When developing the HSA competency-based curriculum, the below attributes provided a framework and describe how the mental health industry partners and community expected from HSA students each day they stepped into their facility.
Authenticity. Use real-world context and scenarios that enhances the classroom instruction and experiential learning opportunities inside communities where students live. Students’ lived and life experiences and perspectives are examples of this quality.
Evidence-Based. Involving community stakeholders (i.e., community-based organizations, county mental health personnel, parents, and students) in identifying core competencies for training students and assessing the practicality and application at a collaborative worksite requiring community-driven thinking and problem-solving. Modifications to the curriculum are made based on stakeholder feedback.
Relevance. Engaging students in making meaningful connections between classroom instruction and addressing community conditions with solutions and strategies that are culturally, linguistically, and contextually relevant to the needs of populations being served. Helping students define a meaningful role in serving marginalized/excluded populations.
Explorative. Extending classroom instruction and student-driven solutions into the neighborhoods where the interventions can be implemented and evaluated to ensure they are aligned to the cultural and linguistic needs of historically underserved groups. Students get exposed to real-life experiential learning opportunities.
Adult Connections. Providing students with caring adults (i.e., industry mentors and coaches) to guide them and teach them diverse methods of applying and using skills such as communicating, listening, showing empathy and compassion, and building trust.
Effectiveness. Collecting data based on key components of the delivery of instruction, the application of strategies and practices curriculum, and the impact on students’ job readiness.
Introduction to Human Services Course Outline View Outline
Introduction to Human Services Standards View Standards
Social and Human Services Assistant Course Outline View Outline
Mental and Behavioral Health Standards View Standards