Health & Society

What is health and society?

The health and society degree is an interdisciplinary program anchored in the social sciences and humanities that trains students to become leaders and innovative practitioners. Health and society students engage in a wide range of health-related fields and contribute to local, national, and global efforts to address systemic health inequities and further the well-being of diverse populations.

Professional development student resources

American Public Health Association (APHA)

APHA is an organization that promotes equitable healthcare practice. They publish the American Journal of Public Health and the Nation's Health newspaper.

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)

Get credentialed in health education! The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) is the professional health education credentialing body for health educators, promoting the certified health education specialist (CHES) credential. It also helps to promote further professional development of the health educator with continuing education and a sense of pride and offers interaction with other health educators in a number of societies, agencies, and other professional settings.

Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

Interested in earning a graduate degree in public health? CEPH assures quality in public health education and training to advance the science and practice of public health. CEPH accredit schools of public health and public health programs.

National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE)

Get certified in Public Health (CPH)! CPH is the only public health board certification available in the United States for public health professionals. Credentialing CPH also helps employers to recognize public health professionals who meet a baseline standard of professional competency.

Additional resources and information

Featured alumni

Anna Balkus '24: Studying the mental health impact of our environment

Soccer captain and Honors College biology major aims for a career in environmental conservation

Health & Society program stories

Anna Balkus '24: Studying the mental health impact of our environment

Soccer captain and Honors College biology major aims for a career in environmental conservation

Health & Society major Gabriel Johnson pictured in the amphitheater

Gabriel Johnson '24: Making a difference

Health & society major finds passion working towards a future that benefits all

Kiki Bekkum '22, Psychology major from Hana, Hawaii

Kiki Bekkum '22: Helping others

Senior psychology and health and society dual-major and aging and health minor from Hana, Hawaii

Contact

Kristen McHenry, PhD she/her/hers

Director
Health & Society
Liberal Arts 312

508-910-9054
kmchenry@umassd.edu

Kristen McHenry, PhD she/her/hers

Assistant Professor
Political Science
Liberal Arts 312

508-910-9054
kmchenry@umassd.edu

Health & Society job postings

Career Specialist at Bay State Community Services

Employer: Bay State Community Services Expires: 05/18/2025 Join our dynamic team as a Career Specialist and assist a small caseload of clients in navigating the job search process, teach key skills in resume building, interview preparation and communication skill building; in addition to building relationships with local employers to develop opportunities for clients. What You Will be Doing to Make a Difference....Manage a small caseload of clients who are in search of employment and match job responsibilities with clients' skills and experienceResearch internet, newspapers and other resources for job leads for clientsAttend job fairs and conferences where suitable contacts can be madeTrack each clients individual career tracks and progressProvide on-site support for clients’ as they learn to navigate the job search process and the responsibilities of each role they express interestLearn and demonstrate respect for the roles of partner agencies (Sheriff’s Department, Parole, Probation, etc.) at your site; our job is to be a resource to these other agenciesRespect boundaries between treatment and securityDriving is required Important Health and Wellbeing Benefits Which Begin On Your First Day of EmploymentBlue Cross and Blue Shield Health and Dental Insurance Eye-Med Vision Benefits Employer Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Medical Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care AccountEmployee Assistance Program Generous Paid Time Off35 Days Paid Time Off (15 Vacation Days, 12 Holidays and 8 Sick Days) Additional Benefits Retirement Plan 403(b) (employer match after the first year of employment)Opportunities for Student Loan Forgiveness Mileage reimbursement Extensive Training ProgramMonthly Agency Wide Trainings (includes CEU's for obtaining/retaining license - LMHC, LMFT, LADC, CARC, LCSW and LICSW)Supervision for Licensure and SpecializationsImmediate Access to Comprehensive Online Self-Paced CEU TrainingsOpportunities for Certification in Evidence Based Practices Requirements Bachelor's degree in Education, Rehabilitative Counseling, Counseling or Human Services requiredMinimum of 2 years teaching or counseling experience requiredExpected to be familiar with local resources and model pro-social behavior Bay State Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment free from bias, discrimination, or harassment of any kind, and mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Bay State Community Services believes diversity, inclusion, and social justice are actions of integrity and respect, and as such Bay State Community Services seeks to operationalize policies, procedures and systems that support a talented, and diverse workforce. Contact Information:recruitment@baystatecs.org857-374-5669

School Age Group Leader at Old Colony YMCA

Individual Community Connector at South Shore Support Services, Inc.

