Social & Human Service Assistant
Social & Human Service Assistant (SHSA) (Hybrid)
The Social & Human Service Assistant (SHSA) program prepares students for entry-level roles supporting social workers, case managers, counselors, and community agencies. Students develop foundational skills in client support, documentation, ethics, advocacy, crisis response, and community outreach across diverse populations.
This program provides foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to assist other human service professionals in delivering essential services to individuals, families and communities.
Program Goals — Students Receive Training In:
- Foundations of community and human services
- Roles and responsibilities of Community Health Workers
- Ethics, HIPAA, and professional boundaries
- Cultural competency and effective communication
- Public health fundamentals and social determinants of health
- Client intake, documentation, and case support
- Advocacy, outreach, and community education
- Motivational interviewing and interpersonal skills
- Workplace readiness, professionalism, and self-care
- Supervised practicum or experiential learning (as applicable)
Through a combination of classroom instructions and hands-on training, students develop the skills necessary to support clients with intake, referrals, service planning, and follow-up while maintaining compliance with agency policies and ethical standards. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings such as social service agencies, community health centers, shelters, schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Online classes start immediately after acceptance. Upon successful completion of the required online instructional component of the program requirements students will be notified of their eligibility to sit for the applicable national certification examination through MedCA recognized credentialing body where applicable to the program.
Eligibility to test does not guarantee certification and is subject to the policies and requirements of the credentialing organization. Externship placement is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. Completion of an externship does not guarantee employment. Externship participation where applicable is optional and is not a condition of program completion or graduation. Students who request externship consideration will be notified following completion of the certification exam and in accordance with instructional of externship policies. Certain externship sites may require additional documentation, background checks, health screenings or compliance with site specific policies. Failure to meet externship site requirements may result in denial of placement without refund or program extension.
Our record of job placement assistance is currently 90%. Recruiters pay for access to recruit Dorson VTI graduates.
Admission Requirements & Eligibility
Review the requirements below to see if you qualify for our Social & Human Service Assistant program.
To Enroll, You'll Need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card or proof of legal work status
- Commitment to serving vulnerable populations
- Strong communication skills in English
Upon Completion You Will Receive:
- Certificate of Completion – Social & Human Service Assistant
- Practical field experience hours
- Resume writing and interview coaching
- Job placement assistance with local employers
- Career advancement pathway guidance
- Dorson VTI certificate of completion
Program Cost:
- Full Course: $6,000
- Registration Fee: $75 (non-refundable)
- Total: $6,075
- All certification fees billed separately
- WIOA funding may be available for eligible students
- Payment plans available — contact admissions
Program Schedule:
- 305 hours total · 4 months (Hybrid: Online + In-Person)
- Estimated duration: ~16 weeks (4 hrs/day, Mon–Fri)
- Online classes start immediately after acceptance
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Classes held in East Orange, NJ
Course Outcomes
Graduates will be prepared for employment as Social & Human Service Assistants in non-profit organizations, government agencies, mental health facilities, shelters, hospitals, and community service programs.
Case Management Support
- Client intake and needs assessment
- Service plan development support
- Benefits navigation and enrollment assistance
- Case documentation and record keeping
- Referral coordination to community services
Crisis Intervention
- Crisis identification and de-escalation
- Mental health first aid basics
- Suicide prevention awareness
- Domestic violence and trauma-informed care
- Emergency resource referral procedures
Population-Specific Skills
- Services for children, youth, and families
- Elder care and aging services
- Substance use disorder support
- Housing instability and homelessness services
- Cultural competency in human services
Ethics & Professional Standards
- Confidentiality and mandatory reporting laws
- HIPAA and data privacy in social services
- Professional boundaries and ethics
- Advocacy for client rights
- Career readiness and job search preparation
Average Annual Salary in NJ
Job Market Growth (2022–2032)
Local Job Openings in NJ
Field Practicum
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our Social & Human Service Assistant program? Find answers below.
• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) — federally funded assistance that may cover tuition for eligible students.
• Bank Financing — low-interest education financing through our banking partners.
• Corporate / Employer Sponsored — if your employer offers tuition assistance, we can work directly with them.
• Other Funding Sources — we work with various community and government funding organizations.
• Flexible Payment Plans — ask our admissions team about installment options.
Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more, or call us at 973-676-6300.
