The Human Services Academy will provide you with the education, training and skills necessary for a career as a Direct Support Professional. Direct Support Professionals work with individuals with disabilities to help them become more independent in their community. By enrolling in the Academy, you will have the opportunity for additional education through enrollment in Bristol Community College’s certificate and degree programs in Human Services.

How to Apply

You must be a senior in high school, possess a good academic record and have a desire to work with individuals with disabilities. Your application will be reviewed upon completion to determine if you meet the requirements of the program.

While you are in School

As a Human Services Academy student, you will be able to attend trainings offered by People Incorporated including Medication Administration, Human Rights, Non-Violent Management of Aggressive Behavior, First Aid/CPR, and Introduction to the Department of Developmental Disabilities. After completing these trainings, you will gain valuable work experience at a People, Incorporated location that includes Job Shadowing and Internship opportunities.

After you Graduate

After successfully completing the requirements during school, you will receive a Human Services Certificate from People, Incorporated. Academy students who graduate from high school, complete the academy requirements and possess a valid drivers license will be offered full or part time employment at People, Incorporated. As part of this employment, you will receive reduced or fully reimbursed college tuition so you may further your education.

Other opportunities in Human Services

Working in the Human Services offers many additional opportunities to work with children and adults of ALL abilities. These include but are not limited to:

• Residential Counselors and House Managers in the Residential Division
• Job Coaches and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors in the Day Services Division
• Developmental Specialists in Early Intervention – requires bachelors degree
• Family Support Workers in Healthy Families – requires associates degree
• Early Childhood Educators – in Child Care programs – may require degrees for some positions

Contacts

High school students that reside in the greater Fall River area that are interested in the Academy, should contact Dorothy Arruda at 508-679-5233, ext 28. or email darruda@peopleinc-fr.org

Agencies or schools that are interested in implementing the Academy concept, should contact Edward Hill at 508-679-5233, ext 36 or email ehill@peopleinc-fr.org