Feasibility Analysis of Entering into the Field of Human Services

Feasibility Analysis of Entering into the Field of Human Services

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Table of Contents TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717086” Table of Contents PAGEREF _Toc288717086 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717087” Abstract PAGEREF _Toc288717087 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717088” Feasibility Analysis of Entering into Human Service Field PAGEREF _Toc288717088 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717089” Introduction PAGEREF _Toc288717089 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717090” Data Collected PAGEREF _Toc288717090 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717091” Key Factors in a Foreign Service Career PAGEREF _Toc288717091 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717092” Recruitment Process PAGEREF _Toc288717092 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717093” Employment Outlook PAGEREF _Toc288717093 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717094” Skills Required PAGEREF _Toc288717094 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717095” Education Required PAGEREF _Toc288717095 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717096” Advantages of the Career PAGEREF _Toc288717096 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717097” Challenges of the Career PAGEREF _Toc288717097 h 10

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717098” Career Options in the Field of Human Services PAGEREF _Toc288717098 h 11

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717099” Case Managers or Social Workers PAGEREF _Toc288717099 h 11

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717100” Social Service Assistant PAGEREF _Toc288717100 h 11

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717101” Counselor PAGEREF _Toc288717101 h 12

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717102” Childcare Worker PAGEREF _Toc288717102 h 12

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717103” Probation Officer PAGEREF _Toc288717103 h 12

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717104” Conclusion and Recommendation PAGEREF _Toc288717104 h 13

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717105” Summary of Findings PAGEREF _Toc288717105 h 13

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717106” Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc288717106 h 14

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717107” References PAGEREF _Toc288717107 h 15

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717108” Appendices PAGEREF _Toc288717108 h 16

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717109” Appendix 1: Sentence Speech Outline PAGEREF _Toc288717109 h 16

HYPERLINK l “_Toc288717110” Appendix 2: Interview report PAGEREF _Toc288717110 h 17

Abstract

Human services field is complex and constitutes various careers. Individuals working in this field need to be motivated in order to perform optimally. In addition, the respective individuals need to have relevant knowledge, skills and abilities to perform effectively. The field has various advantages that professional benefit from. One of the most rewarding advantages pertains to the endless opportunities for professional growth and development that are provided through the various learning opportunities. The challenges that the professionals experience are also wide and varied. Nonetheless, these provide opportunities for growth and can be overcome if individuals have the required skills and knowledge. The field has various career options that individuals can choose from. These range from counseling and Case Management to Probation Officers and Childcare Workers.

Feasibility Analysis of Entering into Human Service FieldIntroductionThe field of Human Services is a diverse and complex field hat addresses wide ranging issues. The professionals in this field of specification are in most cases committed to working with communities in a bid to make a difference in their lives. In most instances, the relative departments or agencies that provide employment to various individuals are responsible for planning, budgeting and delivering important services such as housing and health. Notably, provision of these services is the responsibility of the government that also plays an instrumental role in planning for the provision of basic public utilities. Essentially, the professionals in this field focus their effort on improving the lives of individuals and making efforts to reduce their degree of suffering. For this reason, individuals that attain skills and ultimately seek employment in this field need to be motivated to make changes in the lives of other individual and especially those that are disadvantaged by various factors.

To enhance sustainability and ensure that the relative efforts yield beneficial effects, it is important for the urge to help the needy to be strong and based on self will. This also ensures optimal performance that is based on a calling and not mere pretense. According to most psychological studies, the inherent satisfaction is in most instances realized after an individual has worked for a specific period of time. Put differently, a person can only realize that s/he has a sincere compelling urge to help other individuals in pursuing their dream and attaining a high degree of happiness and fulfillment in life. The inherent challenges usually enable the individual to make informed choices as well as decisions in this regard. The professional also concern themselves with helping others to find health, safety or motivation.

At this point it can not be disputed that this work is noble and of great importance in the current society. It is widely agreed that the relative duties and responsibilities are sufficient motivation that can make an individual to join the field. The duties and responsibilities in most instances revolve around initiation, establishment and nurturance of individual as well as professional relationships with all individuals across the age spectrum. In this regard, an individual needs to naturally have superb public relations and the ability to establish and maintain viable and lasting relations with various individuals within the society.

