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Health and Human Services

Description

In this Focus Area, students get a broad overview of the skills and attitudes relevant to fields such as health care, child and family services, teaching and the legal services sector. Students can develop skills, competencies and knowledge in both traditional and nontraditional social service areas, including understanding human relations and individual differences, and developing communication and personal management skills. The Health and Human Services experience will include working directly with people, investigating health solutions and educating others in healthy living. Students will also learn about the methods of inquiry used in the health and human service field.

For information about specific occupations related to this Focus Area, including the nature of the work, main duties, working conditions and wages, employment prospects, and education and training requirements, go to: www.workfutures.bc.ca At this site, use the National Occupation Classification (NOC) feature to view occupations related to: Social Science, Education, Government Service or Health Occupations. For information about BC post-secondary options related to this Focus Area, go to: http://www.educationplanner.bc.ca/

Sample interests, skills and competencies related to this focus area

  • Interest in helping people
  • Interest in using applied science or technology
  • Interest in working with children
  • Understanding human interaction
  • Ability to motivate others
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Oral questioning skills
  • Presentation of logical arguments in written and oral form
  • Reading and interpreting written reports and charts
  • Presentation and teaching skills
  • Awareness of cross-cultural differences
  • Reading, writing and speaking a second language

Sample options after Grade 12 graduation

  • Employment: Group Home Worker
  • Employment: Nurse's Aide
  • Employment: Youth Group Leader
  • Certificate program: Community Support Worker
  • Certificate program: Special Education Assistant
  • Certificate program: Health Care Management
  • Diploma program: Child and Youth Care Counsellor
  • Diploma program: Criminal Justice
  • Diploma program: Paralegal Assistant
  • Diploma program: Practical Nursing
  • Degree program: Bachelor of Education
  • Degree program: Bachelor of Social Work
  • Degree program: Bachelor of Laws

Sample occupations

  • Nurse
  • Health Care Assistant
  • Day Care Worker
  • Home Support Worker
  • Paramedic
  • Doctor
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Counselor
  • Police Officer
  • Social Worker
  • Teacher

Elective courses that best fit this Focus Area

Ministry Authorized Courses

  • Family Studies 11
  • Family Studies 12
  • Human Services 11
  • Human Services 12
  • Law 12
  • Work Experience 12

Board/Authority Authorized Courses

  • Psychology
  • Community Service
  • Child Services
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Peer Counseling
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Leadership

Community Learning

  • Hospital volunteer programs
  • Youth development programs such as Girl Guides, Scouts, and Cadets
  • Red Cross First Aid
  • Participation in community service projects
  • Leadership training programs

Sample course packages for Business and Applied Business Focus Area

Student #1

Tom chose the Health and Human Service Focus Area because he wants to become a nurse. He plans to attend a university-college to take a four-year nursing degree program. His Focus Area courses are from two Focus Areas. They are: Human Services 11 and 12, Biology 12 and Chemistry 12.

Student #2

Sidney likes working with children and is enrolled in her school's Early Childhood Education career preparation program. She plans to take a one-year Early Childhood Education Certificate program after graduation. Her Focus Area courses include Family Studies 11, Human Services 11 and 12, Psychology 11 and Work Experience 12. She has already completed her work experience course at a local day-care facility.

Student #3

Darren plans to take the Primary Care Paramedic program at the Justice Institute. His Focus Area courses include Law 12, Community Services 12, Biology 12 (which he needs for admission to the Paramedic program) and external course credit for Occupational First Aid Levels 2 and 3, and for Lifesaving 11 and 12.

Student #4

Pam enjoys helping people and thinks she may want to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. Her Focus Area courses include Human Services 11 and 12, Psychology 12 and Peer Counselling 12. She is also taking courses in other subject areas to meet university entrance requirements.