MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Behavioral Health and Social Services

Course: BHS150

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S- Standard

Description: Survey of the behavioral health and social services professions, including scope of practice and training requirements. Exploration of employment opportunities in the field and self-assessment/academic planning for a career in mental health. Overview of mental health disorders and first responder skills in a mental health crisis situation.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe role, function, and responsibilities of various mental health professions and community agencies in which they provide service. (I) 2. Evaluate personal strengths, weaknesses, interests and values and compare to the professional profile needed for a rewarding career in the behavioral health and social sciences field. (II) 3. Describe and practice cognitive and behavioral strategies that support academic and career success. (III) 4. Explain the importance of personal support systems and good self-care habits for stress management and resiliency as a successful student and valued employee. (IV) 5. Define mental health and identify common mental health issues. (V) 6. Describe and demonstrate first aid skills in a mental health emergency or in support of an individual with a common mental health disorder. (VI) 7. Start to develop repertoire of job-seeking skills and plans for contents of professional portfolio. (VII) 8. Set professional and academic goals and develop a concrete educational plan leading towards certificate(s) and/or degree(s) in the behavioral health and social sciences field. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Overview of behavioral health and social services professions A. Employment settings and professional roles and functions 1. State, county, municipal, and public settings 2. Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) agencies 3. Criminal justice settings 4. Primary care settings 5. Private agencies B. Career opportunities` and professional roles and functions 1. Case manager 2. Intake worker 3. Behavioral health technician 4. Direct support provider 5. Social work and psychiatric aides 6. Family advocate 7. Behavior coach 8. Peer support specialist 9. Educational advisor 10. Youth care worker 11. Behavior intervention specialist 12. Other C. Spectrum of employers 1. State, county, municipal, and public facilities/agencies 2. Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) agencies 3. Criminal justice system 4. Primary care settings 5. Private agencies 6. Employment trends II. Self-assessment A. Traits 1. Strengths/aptitudes/interests 2. Values 3. Beliefs 4. Attitudes 5. Expectations 6. Biases B. Personal alignment with workplace demands 1. Work environment - supervision, social interaction, individual/group work, active/sedentary, pressure/pace 2. Typical tasks - written, oral, data entry, filing, digital records 3. Soft skills needed in behavioral health and social services III. Personal issues affecting the helping professional A. Values B. Beliefs C. Attitudes D. Expectations E. Biases F. Cognitive and behavioral approaches 1. Reactive vs. intentional living 2. External vs. internal locus of control 3. Real vs. perceived threat 4. Demand vs. choice 5. Need vs. want 6. Intention, purpose and meaning 7. Time management 8. Motivation, initiative and purpose 9. Persistence IV. Self-care A. Nutrition B. Exercise C. Sleep D. Healthcare E. Mindfulness F. Interpersonal relationships and support 1. Community 2. Culture of care 3. Building a support network 4. Asking for help G. Revitalization V. Overview of mental health disorders A. Definition B. Related societal issues C. Common mental health disorders D. Personal, interpersonal, and social impact E. Spectrum of interventions VI. Mental health first aid A. Support during mental health crises 1. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors 2. Non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors 3. Panic attacks 4. Child and adult traumatic exposure 5. Acute psychosis 6. Medical emergency for alcohol abuse 7. Aggressive behaviors B. Responding to mental health symptoms 1. Depression 2. Anxiety disorders 3. Psychosis 4. Substance use disorders 5. Eating disorders VII. Initial development of professional portfolio A. Fingerprint clearance card B. Resume preparation C. Internship and job seeking skills D. Professional networking skills VIII. Educational and career planning A. Establishing professional goals B. Educational requirements C. Academic programs 1. Certificate(s) 2. Associate degree 3. Bachelors degree 4. Graduate degree(s) D. Educational plan

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 26, 2018

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.