Data CollectedKey Factors in a Foreign Service CareerRecruitment ProcessJust like other fields of specification, the process of employment n the human services is procedural. Usually, the respective employment agency or national department advertises the vacant positions. These detail the job profile including the skills, knowledge and abilities that individuals are supposed to posses. In most instances, the departments tend to encourage applications by individuals form diverse cultural and linguistic background. The inherent multiculturalism encourages effective performance as the employees also work in multicultural environments. After the period for application closes, The US Department of Human Services (2011) suggests that the process of selection takes an estimated six to eight weeks. One of the most important aspects of the process of recruitment pertains to safety screening. This is instrumental in ensuring that individuals that are selected uphold the organizational or departmental values. In addition, it ensures that the respective individuals have the ability to provide a safe and sustainable environment for the clients that are in most instances vulnerable to wide ranging social threats.

Before the individuals apply for the job vacancy, they need to ensure that they satisfy the eligibility criteria. In the field of counseling for instance, the State of Delaware (2010) requires one to have an Application for Professional Counselor of Mental Health Licensure that is not only completed but also signed and notarized. In general, individuals need to be American citizens that also reside permanently in this nation. As indicated in appendix one, the process of recruitment is divided in five major stages. After application, short listing is done and then the interviews follow. The safety screening checks then follow before the final selection is done.

Usually, the application needs to detail the qualifications as well as specialist expertise that is either required or preferred. The key selection criterion on the other hand underscores the skills, knowledge and personal qualities that are required for an individual to perform the respective job. During short listing, the panel that is responsible for selection asses all the available information in a bid to determine whether the respective candidates qualify for interviews. Usually, great emphasis is placed on the knowledge, skills, desirable or mandatory expertise or specialist expertise. In most cases, the desirable personal qualities are assessed during the interview or through reference checking usually for al individuals that proceed to these stages. The applicants that are short listed are notified accordingly and requested to attend an interview or assessment.

Panels that conduct the interviews in most instances comprise of individuals of different gender. A study undertaken by Cnaan and Goldberg-Glen (1991) found out that usually, applicants are expected to provide proof of identity, qualifications and nationality. The competitive applicants proceed to the safety screening checks where hey undergo various checks before they are selected. Successful candidates are the selected and appointed accordingly.

Figure 1: Recruitment Process of Human Services Professionals

Employment OutlookThe individuals that are employed b the human services department usually have specialized skills that would have attained through previous training or job experience. Individual have a chance to hold various positions in different areas such as correctional facilities, food banks, homelessness, elder care operations, substance abuse programs, residential care , employment services, domestic violence efforts or mental health services (Wittenberg, 2003). The roles and duties are wide and varied and range from helping other individuals to obtain vital services, monitoring or keeping important records, leading or organizing group activities, assisting the clients to master daily survival skills, modeling healthy and acceptable behaviors for clients or residents and so forth.

In most instances, typical human services jobs tend to be paraprofessional. Common positions including childcare workers, in-hole staff and activities coordinators do not need to have extensive education. Paraprofessionals usually constitute a facet of employees that work in collaboration with other professionals such as doctors or psychiatrists. In essence, there are different job titles and depending on the organization, population or setting, titles and duties differ considerably. Irrespective of the inherent differences, each job, role or duty is considered very important because of the significant impact that it has on the life of an individual.

Skills RequiredIndividuals working in this field need to have multiple skills in order to perform optimally. To begin with, they need to be creative and understanding to address emergent challenges. In addition, they need to have the ability to identify and implement interventions accordingly. Then, they need to be conversant with multicultural environments. Further, they need to have the ability to cope with work related stress accordingly.

Education Required

According to the interview with Mrs. Genae Martin, an individual needs to be educated in certain fields and up to a certain level in order to perform optimally in this field of specification. From the interview, one needs to be educated n a certain specialist program and be a holder of a specialist level degree for her or him to successfully enter careers related to being a practitioner or administrator. Besides this, an individual needs to undertake field placement in order to gain first hand skills and have experience in the respective specialized area. With regards to teaching, Mrs. Martin indicated that one has to proceed to a Master program education wise. Then, careers that are related to research and academics require an individual to have a Doctorate degree.

