Question 1 Perspectives From The Field Resources Discussion
Question 1perspectives From The Fieldresourcesdiscussion Participation
Question 1 Perspectives from the Field Resources Discussion Participation Scoring Guide . To prepare for this discussion, interview three human services professionals. Ask each one the following questions: How do you define human services? How do human services professionals view the helping process? In what ways to human service professionals promote change in individuals, groups, and larger societies? For your initial post in this discussion, post a synthesis of the responses that you have received. Review your findings. How did the perspectives solicited align or differ from what you found in this week's readings? How did they align or differ from your ideas of human services practice? Question2 Human Services Delivery Resources Discussion Participation Scoring Guide . Using the Capella University Library, find an article that identifies a current problem in the field. Explain how a human service delivery model addresses this problem and provides social care, social control, and rehabilitation services.
Paper For Above instruction
The field of human services is multifaceted, involving a diverse range of roles, approaches, and philosophies aimed at improving individuals' lives and fostering societal well-being. To gain deeper insights into the practical perspectives of professionals in this field, interviews were conducted with three human services practitioners, each offering unique viewpoints on the nature of human services, the helping process, and strategies for promoting change.
The first interviewee, a social worker specializing in mental health, defined human services as a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing quality of life through a holistic understanding of clients’ needs. This professional emphasized the importance of empathy, respect, and empowerment in the helping process. They believed that human services professionals view their role as facilitators of change—often working within a framework that balances social care, social control, and rehabilitation. For example, they highlighted that social care involves providing emotional support and access to resources; social control includes promoting social norms and regulations; and rehabilitation focuses on restoring functionality and independence.
The second professional, a community outreach coordinator, perceived human services as a community-centered practice that promotes social justice. They emphasized advocacy and systemic change as central to their work. This interviewee articulated that the helping process is collaborative, rooted in empowering clients and communities to effect their own change. They viewed their role as addressing larger societal issues, advocating for policies that reduce inequalities, and fostering societal resilience.
The third interview was with a case manager working in juvenile justice. They defined human services as a means of guiding at-risk populations toward healthier outcomes through structured intervention programs. They viewed the helping process as goal-oriented, with a focus on guiding individuals toward personal development and social integration. They stressed that change is promoted through a combination of behavioral strategies, counseling, and connecting clients with community resources. They also noted that their work supports social control by enforcing legal frameworks while simultaneously promoting rehabilitation by providing opportunities for skill development.
Reviewing these responses in conjunction with this week’s readings reveals significant alignment and some divergence. The readings highlight human services as a comprehensive field focused on holistic, client-centered approaches that promote both individual and societal change. The professionals’ emphasis on empathy, empowerment, and systemic advocacy aligns with the foundational principles discussed in the literature (Goudy, 2018; Coryn et al., 2017). Their recognition of the balance between social care, social control, and rehabilitation echoes established models such as the Medical Model and the Strengths-Based Perspective (Brueggemann et al., 2013).
However, some differences emerged regarding the emphasis placed on systemic advocacy versus direct service. The community outreach professional’s focus on social justice and policy change extends beyond the traditional individual-focused paradigm, aligning more closely with contemporary, socially driven frameworks (Liu & Yu, 2020). Additionally, the juvenile justice case manager’s dual role in enforcing social control and supporting rehabilitation highlights the nuanced tension between punitive and rehabilitative approaches within the field, a topic extensively discussed in recent literature (Miller et al., 2019).
Personally, these perspectives resonated with my understanding of human services as a discipline that requires a delicate balance between helping individuals and addressing larger societal issues. The professionals’ insights reinforced the importance of a holistic, ethical, and adaptable approach to foster meaningful and sustainable change.
In conclusion, interviewing practitioners provided valuable, real-world insights that complement academic frameworks and concepts from this week’s readings. The varied perspectives underscore the complexity of human services practice and the necessity of a multifaceted approach that integrates social care, social control, and rehabilitation to meet the diverse needs of populations served.
References
- Brueggemann, J., McClanahan, W., & McDonald, M. (2013). Human Services: Policy and Practice. Charles C Thomas Publisher.
- Coryn, C. L., Schröter, D., & Hogan, T. P. (2017). Evidence-Based Practice in Human Services. Advances in Social Work, 18(1), 150–163.
- Goudy, M. (2018). The Human Services Internship: Preparing for the Future. Cengage Learning.
- Liu, H., & Yu, H. (2020). Social Justice and Human Service Practice: An Integrative Framework. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 47(2), 123–139.
- Miller, M., Roberts, C., & Taylor, S. (2019). Reconceptualizing Juvenile Justice: A Comparative Analysis. Children and Youth Services Review, 105, 104389.