Human Services

Are you motivated by relationship building and social connection? Are you interested in helping people navigate system to access care, education, and housing? Do you envision what communities could be, not just what they are? Are you someone who values equity and recognizes everyone’s unique needs? Be a connector between people and systems, between needs and solutions, between learning and leadership.

The Human Services program prepares students for community-based roles that connect families, systems, and services. The program emphasizes reflective practice, relational work, and inclusive support from before birth through older adulthood.

Our mission is to shape practitioners who combine heart, skill, and reflection to strengthen communities and advance social justice.

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Photo of the students attending a LBL Health Equity Alliance event

Students attending a Linn Benton Lincoln Health Equity Alliance event.

 

Human Development and Family Sciences: Human Services Emphasis, Associate of Science

This two-year degree prepares you to transfer to Oregon State University or for entry-level work in public or private human services.

View Human Development And Family Sciences: Human Services Emphasis Program Map

Transfer to Any Oregon University Human Services Program

This degree allows you to transfer to a human development, family studies, or human services programs at any Oregon university. Work with your advisor to select the best courses for your transfer destination.

View OUS Human Services Transfer Map

Transfer to Portland State University Human Services Program

This degree allows you to transfer to any degree within the Society and Identity Pathway at Portland State University, including Child, Youth & Family Studies, Social Sciences, and Women's Studies. Students interested in the Bachelor's of Social Work will need to speak to an advisor about alternate course requirements.

View PSU Human Services Transfer Map

This is a standard program. Learn more about our average cost.

Human Services graduates work in diverse settings and with all age groups to create meaningful impact, such as:

  • Community and family support services
  • K-12 and early childhood programs
  • Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
  • Health and wellness outreach
  • Housing, disability, and aging services

Program Highlights

  • Applied Learning: Gain hands-on experience through field placements in schools, nonprofit agencies, and community organizations.
  • Equity Driven: Grounded in inclusion, social justice, and the voices of the communities we serve.
  • Interdisciplinary Lens: Integrates perspectives from health, education, and human development to address complex challenges.
  • Leadership Focused: Cultivates reflective, collaborative, and compassionate leaders.
  • Flexible Course Offerings: Available in multiple modalities to meet diverse learners' needs.

 

Practicum

Students who stay in the Human Services major have the opportunity to complete a 90-hour practicum to obtain the first five standards of the Human Services profession. This is a personalized experience: as a practicum student, you’ll work one-on-one with LBCC faculty to determine the best placement for you.

Note: in order to enroll in a practicum, you’ll need to start preparing about one and a half terms in advance. Talk with your advisor for more information.

The practicum is a five-credit course and requires:

  1. Nine scheduled hours per week at work/practicum site
  2. Two hours per week scheduled seminar with instructor and peers
  3. HDFS 262 (Intro to Human Services) should be complete or in process prior to enrolling in the practicum
  4. Meet with the Human Services faculty at least a term prior to the start of your practicum.

Please contact hughed@linnbenton.edu if you have specific questions about the practicum.

 

Become a Change Maker

LBCC’s Change Maker Co-Curricular gives Human Services students the chance to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Through community projects and campus events, students gain experience while making a positive impact. Open to Human Services and related majors.

Past projects include:

  • Mental Health Week participation
  • Springfest collaboration
  • CASA pajama drive
  • Quarterly community service events

Change Makers

 

Should You Be Pursuing QMHA?

LBCC's associate degrees significantly prepare students for career paths that lead to becoming a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA.) We encourage students to consult with their instructors for guidance on how our programs align with the qualifications needed for QMHA certification.

The QMHA certification, offered by the Mental Health and Addictions Certification Board of Oregon is beneficial for individuals pursuing careers in various mental health and addiction-related fields. Holding a QMHA certification can enhance opportunities in occupations such as mental health technician, behavioral health specialist, case manager, community support specialist, or residential counselor. These roles often involve providing direct support and assistance to individuals dealing with mental health challenges or substance use disorders.

 

 

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