Certificate Program Description: 

The rationale for the certificate program is based on: 

1. The need and intensity for health and human services is increasing while leadership talent is declining. Our 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. 

2.  The health and performance of the human services sector depends upon equitably equipping potential, emerging, and current leaders, especially women who are often underrepresented in leadership positions, with relevant leadership skills. We have chosen a Human-Centered Leadership Framework after much research and many discussions with experts in the leadership development field. The health and human services and organizational psychology literatures, consultants, and leaders on the ground advocate for an emphasis on meaningfulness, equity, and impact. Broad-based sector and global research by McKinsey, the Center for Creative Leadership, and other leadership forums have culminated in a “positive framework” of Human-Centered Leadership that highlights purpose and meaning, self-awareness, empathy and compassion, equity and inclusiveness, support, adaptability/agility, and resilience that drives personal and others’ achievement. While the Human-centered leadership framework resonates particularly with women as it is based on research into the leadership needs and experiences of women, it works across gender identities because these principles are universal to effective leadership. The dimensions or “pillars” of this framework will be infused throughout the leadership development workshops, coaching, and networking that are components of this certificate.  

The Five Pillars that guide the online workshops, facilitated peer and individual virtual coaching, and in-person networking components of the Health and Human Services Human-Centered Leadership Certificate are:  

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. Relational Equity and Inclusiveness: Human-centered leaders create an environment that facilitates a sense of belonging by exuding humility, listening to, and including diverse perspectives. This requires leaders to foster reciprocal networks of mentors and sponsors to enhance access to opportunities for themselves and others.  
4. 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. 
5. 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.  

Attendance: Failure to attend the appropriate number of classes will result in a participant being dismissed from the Certificate program. Participants are allowed to miss two non-consecutive half day classes throughout the program. Any missed class time will result in a reduction of CEs.

Application, Fees and Requirements:

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for applying to the Human-Centered Leadership in Health and Human Services Certificate Program.  The University of Maryland School of Social Work is committed to lifelong learning. As you complete the application, be sure that you understand the requirements. The $50 application fee is non-refundable.

Applications are rolling, however space is limited.

Participants will be selected on December 15, 2025 for those that apply before December 5, 2025

Please submit the following with your application:

• A copy of your Professional License (if applicable)
• An updated copy of your Resume/CV
• Personal Statement (Please describe your current professional position, briefly indicate why you would like to be selected, why you are interested in the program and how you feel the program will strengthen your professional capacity.)

Applicant Information

Payment Schedule:

Applicants can choose to pay for the entire program or enter our complimentary four-payment schedule below.  No refunds after payments are made.  Total cost of the program is $2500. 

*The program costs $2,400 when paid in full with a single payment.

Signature:

I do hereby affirm that all statements made herewith are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.  By signing this form, I am stating that I understand and will adhere to the standards outlined.