
Life Skills for Human Services Professionals
Course Description:
Success in a human services role requires specific skills, knowledge and values in order to support effective professional worker-client rel... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM0084
Course Name:
Developmental Psychology
Course Description:
Knowledge of individual physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth across the individual life span is foundational to being an effecti... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FAM0085
Course Name:
Social Issues
Course Description:
Emerging and ongoing social issues within Canada inform the development and delivery of human services. Students identify how emerging, soci... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
FAM1190
Course Name:
Ethical Issues and Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Course Description:
Developmental Services Workers encounter ethical issues when providing support to people with developmental disabilities. Students consider ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
GED1457
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a group of general education electives. Your options will include courses... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of professionals in human services and the impact of these contributions on the health and wellness of individuals and communities.
- Develop collaborative skills that support the development and maintenance of positive working relationships and inclusive team environments.
- Apply major psychological and sociological theories of developmental growth and mental health to respond to client needs.
- Select a variety of human services support strategies to meet the needs of diverse populations for inclusion and participation in civic life.
- Identify the professional requirements and opportunities in various human services fields to inform academic and professional goals.
- Develop academic strengths and strategies to support success and wellness in lifelong learning and career development.
- Develop written and verbal interpersonal communication and research skills specific to human services to convey messages clearly and concisely.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Textbooks and supplies can be purchased at the campus store.
- For more information, go to www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
HUMAN SERVICES FOUNDATIONS
Program Code 1632X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Contact
Melissa Paquin
Program Coordinator
Melissa is a graduate from the Developmental Services Worker and Autism Behavioural Science programs at Algonquin College as well as a Carleton University Alumna. Melissa has been in the human services field for over 20 years. She works in the local schools, and is a professor and coordinator in the human services field.
Throughout her years, she has been on several fundraising committees such as the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, Autism Ontario and Innovated Community Support Services. In 2022, she was nominated for the Director of Education Award in the Ottawa Catholic School Board for her commitment to the school and community.
Her priority is to support all learners in an inclusive environment and encourage students to take part in social activities within the college. She loves being part of the community and helping others in need all while supporting the social, emotional needs of her students. During her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family, especially on the ski slopes, being active and outside in the fresh air.