Advantages of the CareerThe field of Human Services has various advantages that make it attractive to the individuals hat enter it. This is further perpetuated by the fact that the government is the key employer of individuals that pursue the field. For this reason, it takes significant efforts to ensure employee satisfaction in a bid to attain a healthier, caring and creative nation. To begin with, the field has various career opportunities that give an individual a chance to make changes whenever possible. The inherent opportunities challenge individuals to improve their skills so that they can explore careers that are more satisfying or rewarding. Seemingly, the structure of the career enables the respective individuals to enjoy professional development too.

This field also has high quality workforce that attain this state of affairs through training and development. This is important because it enables the employees to gain sufficient skills that can help them to maintain portability in the region as well as develop their talents accordingly. The chance to attend seminars and conferences is important because it enables the individuals to enhance their qualifications, performance and build viable social networks that enhance growth and development. The leadership programs that the program provides go a long way in developing or honing the skills of emerging leaders.

With respect to salaries, The US Bureau of labor Statistics (2009) indicates that the field offers a package that is reflective of the skills and knowledge of an individual. This contributes significantly to job satisfaction and allows an individual to main optimal performance. Other benefits such as insurance cover are also useful in enabling an individual to attain the required job satisfaction. The field also allows it employs to strike a balance between their work and life. This is attained through initiatives such as job sharing, part time jobs, additional purchased eaves, home-based work and so forth. Undoubtedly, these are useful in enabling an individual to attain a flexible lifestyle without compromising the quality of his or her performance.

Challenges of the CareerBesides the preceding benefits, there are various challenges in this career that have various implications on the holistic life of the professionals. To begin with, the professionals are required to established distinct boundaries with the individuals that they help once they enter this career. Failure to do this can have devastating effects on the performance of an individual. In addition, individuals that the professional interacts with are from a multicultural background and therefore have different values, lifestyles and beliefs. In some instances, these are dynamic and tend to change considerably. For this reason, it is imperatively important for the professionals to also exercise flexibility and at the same time inform themselves about the various cultures of individuals that they deal with.

According to the University of Liverpool (2010), the statuses of the individuals that need help in some instances make the professionals to judge them on the basis of their health, disability, education, economics, culture or values. This can influence the quality of service rendered by the individuals in different ways. It is important for the professionals to remain non judgmental under all circumstances. In most cases, the individuals that require the human services constitute a significant percentage of the workfare or system. Maneuvering the respective systems can be not only slow but also frustrating.

Career Options in the Field of Human Services

Fundamentally, this field offers various career options that individuals can explore to their advantage. Degreedirectory org (2003) indicates that the professional have a chance to work with the elderly, adults, adolescents and children. They provide them with social services as well as support when they are at risk of drug abuse, illness or homelessness. Usually, the careers are open in either private or governmental social service agencies.

Case Managers or Social Workers

These are responsible for connecting people with important services that can help them to effectively overcome adverse conditions or situation such as age related issues, homelessness, abuse addiction and so forth. They in most cases coordinate the available social services across various agencies as well as service providers. Usually, the entry level in this field requires a bachelor’s degree. However, a significant percentage of the positions require a Master’s degree in Social Work.

Social Service AssistantThese basically help the social workers and case managers. In particular, they may provide important case management support or in some instances run various social service programs including food pantries, adoption services or group homes. For most of these positions, college education is not a requirement.

CounselorThese are responsible for advising and guiding clients in a bid to help them overcome their problems and begin a new life. Usually, ‘entry in this field requires a master’s degree in psychology or counseling. In detail counselors provide mental health therapy, marriage and family therapy, career and vocational counseling and substance abuse counseling.

Childcare WorkerTogether with daycare teachers, these are in charge of educating as well as supervising school aged children outside the school hours and preschool children during school hours. In most instances, they need to have a license and minimal education of high school diploma. However, this partly depends on the number of children that are usually under their supervision. The school teachers may however require a bachelor’s degree or may need to have experience in preschool teaching.

Probation Officer

These are found within the corrections system. Their roles include monitoring and conducting people that have been sentenced to probation after conviction of the crimes that they committed. They ensure that the terms of probation accorded to the respective individuals are strictly followed. In addition, they help their clients to identify viable rehabilitation plans that are instrumental in helping them to avoid re-offending. Relative to these are parole officer who perform similar roles and duties but work with individuals that are released from prison.

