5 credits

Diminishing resources are compounding the societal challenges facing human services agencies today. In this course, students will examine the core competencies that human services administrators need to address these challenges and make a greater difference in the communities they serve. A broad range of skills and innovative approaches will be discussed, including cross-agency collaboration, stakeholder communication, supervision of people and processes, creation and implementation of policies, and strategic planning and management. Through course discussions, applications, and critical literature reviews, students can demonstrate knowledge and skills that are directly translatable to their current work environment. In addition, they will explore how administration of Human Services organizations would differ across different cultures or societies. In addition to using case studies and access to a virtual city to bring life to the readings by giving students a chance to apply the material in complex situations, students will also use part 2 of a graphic novel that started in a prior course to help them see the transition from a focus on individuals and families to a focus on organizations and communities. In addition, students will participate in group activities that don't require synchronous communications as each student will be responsible for their own project, but they will also participate in feedback and critiques of group members' presentations and final projects.