Human_Services

Human services programs and facilities where designed for meeting basic health and welfare needs of society. According to the National Organization of Human Services (2009), “The field of human services is broadly defined, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations (pg.1).” There are several branches of human services which include social welfare services, educational services, and mental health services. In the paragraphs below the following topics will be discussed; the history of human services, the goal of human services, common intervention strategies in human services, and ethical considerations of human services. The History of Human Services Helping others in society is not a new concept. Neighbors have been lending a hand to each other since the beginning of time. Over the years this concept has grown into what is now known as the human services profession. During the Middle Ages England established a system called feudalism. Martin (2011) states, “Under this elitist system, privileged and wealthy landowners would parcel off small sections of their land, which would then be farmed by peasants or serfs (pg.1).” Feudalism was seen as an effective way for the government to control poverty, but it can also been seen as government imposed slavery. Those who became serfs were seen by the law as property of the landowner. The way the poor was treated in England lasted until the late 1800. The opening of the Hull House in Chicago was known as the first settlement house in the United States, a start of the significant social movement and a new change for the people in poverty. The Goal of Human Service Profession Human Service workers serve people by helping them to overcome problems that hinder them from meeting the basic needs of their lives. Every person has basic necessities of life that need to be met these include: food, health, shelter, social, and psychological fulfillments, and also education. These requirements of life are met through a variety of different ways employment, family, and at times social support. The role of human services workers are carried out in many ways. Their relationship with individuals, families, groups, and communities are referred to as clients. They are often considered as a caregivers, educators, administrators, case managers, and counselors. Human service workers have to be able to portray a certain standard set forth by the state and federal department. There are two types of organizations, you have your public organizations as well as your private agencies, private agencies are considered a non profit organizations which have their own board of directors with their own set of rules and Common Intervention Strategies Strategy is a set of actions intended for one common goal. Egan (1990) states, “Strategies tend to be more effective when chosen from among a number of possibilities," (p. 45). It is referred to as the client's potential plan of action for making a change in their life. The Human Service worker will develop several plans of action and the client will select the plan that is best for them. When trying to get the plan to work it must be set up step by step according to the issues, the needs, and the strengths that the client posses and with the hopes of accomplishment. According to Egan (1990), “In order to be effective with these goals; "goals must be the client's goals, strategies must be the client's strategies, and action plans must be the client's plans" (p. 49). There are several forms of intervention it can include: psychotherapy (individual, couples, families, group), counseling from the loss of a love one or adjusting to a loss, case management, crisis intervention, concise therapy, relaxation training, anger and stress management. Ethical Considerations of Human Services Those who work in the area of human services, work to improve the quality of life of the individuals who seek out services. Ethics must be taken into consideration when working with the public. A person working in this field must hold themselves to higher standards. People who need help come to these agencies and often time they have to share very private details about themselves and their families. These individuals need to know that the information that they provide will not be shared with unauthorized personnel or others in the community. If a license Human Service worker is found in violation of client’s rights it could result in suspension of their license. The National Organization of Human Services Council for Standards in Human Service Education was adopted 1996. According to the National Organization of Human Services (2009), “These ethical guidelines are presented in a set of standards of conduct which the human service professionals and educators consider in ethical and professional decision making. It is hoped that these guidelines will be of assistance when human service professionals and educators are challenged by difficult ethical dilemmas (pg.1).” Conclusion It is important for the Human Service professional to understand how the social services and polices have came about over the years and how it relates to our present day society. Past mistakes must be acknowledged and examined so the citizens of today can be properly represented and assisted. It is also important that those who seek entry into this profession understand the goal human services, which are designed to ensure that the basic needs of our citizens are meet. It is equally important for those who are interested in this profession to understand the common intervention strategies that take place within this field. There should be a clear understanding that there may not be quick solutions when it comes to handling client. The most vital part human services is the knowledge the ethical responsibilities that come along with the job. A client’s privacy should be respected at all times and a human service worker has a responsibility to their client that should be their greatest priority. References: Egan, G. (1990). The skilled helper: A systematic approach to effective helping. 4th Ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.