Conclusion and RecommendationSummary of FindingsAs it has come out from the study, Human Services is a field that is responsible for providing help to individuals that face different problems. The respective help is aimed at enabling the individuals to overcome their difficulties and live a norm life. Seemingly, the field requires motivation and commitment for one to attain optimal performance by providing quality service. During recruitment, individuals undergo five main stages before they are absorbed in the systems. Besides private agencies, there are a host of government agencies that also provide this service. The advantages of a career in human services revolve around the learning opportunities and professional development that the employers provide, the inherent portability that allows professionals to explores various fields, the compensation package that the individuals are given and so forth.

The challenges in the field on the other hand stem from the inability to establish boundaries with clients, the individual social, cultural and economic influences that undermine effective functioning of an individual. From the study, this field has various careers that include Case Managers, Counselors, Probation Officers, Childcare Workers and social service assistants. Professionals need to have certain skills and knowledge in order to perform effectively. Although each field requires distinct qualifications, these are related and an individual can use similar skills to work in multiple environments.

In conclusion, this field is important an benefits various facets of the society in different ways. If n individual has all the skills, abilities and knowledge, s/he can possibly enjoy working in this field. The field provides endless opportunities for advancing one’s career. The skills and abilities are marketable and needed in almost every part of this nation. Individuals only need to be dedicated towards making a change in the life of those experiencing various problems.

RecommendationsCertainly, an individual that wishes to work in this field of specification needs to be conversant with various issues. Education is of paramount importance because it enhances performance and enables an individual to creatively deal with emergent wide ranging challenge sin the field. Also, it is important for an individual to be motivated to help other individuals overcome their problems. This would be instrumental in enhancing sustainability and ensuring attainment of desirable results. Also, an individual needs to be able to cope with stress and understand the dynamics of the work place. This enhances the wellbeing of both the client and the professional. Most importantly, relevant regulatory bodies should take the initiative of maintaining quality standards to ensure that clients get quality care.

ReferencesCnaan, R. & Goldberg-Glen, R. (1991). Measuring motivation to volunteer in Human services. Journal of Applies Behavioral Science, 27 (3), 269-284.

Degreedirectory.org (2003). What are popular human services careers? Retrieved 24th march 2011 from: HYPERLINK “http://degreedirectory.org/articles/What_are_Popular_Human_Services_Careers.html” http://degreedirectory.org/articles/What_are_Popular_Human_Services_Careers.html

University of Liverpool (2010). Human service worker job description, education and training requirements, career salary, employment, definition and nature of work, how to become a human service worker. Retrieved 24th March, 2011 from: HYPERLINK “http://maxizip.com/2010/12/human-service-worker-job-description-education-and-training-requirements-career-salary-employment-definition-and-nature-work-how-to-become-a-human-service-worker/” http://maxizip.com/2010/12/human-service-worker-job-description-education-and-training-requirements-career-salary-employment-definition-and-nature-work-how-to-become-a-human-service-worker/

US Department of Health and Human Services (2011). HHS Careers. Retrieved 24th March, 2011 from: HYPERLINK “http://www.hhs.gov/careers/” http://www.hhs.gov/careers/

US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009). Occupational outlook handbook. Retrieved 24th March 2011 from: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos059.htm

Tschirhart, M. (2001). Stipended volunteers: Their goals, experiences, satisfaction and likelihood of future service. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 30 (3), 422-443.

Wittenberg, R. (2003). Opportunities in social work careers. Chicago: VGM Career Books.

AppendicesAppendix 1: Sentence Speech OutlineSentence Outline for Speech

Purpose: To analyze the feasibility of a Career in Human services

Length: 5-7 minutes

I. Introduction

A. A career in the human services gives one endless opportunities for persona and professional growth

B. To succeed in this field, one must be strongly motivated to help individuals improve their lives by overcoming difficulties.

