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Department of Mental Retardation
Direct Support Certificate in Human Services
Human Services Home | Course Information
The Direct Support Certificate is a program initiated by the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) in partnership with the Massachusetts Community Colleges Executive Office. It is an educational program especially designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of direct support workers in DMR settings.

This certificate consists of 22 college level credits. Major topics include the organization and history of the social welfare system, the dynamics and skills of effective group work, effective oral and written communication, interpersonal relations and supportive counseling skills, and work site certification. National Skills Standards for Human Service Workers will be integrated into the curriculum. The certificate is designed to strengthen writing, problem solving, and critical thinking skills by utilizing reading assignments and discussions of daily experiences, challenges and concerns of direct support workers.

Direct support workers who are employed at an agency under contract with DMR, with a GED or high school diploma, and who have the support of their employer, are eligible to apply. Participants are required to take the community college placement assessment and demonstrate college-level skills in reading and writing. Applicants are accepted into the program in May, June, September, and January.

The certificate program is a special opportunity for direct support workers to attend college courses as a group and to learn and practice competencies and skills that are important to their daily work. In addition, the credits earned for the certificate can be applied towards an Associate degree program and later transferred to a Bachelor degree.

The following courses are required for completion of the Certificate Program:

Courses
Credits
Introduction to Social Welfare
3
Introduction to Group Dynamics
3
Interviewing Techniques
3
English Composition I
3
General Psychology
3
Special Topics in Human Services
3
Field Experience & Seminar in Human Services
4
*If one tests out of English Composition I, then any Speech, Literature, Journalism, or Foreign Language
course may be substituted.
This program awards an In-House Certificate upon completion of 7 courses and 22 credits.
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