The Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) Allied Human Services Program addresses the need for practitioners who are able to combine academic theory with practical application in the area of social services. Students in the program prepare for employment in fields such as social work, mental health, counseling, gerontology, social and behavioral sciences and law enforcement. Options for addiction counseling and mental health services concentrations are also available.

Students will learn to:

• Conduct assessments of client needs and resources.
• Plan, facilitate and implement interventions; evaluate the outcome of service for those served.
• Engage in practices and techniques that encompass group facilitation, psychosocial assessment, behavioral change and motivating practices, as well as working with diverse populations.
• Utilize a variety of counseling skills and abilities to function effectively as chemical dependency counselors in a variety of settings.
• Adhere to professional ethical standards.
• Seek, find, evaluate and use information, and employ information technology to engage in lifelong learning.
• Develop and promote healthy practices, self-awareness, and self-care.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, colleagues and supervisors.
• Work together with individuals and groups to: assess needs, promote strengths, manage problems, set goals, develop or access resources, implement and assess action plans.
• Examine the relationship between self, community and environments; evaluate possible consequences and impacts of actions; make choices and contributions based on informed evaluation.
• Explain the characteristics and treatment demands of chemically dependent/substance abusing clients.
• Apply/utilize computer skills to maintain appropriate client and agency reports, records and documents.
• Employ and interpret clear, concise and open communication in a professional manner.
• Gather, assemble and interpret data through various methods necessary to determine clients’ strengths and
• barriers that interfere with their ability to overcome adversity or to achieve life goals.
• Apply critical thinking strategies to make sound and reasoned decisions regarding common ethical dilemmas encountered in common practice settings.
• Apply appropriate diagnostic criteria for substance related disorders and for other mental health disorders.

Graduates go on to work as substance abuse counselors, mental health workers, psychiatric aides, and in social service agencies and other community-based organizations.

• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors receive a starting salary of $30,150. The median income for the profession is $40,525. Employment prospects are expected to be strong over the next decade, with growth exceeding the average for all occupations.

The following options are available to students:

• Associate of Applied Science in Allied Human Services
• Associate of Applied Science in Allied Human Services, Addiction Counseling Option
• Associate of Applied Science in Allied Human Services, Mental Health Services Option
• Certificate in Allied Human Services
• Certificate in Addiction Counseling

The degree programs offer students a general foundation in allied human services and specialized instruction for those pursuing careers in addiction counseling or mental health services. The addiction counseling certificate is designed specifically to prepare students and practicing professionals for entry-level positions as substance abuse counselors. Those planning to work in the Baltimore City area receive priority admission. The allied human services certificate trains students to assist professionals in community outreach and social services positions.