Employer: South Shore Support Services, Inc. Expires: 05/18/2025 Location: South ShoreHours: All Shifts available! Part-time and Full-time, up to 40 hours. Days, evenings and weekend shifts available depending on what you are looking for.Come join our team!Momentum - a part of South Shore Support Services, Inc. - is seeking one-to-one direct support professionals for adult men and women with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.Our direct support staff (Individual Community Connector) are responsible for supporting the individual in both their home and community by helping them achieve certain goals, learn new skills, or fulfill needs. Examples include but are not limited to transportation to appointments, facilitating social/recreational outings and mentorship to attain independent living skills.The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently and one-to-one with individuals by using effective mentorship to help facilitate goal achievement. This includes reporting directly to the individual at the start of the shift and working closely with the individual to create and follow a plan pursuant to skill/goal attainment. This process may also include communication and/or collaboration with their legal guardian and case manager (Navigator) to ensure progress.Essential Job Functions:Reliable attendance and punctuality when reporting directly to the individual at beginning of shift.Comfortable transporting individuals in personal vehicle.Comfortable using personal vehicle to provide individuals the opportunity to engage in activities of choice (as defined by their goals or needs).Accurate tracking of mileage on a monthly basis (mileage reimbursement offered).Report feedback to administration as needed.Provide hands-on assistance to individuals in required areas of daily living (ADL’s and IADL’s) as needed.Provide daily support to individuals while encouraging independence and choice.Treat all individuals and their families with dignity and respect.Other duties assigned by management as needed.Qualifications: Education & Experience Required:High School Diploma or equivalent.Experience working with developmental disabilities including ASD (Autism) preferred, but not required.Complete and maintain FREE trainings as required by DDS (First Aid, CPR, additional online trainings as required).Excellent listening and communication skills.Ability to problem solve and think creatively.Ability to listen and be patient.Ability to act with compassion and empathy.Must have a current, valid state issued driver’s license.Employees are subject to driver’s license record checks and must maintain an acceptable driving record, valid motor vehicle insurance and registration.Must Pass background and reference checks.Fingerprinting requiredJob Types: Full-time, Part-timePay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hourBenefits:401(k)Dental insuranceFlexible scheduleHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offRetirement planVision insuranceSchedule:Day shiftEvening shiftEvery weekendMonday to FridayWeekends as neededWork Location: In person

Outpatient Physical Therapist at Spire Orthopedic Partners

Employer: Spire Orthopedic Partners - Sports Medicine North Expires: 05/19/2025 Who we are: Spire Orthopedic Partners is a growing national partnership of orthopedic practices that provides the support, capital and operational resources physicians need to grow thriving practices for the future. As a Management Services Organization (MSO), Spire provides the infrastructure for administrative operations that allows practices to operate at their highest level, so doctors can focus their efforts on what matters most – patient care. Rooted in the 100-plus-year legacy of its founding partners, the network spans the Northeast and is continuing to grow.What you’ll do: Provide efficient, quality-oriented physical therapy patient care through an individualized program, including assessment, treatment, planning, implementation, education, and communication to maximize the patient’s progress toward achieving functional goals.Responsibilities/Duties:Conducts screening of patients at regular intervals to determine need for additional intervention/treatment and/or modifications.Evaluates patients to obtain data necessary for treatment planning and implementationInterprets data, formulates goals and treatment plans and incorporates patient and family and other team members into the coordination of the treatment plan and throughout the course of treatment.Provides physical therapy services to patients and in accordance with PT guidelines for professional practice and per clinic policy.Monitors patient’s response to intervention and modify treatment as indicated to attain goals in accordance with treatment plan and physician orders.Participates in patient, family and staff education and provide in-service education to the members of the patient’s care team as needed.Provides clinical information in a timely manner concerning safety and functional needs as required.Develops appropriate home or community programming to maintain and enhance the performance of the patient in their own environment.Documents results of patient’s assessment, treatment, follow-up and termination of services.Ensures the implementation, compliance, and monitoring of the Infection Control Program following all policies, procedures and safety regulations.Who you are:Qualifications:Masters or Doctoral degree in Physical TherapyOne year physical therapy experience, medical office experience preferred.Active license to practice as a Physical Therapist in the state of MassachusettsKnowledge of regulatory standards and compliance requirements.Ability to identify and implement components of the physical therapy processIdentify learning needs and teach patients and familiesAbility to communicate and collaborate with a variety of teams and individualsWorking knowledge and ability to apply professional standards of practice in job situations.Strong organizational, prioritizing and analytical skills.Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.Familiarity with HIPAA, insurance regulations, policies, procedures and other regulatory policiesWorking knowledge of personal computer and software applications used in job functionsWhat we offer: Excellent growth and advancement opportunitiesDynamic environmentAccess to a diverse network of practitionersBroad infrastructure of tools and programs to enhance the employee experienceCompetitive CompensationGenerous PTOBenefits package: health, dental, vision, 401(k), etc. We are an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified Applicants are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances (referred to as “protected characteristics”).

Certified Home Health Aides and CNAs at Oriol Health Care

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