Human Services Technology, Developmental Disabilities, Social Work, and Addiction and Recovery Studies
Human Services is about helping people and includes assisting others in overcoming social problems such as poverty, relationship problems, domestic violence, crime, and substance use.
What You Will Learn
Human Services Professionals may work in various environments, including hospitals, family service agencies, group homes, shelters, or rehabilitation and recovery centers. Human Services is also one of the fastest-growing professions heading into the next century.
You can earn a specialized degree or certificates in:
- Human Services Technology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Addiction and Recovery Studies
- Social Services
Certificates are primarily designed for those individuals who already have advanced degrees and are interested in furthering their human services skills.
Coursework emphasizes personal, social, psychological, and personal impact of issues, such as domestic violence, child abuse, disabilities, homelessness, mental health, aging, and substance use, among many others. Foundational knowledge includes the history of human service studies, professional standards, and ethical responsibilities. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- apply critical thinking skills to formulate and evaluate clients' needs based on the available evidence
- demonstrate ethical decision-making practices in the Human Services field
- identify appropriate assessment tool to appraise the clients needs, and develop person centered plans
- implement and demonstrate cultural competency skills while providing services
- develop a personal philosophy of human services based on best practices
Although there is currently no state licensure required for Human Services Generalists, graduates will be eligible to take the national Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner developed by the Center for Credentialing and Education upon program completion. If completing a Human Services degree in the Addiction and Recovery Studies program you will be able to take the exam to be a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
The human services technology program provides an exceptional educational experience in all of our programs. We offer didactic, experiential and clinical experiences, giving you a well rounded learning opportunity. Our program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education which ensures we meet national standards in quality and consistency in both our program and curriculum.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in the Human Services Technology Club and apply to join the Tau Upsilon Alpha National Organization for Human Services Honor Society.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.
Central Piedmont has walked with me, cheering me on and allowing me the opportunity to be the best me possible. Evelyn Hill, Substance Abuse '21 Read Evelyn's story
Careers in Developmental Disabilities, Human Services Technology, and Substance Abuse
Visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach for detailed human services technology career opportunities, salary information, and job openings. Upon completing a substance abuse certificate or degree program at Central Piedmont, you will not be certified by the state. State licensure is required if you are working with substance abuse specifically. You care required to work in the substance abuse field while you are in the process of getting your certification/licensure. You can learn more about State certification/licensure requirements and processes by contacting the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board at 919.832.0975 or ncsappb.org. The degree as well as the substance abuse counseling certificate will also provide you with the 300 hours of supervised practicum required by the Board. The information obtained in all courses helps to prepare you for the written State credentialing exam.
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Program Options
The Human Services Technology program offers multiple educational pathways, whether you are already in the profession or are just getting started. The college catalog details all Human Services Technology, Developmental Disabilities, Social Work, and Addiction and Recovery Studies program options currently available at Central Piedmont as well as program eligibility and course requirements.
Students can choose from:
- Associate in Applied Science in human services technology
- Associate in Applied Science in human services technology - developmental disabilities
- Associate in Applied Science in Human Services Technology - addiction and recovery studies
- Specialized human services technology, developmental disabilities, or addiction and recovery studies certificates
Certificates are primarily designed for those individuals who already have advanced degrees and are interested in furthering their human services skills. If you would like information on opportunities to transfer associate degree credit to a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Resource Center.
Developmental Disabilities
The Associate in Applied Science in human services technology - developmental disabilities and developmental disabilities certificates are designed to prepare students to work with children and adults with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities. A key component of service provision is identifying the individual needs and supports for persons with disabilities. The past four decades have produced major advances in legislation, education and services for individuals with disabilities.
Participating students will:
- gain an understanding of the support needs of developmental disabled individuals with concerns in medical, psychological, social, educational, vocational, and economic terms
- gain fieldwork and clinical experience in community agencies which provide comprehensive services to persons with disabilities and their families will be offered
Successful graduates of the Associate in Applied Science in human services technology - developmental disabilities or developmental disabilities certificates should qualify for employment and leadership positions in group homes, foster care homes, respite services, vocational rehabilitation agencies, supported employment programs, adult day activity programs, early childhood intervention programs, public school classrooms as teacher assistants, community support services, and other programs that provide support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Addiction and Recovery Studies
The Associate in Applied Science in Human Services Technology - addiction and recovery studies and addiction and recovery studies certificates are designed to prepare you for a career in the addictions field and assist you in the process of state credentialing toward becoming a certified or licensed addictions counselor. You will also be able to transfer your credits earned and pursue a four-year degree. Coursework includes classroom and experiential activities geared toward:
- knowledge and skills in the twelve core functions of addiction professionals
- an understanding of the physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of addiction, including process additions, co-occurring disorders, and relapse prevention
- an understanding of the impact of addiction on the individual, the family, and society
- knowledge and skills in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of addiction
- an understanding of the ethical and legal aspects involved in the addictions field
Graduates who complete certification/licensure by the State Board qualify for positions as alcohol and drug counselors, DWI evaluators and educators, residential and half-way house counselors, criminal justice addiction professionals, prevention and education specialists, case managers, and community-based program managers. The Central Piedmont Addiction and Recovery Studies program does not currently provide peer support specialist training.
