Public Service Careers. Find yourself here DEDICATION

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1 Find yourself here Correctional Officer Criminal Justice Human Services Law Enforcement Officer Paralegal Fast facts, figures and findings Steps to apply DEDICATION Public Service Careers

2 Are you looking for a career in Choosing the right career can be a difficult decision A career in public service requires: advanced oral and written communication skills compassionate personality specialized education hands-on experience. At PHCC, we provide you with the career guidance, preparation, training, and the support that you need to find yourself in a career in public service.

3 Public Service? Public services provided by local, state and federal government assist, support and protect citizens of communities. The term public service originally described the distribution of gas and water as modern communities evolved. Over time, the term was adapted to describe any service provided to support communities and to assist people in need whether in the public or private sector. Enjoy serving and helping others? Then a career in public service may be right for you. Modern society could not function without the protection of law enforcement officers, the assistance of emergency responders or support for those who are unable to help themselves, including children and the elderly. Employment within public service includes many positions in professions such as law enforcement, legal services, firefighting, public transportation and social services. Education and training for those serving the public range from high school diplomas to graduate level college degrees. 1

4 What you will find at PHCC Pasco-Hernando Community College offers a variety of public service programs that range from short certificate programs to two-year degrees. PHCC, a regionally accredited institution, offers general education and introductory courses needed for students who want to pursue advanced degrees in the public service sector. Students can transfer these courses to a Florida state college or university. Most public service programs at PHCC incorporate mockexperience coursework into the curriculum to provide the hands-on skills needed for successful employability. You will also find: higher education that begins at your skill level experienced, caring instructors and staff quality higher education at affordable rates personal attention flexible class schedules, close to home hands-on learning 2

5 Public Service Service (sur-vĭs) n. 1. The occupation of a servant. 2. Employment, esp. for a government <public service>. Action Plan Objective To provide a quality education to future health care professionals. Our certificate and degree programs prepare individuals for one of the fastest growing career areas health care. PHCC programs teach the necessary medical and technical skills while providing the highest quality patient care. Programs Correctional Officer Criminal Justice Technology Crossover Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement Officer Human Services Human Services Assistant Law Enforcement Officer Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting) Strategies and Implementation The following opportunities are available at PHCC to make your educational experience as powerful, fulfilling and convenient as possible: tutoring online course offering related student organizations Legal Eagles competitive student organizations Florida Association of Collegiate DECA SkillsUSA 3

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7 Correctional Officer Technical Credit Certificate Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested, are awaiting trial or imprisoned. Officers must maintain security, prevent disturbances and assaults. If prisoners compromise the safety of citizens, inmates, or employees of the facilities that house them, these professionals are held accountable. Often, correctional officers supervise inmate work assignments and enforce rules and regulations that foster a secure, orderly environment. Correctional officers must remain fair and consistent and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Officers must also be in good health. CERTIFICATION: Students who complete this program are eligible to sit for the Florida State Officer Certification Examination administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. PURPOSE: To prepare students for entry-level employment as correctional officers. The program is prescribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) in accordance with Florida Statutes. LENGTH: This is a 552 hour (18.42 technical credit hour) program. LOCATION: This degree program can be completed on East Campus in Dade City. FORMAT: Courses for this degree are offered in traditional classrooms, the gymnasium, simunitions labs and outdoors. Daytime academies are offered. ACCESS: This is a limited access program. In addition to being admitted to the College, students must meet additional requirements. These requirements are outline during orientation; students must attend an orientation at least three months prior to the start of an academy. Orientations are held every third Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. on the East Campus in Dade City at the Public Service Technology Building. 5

8 Crimnal Justice Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree This degree program provides a concentrated course of study of all facets of our criminal justice system. The program also provides an opportunity for correctional and law enforcement officers to further their education and career by earning an Associate in Applied Science degree. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. PURPOSE: to provide a professional background to those preparing for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and private security. The program is designed for those who plan to pursue a two-year degree program in law enforcement. Students who wish to transfer any credits from this program to another institution must accept the responsibility for securing approval in advance from that institution. ACCESS: This is an open access program. LENGTH: This 64 credit hour program can be completed in approximately two years if students attend classes full-time. LOCATION: This degree program can be completed on East Campus in Dade City. FORMAT: All courses for this degree are offered in traditional classrooms and offsite locations. A little more than 30 percent, mostly the general education courses, are available online. 6

