The MHHS Field Placement Experience

Gain valuable experience and enhance classroom learning through supervised practice.

Mental Health and Human Services recognizes the value of relevant work experience. UMA’s MHHS program collaborates with community and State organizations to provide students with an opportunity to broaden their knowledge base, to apply their skills directly with hands-on experience, to develop workplace skills that prepare students for personal and professional challenges, and to establish a network of professional contacts within the field.

The work completed by students in the Capstone Field Placement experience is expected to parallel job performance expectations of others in the field with similar backgrounds. These expectations include responsibility, professionalism, and human service competencies as defined by practice standards. Some, but not all, positions award monetary compensation (an hourly wage or a project stipend) for the work performed.

Students are provided with an opportunity to build a professional portfolio of relevant work experience. With the guidance of an organizational mentor, students will develop a significant skills in interacting with vulnerable populations, diversity/multiculturalism, ethical practice, healthy relationship building, assessment, and service planning.

Field Placement Experience is 3 credits at the associate-degree level and 9 credits bachelor-degree level.