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Start Your Human Services Career with a Community Support Practitioner Certificate from NECC

A student in the Human Services program at our NECC Campus

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. 

  • Knight emoji with thumbs upLearn 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

illustration: support for every studentMany 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.

Career Services

Career Services

Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.
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Navigate

Navigate helps you make appointments, view your schedule, and access resources to stay on track.
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What Can I Do With This Major?

Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.

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.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

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!

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

Transfer For A Bachelor's Degree
Courses & Requirements

NOTE: A minimum of 32 credits is required for graduation.

 
Faculty

Kathleen Bartolini, MA, NCC

kbartolini@necc.mass.edu

978-556-3293

Jack Davidson

jdavidson@necc.mass.edu

978-556-3540

Lisa Fabbri-Lopez, MA

lfabbri@necc.mass.edu

Joseph Hannon, LICSW, LADC I

jhannon1@necc.mass.edu

FAQs

How much does an associate degree cost?

Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!

For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made. 

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.

Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I apply for financial aid?

At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?

Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!

Transfer to NECC

How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?

At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.

Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.

Does the school assist with job placement?

At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.

Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.

How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?

NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.

What learning options are available if I work full-time?

At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.

Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.

What is the average class size?

At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.

Does NECC have a study abroad program?

Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.

Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.

International Studies at NECC

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.

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