C. This presentation covers two major areas:

1. First, there are key factors of working n human services.

2. Second, human service has different careers.

D. The report concludes by appreciating the role of human services and recommending that individuals wishing to pursue the field have a relevant and sound educational background

II. Body

A. There is a five stage recruitment process that tests the knowledge, skills and abilities of the candidate

The candidates undergo security checks before being selected

2. They are required to fulfill all the requirements before they can be considered

3. Different fields require distinct qualifications

4. The common challenge that professionals face is to maintain cultural competence.

B. Human Services careers are several;

1. Case managers or social workers link individuals to available services

2. Social service assistants assist the case managers

3. Counselors offer guidance and direction

4. Childcare workers and teachers offer preschool and after school services

5. Probation officers work in the corrections systems

III. Conclusions and Recommendations

A. The Human services career play an instrumental role in enhancing the quality of life of the populations

B. Individuals looking forward to pursuing this field should have relevant skills and knowledge

C. The skills are attained through education and training

D. There is dire need for regulatory bodies to maintain quality performance

Appendix 2: Interview reportTo:

From:

Date:

Subject: Job information interview with Genae Martin, School Psychologist, Middletown High School

I interviewed Mrs. Genae Martin on Thursday, February 17. Mrs. Martin has been a school psychologist for the past four years. She holds a degree as an educational specialist (Ed. S.) in school psychology. I interviewed Mrs. Martin in order to obtain information and learn more about her occupation. During the interview, we discussed required education, responsibilities, likes and dislikes of the profession, and salary for those wanting to pursue this career path.

Required Education

In order to be a school psychologist you must have a psychologist license in the state you are going to work. In Mrs. Martin’s case, she has a Delaware psychologist license. To obtain a psychologist license, you must have completed one of the following programs:

Specialist-level program

A specialist-level degree is entry level for careers as a practitioner or administrator. Mrs. Martin choice this career path because she was interested in adolescent mental health and not the research side or teaching aspect of psychology; although, she did stress the importance of choosing an educational program that would allow a pathway to obtaining a doctoral at some later time.

Attending school full time for three years will be required if entering the program without a master’s degree. Your last year is spent as an intern on site at a school. You are required to complete twelve-hundred hours during your internship.

Master program

A master’s degree in education is a non specialized degree and is a better degree if you want to go into teaching.

Doctoral program

A doctoral degree is for individuals who are interested in careers dealing with research and academia.

Mrs. Martin completed her internship at Middletown High School in 2006 going on to graduate with a degree as an educational specialist (Ed. S.) in school psychology. Soon after, she applied and received her school psychology license and was hired in 2007 by Middletown High School as their School Psychologist. Mrs. Martin did say continuing education credits are required to maintain your license.

Responsibilities

Mrs. Martin’s main responsibility at Middletown High School as their School Psychologist is to work with the students, families, internal agency staff, and other outside agencies as it relates to the psychological well being of a student. She spends a great deal of time counseling or providing guidance to students who are having problems. There are a number of sessions she will conduct with family members, social workers, probation officers the school nurse, teachers, Wellness Center staff, and other agencies to address the mental well-being of a student. There are a number of times Mrs. Martin has to administer psychiatric tests and analyze the data in order to recommend the right educational program for a student. The position is highly involved in the development and on-going maintenance of Individualized Education Plans (IEP), which tailors an educational program based on a student’s needs. A great deal of writing is required to maintain meeting notes, develop IEP’s, and to correspond via letter form or email.

Likes and Dislikes of Being a School Psychologist

Mrs. Martin truly loves her job and shared more likes than dislikes to being a School Psychologist.

Likes

Working with adolescents and making a difference in their lives

Developing IEP’s and having the ability to revise and revise to the point where they actually make a positive impact on the student

Administering psychiatric tests and analyzing the data

Finding innovative ways to challenge students

Helping a student look at the optimistic side of life when everything seems to be falling apart around them

Pulling all the necessary resources together to assist a student in need

Dislikes

Writing – necessary, but endless

Losing a student due to dropping out of school or suicide

Mrs. Martin summed it up by saying, “In order to really enjoy being a school psychologist you have to have a passion for helping others and be able to handle the emotional roller coaster that comes with working with troubled students.”

Salary

The minimum yearly salary of a school psychologist is $52, 433. Mrs. Martin explained the salary of a new hire is based on their level of experience, which could allow them to make as much as $78,649 a year.

Conclusion

My interview with Mrs. Martin was very enlightening. The educational information and explanation of the different degree programs was extremely helpful. She shared the importance of going into the field for the right reasons, since you’re impacting another person’s well-being. I found Mrs. Martin to be very easy to speak with – I can envision her displaying a calming affect when speaking to a student and showing compassion. Mrs. Martin indicated it can be a very rewarding job for the right person.