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11 Human Services Associate in Science Degree The human services field focuses on improving the lives of others. Under the supervision of social workers, psychologists, sociologists and other professionals, human service providers work to ease and prevent problems caused by poverty, inadequate housing, unemployment and illness. These professionals work with people in family settings, group settings and as individuals, primarily providing counseling and life skill lessons. Human service workers are caring professionals and sensitive to the needs of clients. They often serve as problem solvers and resource guides to other community services. Good candidates must be patient and empathetic. Confidentiality, a strong sense of responsibility and effective time management skills are important traits in this profession. PURPOSE: To prepare students to be a general human service worker who will serve in a variety of positions in community, social and behavioral agencies. Articulation agreements provide students who complete this degree the option of transferring to St. Leo University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services or a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Articulation agreements with other public and private universities and colleges are being developed. Students who are interested in transferring to these programs should consult an advisor or the Human Services Program Coordinator. ACCESS: This is an open access program. LOCATION: These programs can be completed on East Campus in Dade City, on North Campus in Brooksville and on West Campus in New Port Richey. Some of the general education courses can be completed on Spring Hill Campus. LENGTH: This 65 credit hour program can be completed in approximately two years if students are attending classes on a full-time basis. FORMAT: Courses and clinical components are part of the program curriculum. Students will gain experience with local community agencies 9

12 Human Services Assistant College Credit Certificate The human services field focuses on improving the lives of others. Under the supervision of social workers, psychologists, sociologists and other professionals, human service providers work to ease and prevent problems caused by poverty, inadequate housing, unemployment and illness. These professionals work with people in family settings, group settings and as individuals, primarily providing counseling and life skill lessons. Human service workers are caring professionals and sensitive to the needs of clients. They often serve as problem solvers and resource guides to other community services. Good candidates must be patient and empathetic. Confidentiality, a strong sense of responsibility and effective time management skills are important traits in this profession. PURPOSE: To offer students the first educational step to a professional career in human services. The program offers course work and field experience related to the introductory principles of human behavior specific to the practice and techniques in human services. Graduates may find employment as a human service assistant, social service aide, case management aide or geriatric aide. All courses in this certificate program transfer into the AS degree in human services at PHCC. ACCESS: This is an open access program. LENGTH: This 27 credit hour program can be completed in one year if students are attending classes on a full-time basis. LOCATION: These programs can be completed on East Campus in Dade City, on North Campus in Brooksville and on West Campus in New Port Richey. Some of the general education courses can be completed on Spring Hill Campus. FORMAT: Courses and clinical components are part of the program curriculum. Students will gain experience with local community agencies. 10

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14 The PHCC law enforcement academy gave me ad vanced and specialized hands-on training. This training led to my position as a patrol off icer at the Dade City Police Department and later to my advancement into the Criminal Investigations Division. The state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors gave me the necessary investigative skills that I use in real-life scenarios today. I am thankful to the wonderful staff at PHCC that helped me to fulf ill my dream of becoming a law enforcement off icer. Alumna: Michele Mejias Law Enforcement Off icer Dade City Police Department 12

