Human-Centered Leadership in Health and Human Services Certificate Program

Human-Centered Leadership in Health and Human Services is an online certificate program that addresses the growing need for healthcare and human service leaders.  The year-long cohort-based program emphasizes purpose and meaning, self-awareness, empathy and compassion, equity and inclusiveness, support, adaptability/agility, and resilience that drives personal and others’ achievement.

Program Structure and Requirements 

  • Year-long cohort model for individuals and teams
  • A pre and post online assessment
  • One online workshop per month, consisting of two back-to-back half-day sessions, with peer and individual coaching sessions infused throughout the program. 
  • 50 total hours
  • 44 CEUS for social workers for the entire program
  • An annual celebration/networking event

5 Pillars of Human-Centered Leadership

Mindful and Positive Self-awareness

Human-centered leaders understand the necessity of developing their emotional intelligence, empathy, and ability to connect with others, which requires a mindset that their own self-interest is dependent on meeting the interests of others. They also maintain an optimistic outlook and attitude when faced with challenges and adversity. 

Authenticity and Meaning

Human-centered leaders connect strongly with a personal mission or purpose that is bigger than themselves and aligned with their core values. They have a realistic assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and the necessity of teaming with others to achieve their mission. 

Relational Equity and Inclusiveness

Human-centered leaders create an environment that facilitates a sense of belonging by exuding humility, listening to, and including multiple perspectives. This requires leaders to foster reciprocal networks of mentors and sponsors to enhance access to opportunities for themselves and others.  

Agility and Risk-taking

Human-centered leaders promote self-achievement and organizational effectiveness by being highly adaptable, strategically embracing and taking ownership of opportunities, and systematically seeking professional development. 

Resilience and Restoration

Human-centered leaders persevere and maintain a sense of flow during periods of high work stress while incorporating practices and periods of rest and recovery in their life and their team/organization.   

Application Requirements

  • An updated resume/CV 
  • A one-time, non-refundable $50 application fee 
  • A brief personal statement answering the following questions:
    • Why do you want to participate in leadership training?
    • How will you use the knowledge and skills in your work?  

Payment Cost and Schedule 

  • $2,500.00 for the complete certificate program  
  • Discounts are available if paying in full
  • Bundled discounts available
  • Offers can’t be combined 

Applicants can choose to pay for the entire program or over four scheduled payments.  Payments are non-refundable after the second session.

Why Consider the UMSSW Health and Human Services Leadership Certificate

  • A recent market analysis by the Education Advisory Board shows a projected rise in employer demand and opportunities for professionals trained in health and human services-centered leadership. 
  • The School of Social Work is located on a robust health and human services campus with the potential for interdisciplinary instruction and collaboration.
  • The health and performance of the human services sector depends upon equitably equipping potential, emerging, and current leaders. 

Program Co-Chairs

Karen Hopkins

Karen Hopkins

Megan Meyer

Megan Meyer

Appy today or contact UMSSW’s Office of Continuing Professional Education via email at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu or call 410-706-1839. 

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