2021-2022 UMA Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mental Health & Human Services
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Admissions: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3465 or (207) 621-3465
Advising Center: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3149 or (207) 621-3149
Coordinator: Dr. Wendy St. Pierre (207) 621-3121 wendy.stpierre@maine.edu
Dr. Dave Samuelian (207) 262-7980 davidjs@maine.edu (Bangor)
Website: www.uma.edu/academics/programs/mhhs/
The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) Mental Health and Human Services (MHHS) Program provides many different certificates and degrees to meet a wide variety of students’ needs and interests. We offer multiple certificate programs that can be completed in as little as two full time semesters (30 credits), an associate degree (61 credits) and a bachelor’s degree (121 credits).
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mental Health and Human Services (MHHS)
Delivery Area: In Person and Online - Entire program can be completed in person, online or a combination of the two.
Intro/Overview
The program is designed in response to a statewide need for enhanced community-based services and provides students interested in working within the human services, mental health and substance use rehabilitation professions with skills, knowledge and best practices of the field. The curriculum includes general education courses in combination with mental health, substance use identification and treatment, and human services courses. Students can choose to a concentration in adult mental health rehabilitation, addiction studies or child and family services. The degree program culminates with a field placement experience. Students may be required to participate in a background check when applying for a field placement or employment; the results of the investigation could affect field placements and employment opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Mental Health and Human Services Program should be able to:
- Apply the current evidence-based practices to work in the behavioral health and human services fields
- Apply, implement and provide community support, case management, crisis services, and psychosocial rehabilitation
- Apply the appropriate use of information for assessment, planning and documenting to meet the needs of service delivery
- Apply appropriate interviewing and counseling techniques, supportive interventions, and evaluate related outcomes
- Collaborate effectively within teams in a variety of settings
- Perform in accordance with ethical practice guidelines
Admissions Requirements (see UMA general requirements)
Career Opportunities
Prepare for expanding opportunities in community-based human services with a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services. Immerse yourself in a carefully structured course of study focused on community support, client assessment, case management, crisis intervention, symptom control education, client’s rights, and psychosocial rehabilitation. A culminating field placement gives you a chance to put your skills and knowledge to work in the context of a human service, mental health, or substance use rehabilitation agency.
Graduates pursue successful professional careers involving crisis stabilization, case management, counseling, psychosocial rehabilitation, income maintenance, job coaching, and other services in a variety of agencies and institutions. The Bachelor’s degree fulfills the state requirement for Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification and also prepares students for State certification as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC).
Transferable Skills & Competencies Social Service Skills
- Handling crises
- Managing case loads
- Representing others, advocacy
- Providing psychosocial rehabilitation
- Developing (ISP’s) individual service plans
Communication Skills
- Conducting intake interviews
- Counseling
- Teaching parenting skills
- Report writing
- Interviewing
Vocational Skills
- Job coaching
- Providing supported employment assistance
- Providing educational support
- Teaching life and career skills
- Administering job assistance programs
Organizational Skills
- Administering programs
- Coordinating support services
- Maintaining records
- Preparing reports
- Identifying and solving problems
Careers
UMA Mental Health and Human Services graduates have applied their skills in several areas. The range of occupational areas is demonstrated in the list below. Some occupations listed may require additional expertise.
Health & Human Services
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C)
- Social Worker
- Case Manager/Community Integration Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Crisis Counselor
- Substance Use Treatment Provider
- Disabilities Determination Administration
- Family Support Services
- Therapist*
- Art/Music Therapist*
- Recreational Therapist*
- Nursing Home Administration
Non-Profit Service Agencies
- Employment Specialist (Job Coach/Job Developer)
- Client Advocate
- American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) Consultant
- Shelter Manager
- Social Club Director
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Representative Payee
- Program Director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Other qualified Mental Health Workers
Government
- Early Childhood Services Caseworker
- Department of Health and Human (DHHS) Services Caseworker
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Community Educator
- Foster Home Supervision
Education
- Special Education Technician
- Special Education Teacher*
- Group Facilitator
- School-Based Case Management
- Mental Health Case Management
- Activities Director
*Baccalaureate or graduate level study is generally required for these occupations.
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