Children’s Behavioral Health Certificate

This certificate program is designed to prepare students for positions in the field of children’s behavioral health or to enhance the skills of professionals already working in field. This program provides a strong foundation in children’s behavioral health, trauma-informed care, behavior analysis and intervention skills, and/or core competencies for community behavioral health workers. Students will gain practical skills in cultural competency, communication, documentation, and the application of evidence-based practices. This certificate program is ideal for individuals seeking roles such as Behavior Technician, Juvenile Case Manager, Youth Support Worker, or Family Partner. It also serves as a valuable upskilling opportunity for current professionals looking to advance their careers in the field of children’s behavioral health.

Now enrolling for Spring 2026

Requirements:

Core Requirements:

HUS 103 - Introduction to Human Services (Credits: 3)
HUS 107 - Fundamentals of Children’s Behavioral Health (Credits: 3)
HUS 109 - Trauma and Resiliency in Children’s Behavioral Health
HUS 231 - Behavioral Health Internship (Credits: 4)

Concentration Electives:

Choose one of the following: (Credits: 3)
HUS 108 - Introduction to Behavior Analysis & Intervention Skills *
HUS 110 - Core Competencies for Community Behavioral Health Workers *

TOTAL CREDITS: 16

*Students may pursue credit for prior learning for one course if they have active certification as a Community Health Worker (for HUS110) or Registered Behavior Technician (for HUS108)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this certificate will be able to:

Differentiate professional roles, ethical standards, and delivery approaches in human services and children’s behavioral health, demonstrating an understanding of historical and contemporary responses to social needs.
Analyze how social systems, institutions, and funding mechanisms influence the provision of behavioral health services for children and families within community-based and school-based settings.
Apply culturally competent and trauma-informed strategies that respect diversity, promote inclusion, and prevent re-traumatization in children and families.
Demonstrate basic human service delivery skills-including intake, assessment, treatment planning, communication, and documentation-using evidence-based, ethical, and family-centered approaches.
Identify and explain common childhood behavioral health conditions, their neurological and psychosocial dimensions, and their impact on individual and family functioning.
Promote equitable access to behavioral health services through community-based advocacy, health promotion, and systems of care frameworks that strengthen resilience in children and families.

Credit for Prior Learning

The purpose of credit for prior learning in the college’s educational programs is to encourage students currently working in the field to pursue further education beyond the foundational training received in preparation for Community Health Worker or Registered Behavior Technician Certification. Students will be able to pursue credit for prior learning toward the college program(s) that house the 4-credit course associated with the CHW training program (HUS110) or Registered Behavior Technician (HUS108) if they submit a portfolio with evidence of active certification, experience working and applying the core competencies, and a 5-8 page academic essay describing the application of the core competencies toward working with children and families experiencing behavioral health challenges. This paper may include a case study, anecdotal evidence, or secondary research, and will be evaluated by a human services faculty member. Credit for Prior Learning will not be awarded for the course for students who do not hold active Community Health Worker Certification.