15 Law Enforcement Officer Technical Credit Certificate Police officers have the enormous responsibility of upholding the law, protecting citizens and maintaining order in the communities they serve. These courageous professionals patrol neighborhoods, highways, and public gathering areas throughout their service districts. At all times, officers must be prepared to mediate arguments, control disturbances and handle calls for assistance from the routine to life threatening. Building healthy relationships with citizens, thoroughly understanding community laws and carefully documenting incidents in thorough reports are inherent to the position. Exemplary law enforcement officers are brave, honest, responsible, display sound judgment, possess integrity and a desire to help others. These professionals must be able to relate to people with compassion and empathy. Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must. CERTIFICATION: Students who complete this program are eligible to sit for the Florida State Officer Certification Examination administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. PURPOSE: To provide job-related training at the entry level to candidates for law enforcement positions. The curriculum is proscribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) in accordance with Florida Statutes. LENGTH: This is 770 hour (25.67 technical credit hour) program. LOCATION: This degree program can be completed on East Campus in Dade City. FORMAT: Courses for this degree are offered in traditional classrooms, the gymnasium, simunitions labs and outdoors. Day and night time academies are offered. ACCESS: This is a limited access program. In addition to being admitted to the College, students must meet additional requirements. These requirements are outlined during orientation; students must attend an orientation at least three months prior to the start of an academy. Orientations are held every third Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. on the East Campus in Dade City at the Public Service Technology Building. Candidates for the Law Enforcement Academy must meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications, be a US citizen and, preferably, be at least 20 years of age. 13

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17 Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting) Associate in Science Degree Paralegals assist attorneys with virtually every aspect of legal work. Preparing important documents for closings, hearings, trials and corporate meetings are routine assignments. Attorneys depend on these professionals to analyze and organize information and to create reports that are used to determine how cases will be handled. Paralegals can work in the public or private sectors. Paralegals manage a wide range of assignments and must be able to multitask. Other necessary traits include: strong written and oral communication skills, research and investigative proficiency, a team-oriented approach to handling assignments and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with clients. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. PURPOSE: To prepare students for employment as paralegals in law offices, government agencies, insurance offices, corporations, financial institutions and title insurance companies. This program is also designed to provide supplemental training for persons already employed as paralegal assistants. Students who wish to transfer any credits from this program to another institution must accept the responsibility for securing approval in advance from that institution. ACCESS: This is an open access program. LENGTH: This 64 credit hour program can be completed in approximately two years if students attend classes full-time. LOCATION: This degree program can be completed on West Campus in New Port Richey. FORMAT: All courses for this degree are offered in traditional classroom setting, except the internship. Almost 30 percent of the courses from this program are also offered online. 15

18 Fast facts, figures and findings Correctional officer positions can be rewarding, as well as stressful and hazardous. Most officers are employed in federal, state and local government prisons and jails. Employment opportunities are expected to be favorable. Paralegals and legal assistants work in the public and private sectors. Employment is projected to grow faster than average as employers try to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks once performed by attorneys. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent for qualified law enforcement officers in most local police departments, while competition is expected for jobs in state and federal agencies. Work can be dangerous and stressful, but also very rewarding. Employment for social and human service assistants is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations, but wages remain low. A bachelor s degree is not usually required for these jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 Occupation Salary & Wages Figures RELATED OCCUPATIONS ENTRY AVERAGE PUBLIC SERVICE Correctional Officers and Jailers $35,401 $48,422 Legal Secretaries $28,038 $38,126 Legal Support Workers, All Other $32,656 $44,075 Paralegals and Legal Assistants $34,049 $49,795 Police and Sheriff s Patrol Officers $43,264 $55,182 Social and Human Service Assistants $18,366 $28,038 Social Workers, All Other $27,872 $50,024 Source: Florida state occupational employment and wage estimates provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 16

19 Steps to apply Begin to find yourself at PHCC! The Office of Admissions and Student Records can assist you with PHCC program offerings, requirements and admission. Applications to PHCC are available exclusively online. Please visit phcc.edu/admissions/process.php for complete application details. FIRST: Apply for Admission THEN: Submit Transcripts Apply for Federal Financial Aid/Veterans Benefits Complete College Placement Test (CPT) or Submit Placement Test Scores Attend Mandatory New Student Orientation Schedule Academic Advisement LAST: Register for Classes Pay for Tuition/Fees

20 East Campus Blanton Road Dade City, FL North Campus Ponce de Leon Blvd. Brooksville, FL West Campus & District Office Ridge Road New Port Richey, FL Spring Hill Campus 450 Beverly Court Spring Hill, FL /10-40M