The mission of the Human Services program is to provide quality education for knowledge acquisition and skill development in the areas of assessment, intervention, treatment, advocacy, and support, on behalf of individuals seeking human services.

Degrees and Certificates

View Classes in the Class Schedule

Fieldwork Deadlines for Spring 2026

Mandatory OrientationApplication DeadlineClinical Onboarding Due Date
Thursday, September 11,
1 - 2:30 p.m. 
OR  
Friday, September 12,
6 - 7:30 p.m.		Friday, October 3, 2025Friday, December 5, 2025

NOTE: You must attend one Zoom orientation session to do fieldwork in Spring 2026. After attending the Orientation, you will be emailed an application. Clinical Onboarding Due Date is the last day to upload your TB test, COVID documentation, Program Clearance form, and Personal Liability Insurance. Please RSVP for our information session via this link. 

Human Services Program Requirements and Road Maps

Tuesday, October 28 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in HS 145.

Join us to learn about all our program has to offer!

  • Certificate Options - Alcohol and Drug Studies, Human Service Generalist, and Mental Health Worker (MHW).
  • Information about the fieldwork.
  • Different volunteer and employment opportunities, pursuing higher education, and more!


All are welcome!


View the Video 12th Annual HS Information Session (2023)

Students assigned to clinical rotations must meet the health requirements mandated by the clinical facilities. The following health requirements must be completed and maintained throughout the clinical rotation:

  • Valid Tuberculosis (TB) test
  • COVID-19 Vaccination


Students who do not meet the health requirements established by the clinical facilities may not be permitted to attend clinical rotations. Failure to complete the required clinical hours may result in an inability to successfully complete the course. It is the student's responsibility to ensure all health requirements are met by the deadlines provided.

For any questions or concerns regarding these requirements, students should contact the Program Office as soon as possible.

Saddleback College's Human Services program is a lower division course of study for students who want an Associate’s Degree, Certificate of Achievement, and/or plan to transfer to a 4-year college or university. The Human Services program serves as an introduction to careers in social work, criminal justice, community-based corrections, counseling, public health and other helping professions. Associated roles include, but are not limited to: mentoring, advocacy, counseling, case management, and house manager. 

Certificates

  • Alcohol and Drug Studies (40 units)
  • Human Service Generalist (37 units)
  • Mental Health Worker (29 units)

Core Course for all Certificates

  • HS 100 Introduction to Human Services
  • HS 105 Ethical Issues and Clients’ Rights
  • HS 131 Multicultural and Diverse Populations in the United States
  • HS 140 Group Leadership and Group Process
  • HS 170 Alcohol and Other Drugs in Society

NOTE: All five of the core course a required before enrolling in HS 110

Occupational Skills Awards (OSA)

  • Community-Based Corrections (12 units)
  • Eating Disorders Studies (9 units)

Fieldwork and Recovery

Most fieldwork sites require a specific minimum period of recovery – usually one year.

Fieldwork and Probation

Most fieldwork sites require fieldworkers to be without any history of probation/parole OR be off parole or probation for a specified amount of time.

Accreditation

The Human Services Drug and Alcohol Studies Program is accredited by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE)

The Human Services Field Instruction provides students with an opportunity to integrate the theoretical and conceptual content of Human Services courses with practical experiences in the field.  The fieldwork experience provides exposure to Human Services clients, professionals, and the Human Services delivery systems. The Seminar provides an opportunity to process the Fieldwork experience with your Field Instructor and your peers. Students will receive support and instruction to strengthen their individual and professional goals and performance in the field.

Required Coursework

The completion of the Human Services core courses are the prerequisites for application to the HS 110 Fieldwork and Seminar I course. Core courses: HS 100, HS 105, HS 131, HS 140 and HS 170

Fieldwork and Seminar required hours:

  • Weekly Seminar Hours: 1 hour & 20 minutes
  • Requirement of Field Experience hours for Alcohol and Drug Studies: 125 (HS 110) and 130 (HS 150)
  • Requirement of Field Experience hours for Generalist: 100 (HS 110) and 100 (HS 150)


CAADE/ACCBC certification requires a minimum completion of 255 academic-related field experience hours.

The Human Services' Alcohol and Drug Studies Program is accredited by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE). Per the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), all students doing fieldwork in the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate program must be registered with a State-approved certifying organization to participate in the Fieldwork program. Visit the DHCS website for information regarding registration requirements for Alcohol and Drug Studies fieldworkers. Per DHCS Regulations, upon registration as an addiction treatment counselor the 5-year time limit begins within which time you must become certified.

Obtaining a Fieldwork Site

Enrolled students will be provided with a list of approved fieldwork sites. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule interviews at sites of interest and have a professional resume for submission during the interview process. Resources for resume preparation are available through the Saddleback College Student Employment Resources. Students are encouraged to begin the site selection process as soon as possible prior to the start of the semester. Sites requiring background checks can take up to 4 or more weeks for final approval. 

Beginning Fieldwork Hours

Students may begin fieldwork hours ONLY after the start of the semester with the completion and submission of requisite forms and the receipt of the Student Site Confirmation Letter from the college field instructor. Fieldwork hours may NOT commence prior to the start of the semester and without the approval of the fieldwork instructor.

Completing Fieldwork if on Probation/Parole

Many sites do not provide fieldwork for students who are currently on probation or parole. Students in this situation are encouraged to complete all their certificate coursework while awaiting discharge from probation/parole and discuss your circumstances with one of the Field Instructors prior to applying for the Fieldwork program.

2025-2026 Estimated Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance at Saddleback College includes an estimate for tuition and fees, books and supplies as well as basic living expenses like food and housing, and personal and miscellaneous expenses. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than the amounts listed below.

ExpensesLiving With Parents (2 Semesters)Living Away from Parents (2 semesters)
Tuition and Fees$1,432$1,432
Books and Supplies$1,089$1,089
Living Expenses: Food and Housing$13,942$25,461
Personal & Misc$4,140$5,067
Transportation$1,818$1,989
Total Resident$22,421$35,038
Total Non-Resident$36,921$48,538
ExpensesLiving with ParentsLiving Away from Parents
Tuition and Fees$574$574
Books and Supplies$363$363
Living Expenses: Food and Housing$4,627$8,487
Personal and Misc$1,380$1,689
Transportation$606$663
Total Resident$7,570$11,776
Total Non-Resident$12,970$17,170
ExpensesLiving With ParentsLiving Away from Parents
 

Fall and Spring

Summer

Fall and Spring

Summer

Tuition and Fees$1,432

$712

$1,432$712
Books and Supplies$1,089$363$1,089$363
Transportation$1,818$606$1.989$663
Total Resident$4,339$1,681$4,510$1,738
Total Non-Resident$17,839$7,081$18,010$7,138
  • Enrollment Fee: $46 per unit
    • Based on 15-units for Fall, Spring and 12-units for Summer
  • Health Fee $26 for Fall and Spring, $22 for Summer
  • Non-Resident Tuition (in addition to the $46 per unit enrollment fee): $450 per unit ($400 non-resident tuition fee + $50 capital outlay fee)
  • Estimated cost of attendance may be adjusted for documented circumstances such as dependent care expenses, purchase of a computer, and other special circumstances (except for students enrolled less than half-time)

Contact the Human Services Department