Human Service Agencies An Orientation to Fieldwork

by Alle-Corliss, Lupe A.; Alle-Corliss, Randall M.

• ISBN13: 9780534516109
• ISBN10: 0534516106
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-07-26
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

Make the most of your agency experience with HUMAN SERVICE AGENCIES: AN ORIENTATION TO FIELDWORK! This practical and personal guide introduces you to the real-world issues of agency settings and helps you obtain the skills you need to become an effective helper. Case examples give you exposure to a variety of settings, client populations, and ethical and legal issues and user-friendly, hands-on exercises provide you with numerous opportunities to apply your knowledge and experience.

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
About the Authors	xvii
Our Background and Experiences	xix
Introduction to Fieldwork in Human Services	1	(39)
Aim of the Chapter	1	(1)
Human Services Defined	1	(2)
Human Service Workers	3	(10)
Roles	5	(4)
Mental Health Professionals	9	(1)
Characteristics of Competent Practitioners	9	(1)
Some Primary Characteristics of Human Service Workers	9	(4)
The Importance of Values	13	(11)
Values Defined	14	(2)
The Role of Values in Work with Clients	16	(1)
Value Conflicts	17	(1)
Family Issues	17	(1)
Gender Roles	18	(1)
Religion	18	(1)
Abortion	18	(1)
Sexuality	18	(1)
Sexual Orientation	19	(1)
AIDS	19	(1)
Cultural and Racial Identity	19	(1)
Conflicts Between Worker and Agency	20	(1)
The Challenge of Value Awareness	20	(1)
Barriers	20	(1)
Cultural Experience	21	(1)
Manifestation of Values	21	(1)
To Expose Rather Than Impose	21	(2)
Value Assessment	23	(1)
Personal Values Examination	23	(1)
Identification with Professional Values	24	(1)
Self-Awareness	24	(16)
The Importance of Self-Awareness	24	(5)
Unfinished Business and Family of Origin	29	(1)
Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance	29	(1)
The Impact of Early Development on the Individual Helper	30	(1)
Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Theory of Human Development	30	(1)
The Role of Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions in Self-Awareness	30	(4)
Examples of Feelings	34	(1)
Understanding Our Motivations for Becoming Helpers	35	(5)
Agency Systems and Policies	40	(25)
Aim of the Chapter	40	(1)
Understanding Your Social Service Agency	40	(9)
Bureaucracies	40	(3)
Organizations Defined	43	(1)
Characteristics and Functions of Human Service Organizations	44	(2)
Organizational Classifications	46	(1)
Understanding the Background Information of Your Agency	47	(2)
Systems Theory	49	(4)
Eco-Maps	50	(3)
Agency Policies and Practices	53	(12)
Formal Organization	53	(1)
Informal Agency Structure	54	(3)
Cases in Point	57	(1)
Sexual Harassment and Formal Organizational Policy	57	(2)
Institutional Discrimination and Informal Agency Norms	59	(6)
How to Make the Most of Your Agency Experience	65	(59)
Aim of the Chapter	65	(1)
Fieldwork	65	(2)
The Value of Fieldwork	65	(1)
Take Fieldwork Seriously	66	(1)
Taking an Active Stance	67	(15)
Effective Communication	68	(1)
Active Listening	69	(1)
Nonverbal Language	70	(3)
Multicultural and Gender Issues and Communication	73	(1)
Multicultural Differences	74	(1)
Gender Differences	75	(1)
The Value of Assertiveness	75	(1)
What Is Assertiveness?	76	(1)
Assertive, Nonassertive, and Aggressive Behavior	77	(3)
Effective Time Management	80	(1)
Journaling and Process Recordings	80	(1)
Journaling	80	(1)
Process Recordings	81	(1)
Supervision	82	(10)
The Importance of Supervision	82	(1)
Supervisory Roles and Responsibilities	82	(1)
Functions of Supervisors	83	(1)
Supervisory Responsibilities	84	(2)
Approaches and Styles of Supervision	86	(1)
Aspects of the Supervisory Relationship	86	(1)
Effective Involvement in Supervision	87	(1)
Be Clear About What You Expect	87	(1)
Be Assertive About Your Learning	88	(1)
Take Advantage of Your Role as Learner	88	(1)
A Certain Amount of Anxiety Is Appropriate	89	(1)
Take an Active Stance	89	(1)
Evaluation and Termination Process	90	(1)
Challenges in Supervisory Relationships	91	(1)
Pathways to a Human Service Position	92	(3)
Pursuing an Excellent Fieldwork Experience	92	(1)
Obtaining a Community Position	92	(1)
Returning to Your Fieldwork Placement to Begin Your Career	93	(1)
Obtaining a Position Through Fieldwork Experience and Contacts	93	(2)
The Helping Process
Aim of the Chapter	95	(1)
Helping	95	(5)
Definition and Dimensions	95	(1)
Dimensions of Helping	95	(1)
Preconditions for Helping	96	(1)
Essential Helping Characteristics	97	(1)
Appropriate Self-Disclosure	97	(1)
Intentionality	98	(1)
Establishing Helping Relationships	98	(1)
The Importance of Rapport and Trust	99	(1)
The Process	100	(1)
Therapeutic Factors	100	(1)
Approaches to Working in Human Services	100	(3)
``Micro'' Practice	100	(1)
``Mezzo'' Practice	101	(1)
Working with Families	101	(1)
Group Work	101	(1)
``Macro'' Practice	102	(1)
