Trauma Interventions and Prevention Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$7,788*

A trauma-informed approach to care

Walk alongside survivors of trauma as you lead them to hope and healing. Make a positive difference in your community with the specialized knowledge and skills you obtain with this certificate.

Start this program if you already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in human services, social work, counseling or another approved field. Or complete the associate degree in trauma interventions and prevention if you have less than a bachelor’s degree.

What can you do with a Certificate in Trauma Interventions and Prevention?

Start to help people in need right away. Work in counseling centers, treatment facilities, rape crisis centers and more.

You need a master’s degree to do clinical work or get an advanced role in social work or counseling. After further education, you can begin a career in any of the following:

Start right away as a:

  • casework aide
  • paraprofessional
  • residential aide

After further education, you can become a:

  • social worker
  • counselor
  • caseworker

Highlights

  • National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

    This program is commended for excellence in the preparation of the 21st-century addictions professional workforce.

  • WIOA Program

    Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.

  • 100% Online

    Can be completed 100% online.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Career Certificate

    Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.

  • Program Length: 1.5 Years

    Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    HUS 121

    HUS 121 Health and Nutrition

    Class Description

    This course presents the student with concepts related to achieving optimal health and well-being. This includes meeting personal needs as well as the health and safety needs for children, adolescents, and adults in group and treatment settings. Strong emphasis is placed on nutrition, health, and safety issues, including healthy lifestyles, prevention, physical fitness, scientific and economic data, food policy, and controversies. Students will examine various models of physical and mental health, discuss stress responses, substance use disorders, and chronic diseases, and identify risk factors and their interrelationships with healthy nutrition and behaviors.
         		3
    HUS 123

    HUS 123 Introduction to Group Dynamics

    Class Description

    This course introduces basic concepts and theories of group dynamics, including group development and functioning, communication patterns, leadership, and conflict management. Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for self-awareness through observations of group behavior, working within groups, and group leadership.
         		3
    HUS 128

    HUS 128 Introduction to Counseling Skills

    Class Description

    This course provides the student with an introduction to the foundational theories and skills necessary in the counseling field and explores the dynamics of establishing positive relationships with people in need of human services. The counseling process and the issues of intervention, therapeutic interviewing, confidentiality, and empathic communication will be presented. This course includes a mandatory field experience of 40 hours with an HUS Department Chair pre-approved social service agency.
         		3
    HUS 140

    HUS 140 Drugs and Society

    Class Description

    This course provides the student with an historical background of drugs of abuse and their impact on individuals and society. Topics addressed include an in-depth study of specific licit and illicit drugs and the pharmacological and behavioral effects within the major classifications of substances. Additional topics include laws and regulations, individual and societal problems, prevention strategies, and trends and statistics.
         		3
    HUS 231

    HUS 231 Adult Development and Aging

    Class Description

    This course integrates theory and research related to changes across adulthood in areas such as: biological, cognitive, personality, mental health, social-emotional, careers, life review, and closure. Students will gain an understanding of the aging process using a lifespan perspective focusing on emerging/early adulthood to late adulthood within a multicultural context. Note: HUS 231 and PSY 231 are cross-listed.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 121
      Course Title

      HUS 121 Health and Nutrition

      Class Description

      This course presents the student with concepts related to achieving optimal health and well-being. This includes meeting personal needs as well as the health and safety needs for children, adolescents, and adults in group and treatment settings. Strong emphasis is placed on nutrition, health, and safety issues, including healthy lifestyles, prevention, physical fitness, scientific and economic data, food policy, and controversies. Students will examine various models of physical and mental health, discuss stress responses, substance use disorders, and chronic diseases, and identify risk factors and their interrelationships with healthy nutrition and behaviors.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 123
      Course Title

      HUS 123 Introduction to Group Dynamics

      Class Description

      This course introduces basic concepts and theories of group dynamics, including group development and functioning, communication patterns, leadership, and conflict management. Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for self-awareness through observations of group behavior, working within groups, and group leadership.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 128
      Course Title

      HUS 128 Introduction to Counseling Skills

      Class Description

      This course provides the student with an introduction to the foundational theories and skills necessary in the counseling field and explores the dynamics of establishing positive relationships with people in need of human services. The counseling process and the issues of intervention, therapeutic interviewing, confidentiality, and empathic communication will be presented. This course includes a mandatory field experience of 40 hours with an HUS Department Chair pre-approved social service agency.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 140
      Course Title

