• Prerequisites: SSC193

This course cultivates an understanding of the range of contexts and conditions that place children and youth at risk. The impacts of neglect, poverty, malnutrition, abuse, family breakdown and substance abuse are studied, as well as the resulting developmental disabilities, behavioural disturbances, learning disabilities, and societal impact.

• Prerequisite: SSC193. Due to the nature of the course, students should not compress this course into a short timeframe.
• Students are advised to schedule at least 10 weeks.

The ability to evaluate and interpret research, including understanding basic statistics and research methodologies is essential for informed professional practice in the Human Services. This course covers introductory statistics, qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs as well as ethical issues in research. 

This course is the foundation for all subsequent Child and Youth Care Counselor courses. Students are challenged to explore their belief and value systems, gain self–awareness and understand their personal impact when working with vulnerable children, youth and families. The history and scope of the child and youth care profession and ethical codes of conduct are examined along with the relevant legislation that guide the activities of the profession.

• Prerequisite: SSC193

A study of how humans grow from infancy through old age with attention to key physical, cognitive, and social characteristics of each developmental stage. Consequences resulting from disruption of the development process are studied. The impact of familial, community and societal influences are explored. 

• Prerequisite: SSC193

An introduction to theory and practice in psychology as related to the nature, causes, and treatments of abnormal behaviour patterns. The course is designed to enable the student to recognize and respond to severe and abnormal behaviour patterns which are frequently encountered in society, and to interact effectively with mental health professionals and agencies which provide services.

• Prerequisite: SSC193

This course provides a more detailed look at the development patterns that occur in normal adolescence. Physiology, identity, psychosocial and spiritual development, cognition, moral and ethical judgment, as well as environmental influences and typical patterns of behaviour among youth are examined. Students develop insights into the adolescent world through both the traditional problem oriented paradigm as well as through the strength based and resilience paradigms. Students acquire frameworks for helping families and communities support adolescents with normal developmental tasks and fostering resilience in these young people. Cultural competence for those working with youth are also explored.

• Prerequisite: FE201 & SSC330

Diploma in Counseling students are required to gain a minimum of 200 hours of field experience in an approved practicum related to their area of focus.

• Prerequisite: SSC293

An introduction to the major theories of helping. Students learn to think critically about the development of human difficulties and the process of therapeutic change. Case studies are employed, and attention is given to professional ethics.

• Prerequisite: SSC193

Grief and Mourning is an integrative course that draws on resources in theology, psychology, and ministry. Students will explore the source and nature of grief; perspectives provided by trinitarian theology; neurological impacts of grief; mourning processes; socio-cultural influences on grief; disenfranchised and anticipatory grief; and grief as experienced in select populations. Resources also provide recommendations and models for providing support to those who experience loss, grief, and mourning. The course is asynchronous.

• Prerequisite: SSC293. Due to the nature of the course, students should not compress this course into a short timeframe.
• Students are advised to schedule at least 10 weeks.

An introduction to micro skills and effective interviewing in addition to other intervention techniques. Case studies are employed, and attention is given to professional ethics. 

• Prerequisite: SSC193

This course identifies and explores some of the more common approaches to community assessment and intervention. A contrast between macro practice and the traditional counseling paradigm is covered along with some the major sociological theories for understanding society.

This course provides an overview of the primary cultural groups divided by geographic region throughout Canada. Special issues affecting Canadian Aboriginal and Métis people are examined . As a result, students are more aware of the many issues facing these people groups.

• Prerequisite: SSC330

This introductory course explores many aspects of the field of substance abuse and other addictions. This includes the various mental, emotional and physiological impacts of substances and addictions, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery. In addition to these topics, the effects of addictions on the individual, family and society will be discussed, through the biopsychosocial lens. 

• Prerequisites: FE201, SSC330 and SSC340.
• Co-requisite: SSC496.

Students complete 300 hours of an approved applied experiential learning in a human services agency. Under professional supervision, students participate in the day-to-day work of the agency, developing valuable skills in the human services profession.

• Prerequisites: SSC298 and SSC330

A rich understanding of developmental psychology and helping skills are the foundations to this course. The focus is upon appreciating the issues specific to these age groups and learning how to intervene effectively. 

• Prerequisites: SSC330

An introduction to applying systems thinking to understanding and working effectively with families and individuals. Diverse ethical and values issues are addressed. Course assignments and experiential classroom exercises aid students in developing awareness and expertise in the practical application of systemic interventions to human service settings.

• Prerequisite: SSC389

Students complete 300 hours of an approved applied experiential learning in a human services agency. Under professional supervision, students participate in the day-to-day work of the agency, developing valuable skills in the human services profession.

This course is a guided study in which students undertake the scholarly pursuit of a particular question pertinent to the field of human services work. Students complete a 30 item annotated bibliography and an accompanying literature review on the selected topic.

• Co-requisite: SSC389 or SSC499

This class runs concurrently with the students' Human Services practicum placement (SSC389 or SSC499). The 'reflective practitioner' model is utilized to help students integrate their experience in the human services agencies in which they are placed. In addition, attention is paid to ethical and practitioner self care. 

• Co-requisite: SSC340

This course presents theory and ethics in the practice of counseling groups, with focus upon group leadership and facilitation skills. There is required participation in a small group for the purpose of skill development.

• Co-requisite: SSC496

Students complete 600 hours of applied experiential learning in a human services agency. Under professional supervision, students participate in the day-to-day work of the agency, developing valuable skills in the human services profession.

Prerequisite: FE170 and FE270