25‐Credit Certificate Program
Hegis Code: 5506
NYSED Code: 21738
Program Description
The Direct Care Practice Certificate Program trains practitioners to provide direct service and support to individuals, families and groups in the community. Students learn multiple roles of direct support workers in public and private sectors.
Through academic courses and a practicum provided at a community organization, the program offers tangible ways to gain confidence and competence in specific skill areas identified by potential employers and codified by national performance standards. Skills obtained in the Direct Care Practice program can be applied to many populations. Graduates of the program will have skills that are in use in virtually any human services setting. The program incorporates skill standards established on a nationwide basis through the Community Support Skills Standards Project, thereby ensuring consistency in direct support service.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the Direct Care Practice Certificate program a student will be able to
- Understand and apply the theory and practice of skills in direct care practice;
- Provide direct support services to children, individuals, families, and groups in home or community settings;
- Meet the nationally set skill standards set by the Community Support Skills Standards Project;
- Think critically and communicate effectively in practice situations within the field of direct support practice;
- Apply the strong foundation of knowledge to continued academic and professional education.
Employment Potential
Development of this program was prompted by requests from community agencies to meet their emerging employment needs for trained direct support professionals. The demand for people to fill these positions continues to grow.
The direct support professional may work in child care centers, group homes for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, day treatment programs for persons with mental illness, residential treatment facilities, eldercare and respite programs, foster care agencies, jails and alternative correction programs, short‐ and long‐term rehabilitation centers, crisis centers, day habilitation programs, assisted living/skilled nursing facilities, sheltered workshops, and other human service settings.
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates of the program will be qualified for positions of increased scope and responsibility at these facilities.
NOTE: Subject to current New York Correction Law and other applicable law, convictions for criminal offenses may preclude employment in many of the fields of human service and may prevent field placement and internship opportunities necessary to successfully complete this academic program.
Requirements for Program Entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Satisfactory placement in Entering Student Assessment
- Admission to the Human Services A.A.S. program
Developmental Assistance Available
For students who do not meet basic reading and math requirements or who have other learning issues, extra assistance is readily available through SUNY Ulster’s Center for Academic Planning and Support (CAPS), the Patrik Math Center, the Literacy Lab, and peer and professional tutors.
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