HSA Academy

Human Services Aides (HSA’s) provide client related assistance to children, families, and Children Social Workers (CSW’s).

HSA’s are responsible for providing specialized program and client related assistance as well as providing professional staff support in the delivery of public human services. HSA staff perform a variety of supportive functions that require the use of judgment and discretion, decision-making, and some of level of independent action. The work performed requires extensive program, case, and client related knowledge. HSA staff have frequent in-depth interaction with DCFS involved children and families, community agencies, schools, law enforcement, and other individuals and/or organizations with direct/non-direct impact on the services provided.

HSA’s are expected to practice child/family confidentiality at all times. The HSA Academy will equip HSA staff with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their job duties. Development of the training was guided by a 2015 assessment conducted by UCLA, Training Needs Assessment, and created by the DCFS Training Section. The Training Section continues to work closely with the Human Services Aide Policy Committee to design an effective Academy that best meets the needs of HSA staff.