The credential offered is the North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist and is required for those who want to provide peer services.
Addiction and Recovery Studies certificates may be used towards the initial or renewal of certification/licensure through the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB) or the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). These courses are also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Visiting Students
If you wish to transfer human services technology course credit back to your home institution, explore how to enroll at Central Piedmont as a visiting student.
Continuing Education
Central Piedmont's continuing education provides non-degree courses and programs, including job skills, industry-focused career training, certificates, certifications, professional licensure, and personal enrichment. Day, evening, weekend, and online opportunities are available.
College and Career Readiness
If you are looking for programs to gain the knowledge or skills necessary to finish a high school degree or to get a job, visit Central Piedmont's College and Career Readiness.
College Credit for High School Students
Visit Career and College Promise to learn about opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at Central Piedmont.
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Human Services Technology, Developmental Disabilities, Social Work, and Addiction and Recovery Studies Program Requirements
Human Services Technology degrees and certificates listed in the catalog with a WBL course(s) will require you to complete an internship (Work-Based Learning). For all Human Services Technology associate degree students, work-based learning is typically done during the last two semesters in the program. All Human Services Technology students, regardless of specialization, must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA in order to take WBL courses. Prior to your last 2 semesters you will be required to meet with the program instructors for a mandatory orientation to WBL. All processes will be reviewed at that time. It is crucial you work with your advisor.
- Human services, developmental disabilities, social work, and substance abuse essential functions (PDF)
- Human services technology student handbook (PDF document)
Suggested Course Sequences
- course sequences
- previous catalogs
Contact your advisor for help planning your courses.
Work-Based Learning
Students in the Addiction and Recovery Studies programs requiring work-based learning must compete a minimum of 160 hours per semester for two semesters in order to learn the 12 core functions (DOC) of an addiction professional. Substance use internships are conducted in local agencies which provide primary substance use treatment services and have North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) credentialed addiction counselors and supervisors on staff. Prior to your last two semesters you will be required to meet with the program chair for a mandatory orientation to work-based learning. All processes will be reviewed at that time.
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Locations and Course Delivery Methods
Classes for the human services technology program are delivered in several ways:
- In-person classes and labs are held on the Central Campus.
- combined (classroom/lab and online)
- online (certain certificates)
Our classes are very interactive and often have experiential aspects to them so they may not be conducive to online instruction. However, many of the general education classes are offered online.
Program courses are not offered during the summer. Courses available and their schedules can change each semester. Check the developmental disabilities, human services technology, and substance abuse program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements each semester.
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Costs and Aid
Central Piedmont provides real-world, affordable, hands-on education and career training. Learn how much it costs to attend Central Piedmont. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
- total estimated costs: Associate in Applied Science in human services technology
- total estimated costs: Associate in Applied Science in human services technology - developmental disabilities
- total estimated costs: Associate in Applied Science in human services technology - addiction and recovery studies
Human Services Technology Scholarships
In particular, students interested in the human services technology program should consider the following scholarships. Please note that many scholarships are managed by organizations outside of Central Piedmont.
Addiction and Recovery Scholarships
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Related Programs
- Biomedical Equipment Technology
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Cytotechnology
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Early Childhood Education
- Emergency Medical Science
- Healthcare (non-degree)
- Interpreter Education
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Medical Office Administration
- Nurse Aide
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
- Pharmacy Technology
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Polysomnography
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
- Teacher Education (non-degree)
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Student Clubs and Organizations
Human Services Technology Club
The Human Services Technology Club empowers and motivates students toward realization of their fullest potential and provides opportunities for them to share their talents within the human services network. The purpose of this club is to educate and provide opportunities for the professional growth and development of Human Services Technology students. Membership is open to all currently enrolled students at any Central Piedmont campus. Examples of Human Services Club Activities include:
- attending regional and national human services conferences
- participation in Fall Fest/Spring Fling, which are on campus student festivals
- involvement in the HERO program (for children who have been victimized or witnessed domestic violence)
- participation in college sponsored blood drives
- AIDS awareness projects
- sponsoring needy families around holiday times
- leadership training
- Police Activity League
For more information, email Tameka Johnson.
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Admitted Students: Find Your Advisor
Students at Central Piedmont have a faculty advisor for each program of study offered. Find your faculty advisor based on your last name.
Human Services Technology
- Dr. Sherina Dubose Tillman: last names A-I
- Maurice McDonald: last names J-R
- Tameka Johnson: last names S-Z
Developmental Disabilities
- Dr. Sherina Dubose Tillman: last names A-Z
Addiction and Recovery Studies
- DeAn White: last names A–M
- Tameka Brewington: last names N–Z