Community Support Human Services Practitioner Certificate
Start Your Human Services Career with a Community Support Practitioner Certificate from NECC
Why pursue a certificate in Community Support Practitioner?
Would you like to use your superpower to help vulnerable individuals in the community? If so, NECC’s Community Support Practitioner Certificate will prepare you for a rewarding career in the human services field, empowering you to positively impact the lives of others struggling with emotional, mental, developmental, and substance abuse issues.
NECC Certificates: Career Starters for Community Support Specialists
Community support specialists are the go-to professionals when it comes to locating and arranging support services for clients in need. Depending on their role, community support specialists work with individuals struggling with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities, as well as mental illness and substance abuse. Some also work behind the scenes in administrative roles, supporting and directing agencies and organizations.
At NECC, our one-year Community Support Practitioner Certificate program is based on the National Community Support Skill Standards and is approved by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education. Students benefit from a mix of classroom learning and supervised clinical experiences, giving them an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in community settings, including homeless shelters, independent living programs, vocational programs, and residential care programs.
Upon program completion, you can pursue credentialing as a Board Certified Human Services Practitioner through the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS), empowering you to seek immediate employment as a community support specialist.
What you’ll get from our Community Support Practitioner program
Learn How to Lift Up Others in a Supportive Environment
Immerse yourself in the human services world, as you learn about societal issues that negatively impact the lives of others, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, poverty, homelessness, and child abuse and neglect. Explore various human service topics, including philosophy and code of ethics, supportive counseling, community networking and referrals, groups dynamics, and principles of behavior management.
Learn theory and develop essential job skills, such as effective communication, evidence-based best practices, observation, interviewing, and more, preparing you to pursue credentialing through the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS) as a Board Certified Human Services Practitioner.
You can also apply all 32 program credits towards an Associate Degree in Human Services from NECC, proving that following your career dreams can lead to something truly amazing!
Gear Up for a Great Career in the Human Services Field
Human services professionals collaborate with doctors, social workers, counselors, community leaders, and others to improve the lives of others. At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great community support worker, grant writer, child welfare worker, or other human services professional, we’ve got you covered.
Learn about a variety of societal issues, including homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect- Benefit from supervised clinical experiences in shelters, residential care programs, vocational programs, and other settings
- Gain insight into group dynamics and behavior management principles
- Practice and build your observation, communication, interviewing, and documentation skills
- Work in a variety of settings, including homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, adolescent programs, community residences, vocational programs, and home support programs
Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with direct support professionals in the community.
Your Schedule, Your Rules
Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around. Once you’ve completed our Community Support Human Services Practitioner Certificate program, you’ll be ready to apply for an entry-level job or transfer all 32 credits toward an Associate Degree in Human Services from NECC.
Where this journey can take you
Many human services professionals work at agencies and organizations managed by state and local governments, while others are employed by organizations funded by non-profit and not-for-profit groups. With a Community Support Practitioner Certificate from NECC, you can begin working in the human services field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining an associate degree.
Imagine yourself serving in one of these human services roles:
- Developing life-enriching care plans as a Social Services Case Worker
- Helping programs and organizations obtain funding as a Grant Writer
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of children as a Child Welfare Worker
- Promoting good health in the community as a Health Educator
- Connecting vulnerable individuals with essential resources as a Community Support Worker
- Promoting positive social change as a Community Organizer
Why choose NECC for your Community Support Practitioner certificate?
We Get It
At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Community Support Practitioner Certificate courses are designed with you in mind.
NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.
With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.
Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe human services.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
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What Can I Do With This Major?
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Career Outlook for Community Support Specialists North of Boston
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment in community and social service occupations is projected to increase by nearly 8% over the next eight or nine years, faster than the average for all occupations.
At NECC, our Community Support Practitioner Certificate program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as social services case workers, community organizers, health educators, community support workers, and more. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!
How Much Can I Expect to Make as a Community Support Specialist?
The earning potential for those employed in human services occupations varies based on several factors, including education, licenses, certifications, experience, setting, and skills. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Community Support Worker in Massachusetts was $71,618 as of November 2024.
With a Community Support Practitioner Certificate from NECC, you’ll be qualified to start or advance your career in these roles:
Social Services Case Worker
Commonly referred to as a Social and Human Services Assistant, assesses the needs of clients and creates care plans based on what they’ve discovered. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $54,951 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $43,511 and $66,666.¹
Grant Writer
Explores funding options for community programs and organizations, and then composes grant applications to obtain funds. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $83,139 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $74,651 and $93,516.¹
Child Welfare Worker
Intervenes in situations where children may be at risk of abuse or neglect, working with families to provide support and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $35,255 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $31,912 and $39,101.¹
Health Educator
While working in a variety of settings, promotes good health and disease prevention within a community. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $67,719 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $60,057 and $75,947.¹
Community Support Worker
Administers and implements social assistance programs and community services, including life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behavior management programs, youth services programs, and more. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $71,618 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $62,618 and $81,023.¹
Community Organizer
Helps build relationships and mobilize communities to bring about positive social change. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $68,053 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $58,359 and $80,481.¹
How to Get Started Earning a Community Support Human Services Practitioner Certificate in the Merrimack Valley Region
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Human Services: Community Support Practitioner Certificate program Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!
FAQs
Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.
success story
Barbara Conrad
Barbara Conrad has gone from educating and engaging preschoolers in Germany to educating and engaging senior citizens in New Hampshire – all with the help of a Northern Essex Community College education. Read Barbara’s story.
Helpful Links
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- Transfer Information
- Academic Catalog
- Human Services Information Video
- Human Services Program Manual (PDF)
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