Skip to main content

Human Services

Program Description

Philosophy Statement for a Social and Human Services Program:

Rooted in a philosophy of compassion, empowerment, and advocacy, our program prepares students to serve as catalysts for positive change within diverse communities. We train students to understand and address the complex interplay between individual needs and the broader social, economic, and cultural environments. Our program emphasizes cultural competence, inclusion, and social justice, equipping students to work effectively in diverse settings while addressing systemic inequalities.

We instill the principles of trauma-informed care, ensuring that students create safe and supportive environments for those impacted by adversity.

Ethical practice and professional integrity form the foundation of our program. We uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, accountability, and boundary management, preparing students to navigate the ethical complexities of the social and human services field. We believe in lifelong learning and professional growth, encouraging students to adapt to societal needs, technological advancements, and emerging best practices.

Our program fosters skilled, compassionate, and resilient social and human services professionals committed to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building healthier communities. By combining knowledge, ethics, and empathy, our graduates are equipped to make a lasting impact in social and human services.

Mission: The mission of the Vance-Granville Community College Social and Human Services program is to prepare compassionate, skilled, and ethical professionals dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Through a focus on empowerment, advocacy, and holistic care, we equip students with the knowledge, cultural competence, and practical skills needed to address diverse human needs and challenges. Our program aims to develop graduates committed to promoting social justice, creating inclusive environments, and making a positive impact in the social and human services field.

Graduates qualify for positions in nonprofit organizations, government agencies (e.g., social services departments), mental health facilities, senior care or assisted living communities, group homes or residential treatment centers, community action agencies, schools or after-school programs, and homeless shelters or housing organizations.

*Current VGCC Human Services Student Achievement Indicators

Contact
ANGELA
THOMAS
Dean, Health Sciences
MAIN CAMPUS - Henderson
Room:
5207
(252) 738-3397

Program Details

Discover the specifics of our programs, including required courses, course sequence, pathways, and learning outcomes.

  1. Students will learn to apply skills to assess client needs, develop service plans, and implement interventions that promote client well-being and self-sufficiency.
  2. Students will understand the theoretical frameworks, models, and principles that guide social and human services practice.
  3. Students will have the understanding to apply trauma-informed practices and create safe and supportive environments for clients with a history of trauma.
  4. Students will be able to resolve ethical dilemmas in real-world scenarios using decision-making frameworks and professional codes of conduct.

Below are some standard transfer programs students might enroll in for a bachelor’s degree upon completing an AAS degree in Social and Human Services:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Public Health
  • Nonprofit Management/Organizational Leadership
  • Human Services
  • Criminal Justice of Criminology
  • Aging Services Management
  • Addictions and Recovery Services
  • Healthcare Administration

Human Services Program Information, Statistics, & Demographics (PDF)

National Organization for Human Services (NOHS): Human Services Technology Students are encouraged to become involved in professional associations such as the National Organization for Human Services. This organization consists of members from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds with the mission of fostering excellence in human service delivery through education, scholarship, and practice. Student memberships are available. Additional information is available at the NOHS website.

NOHS Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals

The Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) created the Human Services – Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™) with the assistance of the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) in consultation with the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). The credentialing process was designed for human services practitioners seeking to advance their careers by acquiring independent verification of their practical knowledge and educational background.

Other Resources

National Organization for Human Services
Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)

Vance Granville Community College
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.