      HUS 140 Drugs and Society

      Class Description

      This course provides the student with an historical background of drugs of abuse and their impact on individuals and society. Topics addressed include an in-depth study of specific licit and illicit drugs and the pharmacological and behavioral effects within the major classifications of substances. Additional topics include laws and regulations, individual and societal problems, prevention strategies, and trends and statistics.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 231
      Course Title

      HUS 231 Adult Development and Aging

      Class Description

      This course integrates theory and research related to changes across adulthood in areas such as: biological, cognitive, personality, mental health, social-emotional, careers, life review, and closure. Students will gain an understanding of the aging process using a lifespan perspective focusing on emerging/early adulthood to late adulthood within a multicultural context. Note: HUS 231 and PSY 231 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HUS 134

    HUS 134 Intimate Violence Crisis Response

    Class Description

    This course will provide the student with an understanding and knowledge of the specialized areas of Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence and the content required of anyone who wishes to understand, work, or volunteer within these fields. Specific topics addressed will be rape trauma syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, cycle of violence, the impact to survivors and their families, same-sex violence, confidentiality, mandated reporting to the Department of Children and Family Services, and interventions to support the healing process. This course consists of the equivalent of the two mandatory 40-hour trainings combined into one 60-hour training. These mandatory trainings are required prior to working directly with victims of either sexual assault or domestic violence. Upon completion of this course, students will earn certifications toward volunteering or working in the Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, and related fields--Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) and Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault Certification (ICASA). This course is intended for students and practitioners in any field, as well as community members from all walks of life.
         		4
    HUS 234

    HUS 234 Child Maltreatment

    Class Description

    This course explores the etiologies and effects of child maltreatment as well as assessment and treatment strategies. Child maltreatment is approached from a strengths-based, family-centered perspective within a multi-disciplinary context noting issues of culture and diversity and the influence of digital and social media. Topic areas include child physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, psychological maltreatment, family violence, extrafamilial abuse, and consequences across the lifespan. Emphasis will be given to identification of child maltreatment, reporting procedures, interventions, treatment, prevention, and professional, legal, and agency interaction.
         		3
    HUS 154

    HUS 154 Ethics in Human Services

    Class Description

    This course provides the student with an introduction to multiple ethical considerations in the counselor-client relationship. Topics considered will include personal values of professional staff, confidentiality, sexual and social contact with clients, self-determination, conflicts of interest, dual relationships, and more. Students will also consider application of agency policies, professional ethics, and the law. Recommended Prerequisite: HUS 140 (C or better) and HUS 128 (C or better)
         		2
    SWK 228

    SWK 228 Human Sexuality

    Class Description

    This course provides an examination of the current knowledge and attitudes of the behavioral aspects of human sexuality with particular emphasis on personal, interpersonal, community, and societal influences on sexuality. Topics of interest include sexuality throughout the lifespan, sexual anatomy and physiology, gender roles and gender identity, contraception, pregnancy, birth, lifestyles, love and intimacy, abortion, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, dysfunction, power/coercion, and sale of sex. PSY 228 and SWK 228 are cross-listed.
         		3
    • Course Code HUS 134
      Course Title

      HUS 134 Intimate Violence Crisis Response

      Class Description

      This course will provide the student with an understanding and knowledge of the specialized areas of Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence and the content required of anyone who wishes to understand, work, or volunteer within these fields. Specific topics addressed will be rape trauma syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, cycle of violence, the impact to survivors and their families, same-sex violence, confidentiality, mandated reporting to the Department of Children and Family Services, and interventions to support the healing process. This course consists of the equivalent of the two mandatory 40-hour trainings combined into one 60-hour training. These mandatory trainings are required prior to working directly with victims of either sexual assault or domestic violence. Upon completion of this course, students will earn certifications toward volunteering or working in the Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, and related fields--Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) and Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault Certification (ICASA). This course is intended for students and practitioners in any field, as well as community members from all walks of life.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 234
      Course Title

      HUS 234 Child Maltreatment

      Class Description

      This course explores the etiologies and effects of child maltreatment as well as assessment and treatment strategies. Child maltreatment is approached from a strengths-based, family-centered perspective within a multi-disciplinary context noting issues of culture and diversity and the influence of digital and social media. Topic areas include child physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, psychological maltreatment, family violence, extrafamilial abuse, and consequences across the lifespan. Emphasis will be given to identification of child maltreatment, reporting procedures, interventions, treatment, prevention, and professional, legal, and agency interaction.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 154
      Course Title

      HUS 154 Ethics in Human Services

      Class Description

      This course provides the student with an introduction to multiple ethical considerations in the counselor-client relationship. Topics considered will include personal values of professional staff, confidentiality, sexual and social contact with clients, self-determination, conflicts of interest, dual relationships, and more. Students will also consider application of agency policies, professional ethics, and the law. Recommended Prerequisite: HUS 140 (C or better) and HUS 128 (C or better)
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SWK 228
      Course Title

