lp 14

1. Analyze the impact of social services on the human experience and how things have changed in past decades.
Social services has always been around, in one form or another, but now there is more knowledge and education involved. There have also been advances as far as counseling and crisis interventions. Also, the programs have gotten better for the communities, such as social services, food assistance, medicare, etc.

2. Acquire first-hand experience by volunteering a minimum of ten hours in a human service agency.
I volunteered at the Northcentral Health Care Center. Originally when I went there to look for volunteer services I was hoping to do something with kids, however I ended up at the opposite, working with the elderly. I was very nervous about this because I have never really worked with this group of people before. They were a joy to work with, in a wierd way they are just like kids except most can hold a conversation with you. I went in on Monday nights for BINGO. One thing I learned is watch out, they like to cheat, and they get quite upset if you don't have a prize that they wanted. Overall, I had a wonderful time volunteering with the elderly, even though I was hoping to volunteer with kids, it gave me a new perspective and that may be something I would like to do in the future.

3. Examine the history of human services in the U.S.
In the past most people that had problems were labeled as mentally ill nowadays people know that they are not mentally ill but that something is wrong and needs to solved, especially criminals.

4. Determine the populations that various human services agencies serve.
There are many, including elderly, children, disabled, people in poverty, at risk teens, abuse victims, substance abusers, repeat offenders, etc.

5. Characterize helping strategies between human service agencies.
Human service agencies need better communication in order to help individuals that may have more than one problem. Really they just need to all work together.

6. Identify the characteristics of the helping profession as linked to personal attributes.
Communicate effectively, ethics, strategic thinking, problem solving, decision making, providing information for their clients, have a support system for self to help with stress and keep from getting burnt out, empathy, non judgmental and respectful.

7. Discriminate between ethical and unethical behavior in human service personnel.
Ethical behavior is for both the worker and the client, it is a professional relationship between the two. Unethical behavior is doing things with the client outside of the profession, such as an intimate relationship, or another type of dual relationship.

8. Explain the personal qualifications necessary for employment in the human service field.
Empathy, integrity, ethics, education, and a true want to help people.

9. Formulate a plan to avoid human service worker burnout.
Don't take on more than you can handle. Also, have a support system so when you are stressed you have someone to talk to. Get enough, sleep and eat healthy. Along with these keep your home life and work life seperate. Take time for yourself when need be.

10. Explain how human diversity affects human service delivery.
People who do not explore other cultures and look at their own diversity cannot really help someone that is diverse from them because they won't fully understand it.

11. Develop a philosophy of life that includes valuing continual educational growth.
Learning is something that helps people continually grow as a person. It is a necessity and now continueing your education is very common and there are lots of classes that are offered and seminars that can be attended so you can get information and continue your education, so that you will succeed in your job, and as a person.

I really enjoyed this class, and I feel like I learned a lot. I do hae a question about the field experiences. I don't know if you can give me the information that I am looking for, but as far as the field placements go I am looking to take that in the fall semester, but am I assigned a place or can I stay working at where I am now, and do you get paid for working during the field placement? Also, is there anywhere on line that I can get more information about the field placements?
Thanks!