Human Services Program
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The *Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grant will provide:
- Up to $3,000 towards tuition and fees
- Books and academic supplies
- A computer and accessories to borrow throughout your program
- Weekly mentoring sessions and support for career goal attainment
- A stipend of up to $5,000 while participating in your certificate program to assist
with the cost of living expenses, childcare and transportation
This grant will support up to 26 students enrolled in BCC's Social Work - Introductory,
Mental Health, Addiction Counselor Education (ACE) and Human Services Certificate
programs per year.
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Programs
- Programs can be completed in one to two years depending upon your lifestyle and offer
courses in multiple learning platforms; face-to-face, hybrid, and online.
- A student who earns the Human Services, Mental Health Worker, and ACE Certificate
will also have completed approximately half the credits required for the Social Work Transfer (A.S.) program.
- Programs allow students to practice group work in a collaborative classroom environment
and have real-world experience in the fieldwork practicum and seminar courses.
More Information
The $1,080,231 grant is called the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training
(BHWET) for Paraprofessionals. Graduates of these programs will be trained in entry-level
positions, such as individual and group counseling, assessment, case planning, client
services support, documentation, community service outreach, and referrals for individuals
and families.
The U.S. Department of Labor states there has never been a better time to work in
human services. About 63,800 openings for social workers are projected each year,
on average, over the decade.
Gina Stec, BCC Director of Grants Development and Management, reveals that BCC is
thrilled to have received this grant, "allowing us to provide Berkshire County with
a steady stream of human services professionals. This diverse group of students will
be ready to enter the workforce to assist high-risk and medically underserved communities,
which are in critical need of qualified employees."
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is
projected to grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all
occupations.
"In fact, about 42,000 openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental
health counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.”
Increasing the number of people working in human services professions in Berkshire
County is vital for addressing a wide range of social and individual needs, promoting
social justice, preventing problems, and improving the overall well-being of individuals
and communities. This field is essential for a healthy, compassionate, and just society.
*This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those
of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement,
by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics acknowledges that overall employment of social
workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average
for all occupations.
BCC is actively recruiting students to participate in this field of study. Those interested
in pursuing the HRSA Grant may contact Cindy Spelman, HRSA Grant Coordinator, at cspelman@berkshirecc.edu.
Our certificate programs will provide accessible and flexible education, career exploration,
a comprehensive overview of helping careers, and skill development for a diverse range
of individuals interested in making a positive impact in the Social Services field.
*This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those
of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement,
by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
