Course Outline

This course may be offered as an academic or open credit in the same classroom depending on the outcomes completed by the individual student. It is a course requirement that all students participate in a volunteer placement or service learning project throughout the course (minimum 10 hours).

Units of study and topics include the following:

• Unit 1: Overview of the Helping Field—The course provides students with an introduction to the skills and knowledge involved in being a “helper.” These skills are applicable to our personal relationships, community work, and possible career pathways in the health and human services sectors. 
• Unit 2: Volunteer Experience—Students will explore the value of community volunteers and of volunteering. Community-Based Education* (volunteer and/or service learning) is a required component used to enhance the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom. 
• Unit 3: Health and Human Services Systems—Students will become familiar with and learn how to access the services available in Nova Scotia within the health care and social services domain.
• Unit 4: Career Connections—Students will interview professionals and research possible career pathways related to the helping field. Particular attention will be focused on expected skill sets and how to develop.
• Unit 5: Personal and Professional Skills—Health and Human Services students will explore human development, ethics, helping process, interpersonal and personal development, wellness, written and verbal communications, and related computer applications. Group work, case studies, community projects, and agency interaction are some of the learning strategies used to ensure practical application of the theory studied. 

* Community Based Education as outlined by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Updated September 7, 2021