      SWK 228 Human Sexuality

      Class Description

      This course provides an examination of the current knowledge and attitudes of the behavioral aspects of human sexuality with particular emphasis on personal, interpersonal, community, and societal influences on sexuality. Topics of interest include sexuality throughout the lifespan, sexual anatomy and physiology, gender roles and gender identity, contraception, pregnancy, birth, lifestyles, love and intimacy, abortion, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, dysfunction, power/coercion, and sale of sex. PSY 228 and SWK 228 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HUS 219

    HUS 219 Human Services Internship

    Class Description

    This course is an on-site, unpaid supervised internship experience working directly with clients, family members, groups, and the community in community social service agencies. This course includes field work, supervision hours, assignments, and a supervision seminar class. To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours at an approved agency. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 internship hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.
         		4
    HUS 232

    HUS 232 Trauma and Violence

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for working in the area of trauma, advocacy, treatment, and violence prevention in contemporary society with diverse populations. Theoretical concepts will be introduced on the following topics: causes of trauma, types of trauma and violence, violence prevention, crisis intervention, self-care for client and provider, cultural competency, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, and victimization. In addition, students will gain skills in therapeutic techniques, assessment, and interventions appropriate for working with people (individuals, families, groups) impacted by trauma at various developmental life stages and their specific issues. These include gender and culture, which relate to children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. Social service agencies and resources for referrals will be explored. Recommended Prerequisite: HUS 128 (C or better)
         		4
    HUS 236

    HUS 236 Crisis Intervention

    Class Description

    This course will provide the student with an understanding of the history, theory, and models of crisis intervention. The student will gain knowledge regarding specific crises in the areas of loss, abuse, violence, crimes, developmental, health-related and others. The student will also acquire effective intervention skills and techniques to respond to individuals in specific crisis situations.
         		3
    HUS 152

    HUS 152 Process Addictions/Impulse Disorders

    Class Description

    This course will examine the addictive process as it is manifested in diverse social behaviors. Students will study similarities and differences of process/behavioral addictions, impulse control disorders, and compulsive behaviors. Focus will be on etiology, assessment, treatment, legal issues, and family issues. These various behaviors and disorders will include, but not be limited to the following: gambling, eating disorders, work, sex, compulsive buying, shoplifting, pyromania, and intermittent explosive disorder. The relationship of these disorders will be compared and contrasted with alcohol and other drug addictions.
         		2
    • Course Code HUS 219
      Course Title

      HUS 219 Human Services Internship

      Class Description

      This course is an on-site, unpaid supervised internship experience working directly with clients, family members, groups, and the community in community social service agencies. This course includes field work, supervision hours, assignments, and a supervision seminar class. To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours at an approved agency. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 internship hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 232
      Course Title

      HUS 232 Trauma and Violence

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for working in the area of trauma, advocacy, treatment, and violence prevention in contemporary society with diverse populations. Theoretical concepts will be introduced on the following topics: causes of trauma, types of trauma and violence, violence prevention, crisis intervention, self-care for client and provider, cultural competency, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, and victimization. In addition, students will gain skills in therapeutic techniques, assessment, and interventions appropriate for working with people (individuals, families, groups) impacted by trauma at various developmental life stages and their specific issues. These include gender and culture, which relate to children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. Social service agencies and resources for referrals will be explored. Recommended Prerequisite: HUS 128 (C or better)
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 236
      Course Title

      HUS 236 Crisis Intervention

      Class Description

      This course will provide the student with an understanding of the history, theory, and models of crisis intervention. The student will gain knowledge regarding specific crises in the areas of loss, abuse, violence, crimes, developmental, health-related and others. The student will also acquire effective intervention skills and techniques to respond to individuals in specific crisis situations.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 152
      Course Title

      HUS 152 Process Addictions/Impulse Disorders

      Class Description

      This course will examine the addictive process as it is manifested in diverse social behaviors. Students will study similarities and differences of process/behavioral addictions, impulse control disorders, and compulsive behaviors. Focus will be on etiology, assessment, treatment, legal issues, and family issues. These various behaviors and disorders will include, but not be limited to the following: gambling, eating disorders, work, sex, compulsive buying, shoplifting, pyromania, and intermittent explosive disorder. The relationship of these disorders will be compared and contrasted with alcohol and other drug addictions.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

40

Female student taking notes in class

Human Services at CLC

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View the Human Services Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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