Effective Helping Approaches	103	(6)
The TFA Model	103	(1)
The Biopsychosocial Approach	104	(1)
Biological Systems	105	(1)
Psychological or Emotional Systems	105	(1)
Societal Systems	105	(1)
The Strengths Perspective	106	(1)
Assessment of Client's Strengths	107	(1)
Use of the Strengths Perspective in Goal Setting and Intervention	108	(1)
An Overview of Helping Models	109	(1)
An Integrated Approach: The Agate Model	110	(12)
Assessment of Strengths and Concerns	110	(1)
Developing a Helping Relationship	110	(1)
Structuring the Interview	111	(1)
Determining Areas of Concern	111	(1)
Client Strengths	112	(1)
Client's History	112	(1)
Sources of Information	113	(1)
Use of Lazarus's BASIC I.D.	113	(1)
Knowledge Needed in Making an Assessment	113	(1)
Assessment Outlines and Forms	113	(1)
Goal Setting: Reorienting, Shaping, and Prioritizing	113	(1)
Reorienting Clients to the Helping Process	114	(1)
Explaining General Benefits and Risks	114	(1)
Shaping Goals	114	(1)
Prioritizing	115	(1)
Examining the Consequences of Goal Attainment	115	(1)
Establishing a Contract	115	(1)
Action: Planning and Intervention	116	(1)
Identification of Existing Resources and Support	116	(1)
Procedures for Goal Implementation	116	(2)
Indications of Potential Difficulties	118	(1)
Encouraging Active Participation	118	(1)
Termination: Evaluation, Review, and Ending	119	(1)
The Evaluation Process	119	(1)
Review of the Process	120	(1)
Ending	120	(1)
Examination of the Process, Self, and Follow-Up	121	(1)
Self-Evaluation	121	(1)
Follow-Up	121	(1)
Summary of the AGATE Model	122	(1)
Develop Your Own Style and Approach	122	(2)
The Diversity of Human Services	124	(30)
Aim of the Chapter	124	(1)
Views of Diversity	124	(8)
Important Concepts	125	(1)
Ethnicity	125	(1)
Ethnocentrism	125	(1)
Culture	125	(1)
Cultural Tunnel Vision	126	(1)
Cultural Pluralism	126	(1)
Cultural Competence	126	(1)
Culturally Biased Assumptions	127	(1)
Characteristics of Culturally Skilled Helpers	127	(1)
A Broader Definition of Diversity	128	(1)
Elements of Diversity	128	(1)
Diversification	129	(1)
Diversity within the Profession	130	(1)
Impact on Human Services	131	(1)
Diversity: The Need for Self-Awareness	132	(5)
Resistance to Diversity	134	(1)
Avoidant Behavior	134	(1)
``Color Blindness''	134	(1)
The ``One for All'' Approach	134	(1)
The Egocentric Style	135	(1)
The ``Learned Helplessness'' Viewpoint	135	(1)
Blaming Society	135	(1)
Awareness of Belief Systems	136	(1)
Developing A Solid Knowledge Base	137	(13)
Understanding Worldviews	140	(1)
Oppression	140	(1)
Development of Group Identity	141	(1)
Cultural Assessments	142	(1)
Assessing One's Knowledge Base	142	(1)
Ethnography	143	(1)
Learning as an Ongoing Process	143	(1)
Skill Application	144	(1)
Competencies	145	(1)
Effective Communication	146	(2)
Alternative Approaches to Helping	148	(1)
Practical Suggestions	149	(1)
Diversity in Agencies	150	(4)
Barriers	150	(1)
Working in the Community	151	(1)
The Risk of Encapsulation	151	(3)
Ethical and Legal Issues	154	(61)
Aim of the Chapter	154	(1)
Ethical Decision Making	154	(5)
Dimensions of Ethical Decision Making	155	(1)
Principle Ethics and Virtue Ethics	155	(1)
Ethical Dilemmas	156	(1)
Ethical Decision-Making Models	156	(2)
How to Handle Unethical Behavior	158	(1)
Unethical Behavior in Oneself	158	(1)
Unethical Behavior in Others	158	(1)
Informed Consent	159	(4)
Aspects of Informed Consent	160	(1)
Informing the Client about Your Role, Qualifications, and Experience	160	(1)
Informing Clients about Services	160	(1)
Giving Information about Goals, Limitations, and Potential Risks of Treatment	160	(1)
Clear Information about Confidentiality	161	(1)
Sharing Exceptions to Confidentiality	161	(1)
The Requirement of Written Consent to Release Records or Information	161	(1)
Clients Right to Obtain Case Records	162	(1)
Allowing Clients to Participate in the Treatment Plan	162	(1)
Clients Right to Refuse any Recommended Services	162	(1)
Benefits of Informed Consent	163	(1)
Establishment of Trust	163	(1)
Discovery of Possible Problem Areas	163	(1)
Agency Responses to Informed Consent	163	(1)
Confidentiality	163	(29)
Release of Information	164	(1)
Safeguarding Records	164	(1)
Sharing Information with Colleagues	165	(1)
Breach of Confidentiality	166	(1)
Exceptions to Confidentiality	166	(1)
Privileged Communication	167	(1)
Technology and Issues of Privacy	168	(3)
Supervision and Consultation	171	(1)
Child Abuse	172	(6)
Elder Abuse	178	(1)
Helpful Interventions	179	(1)
Abuse of Dependent Adults	180	(1)
Suicide	181	(6)
Homicidal Behavior	187	(4)
Gravely Disabled Individuals	191	(1)
Legal Proceedings	191	(1)
Special Ethical Issues	192	(23)
Emotional Abuse	192	(1)
Spousal/Partner Abuse or ``Intimate Partner Violence''	193	(3)
Patterns	196	(1)
The Cycle of Violence	196	(1)
Predictive Factors	196	(2)
Reporting Responsibilities	198	(1)
Treatment for the Battered Woman	199	(1)
Treatment for the Batterer	200	(1)
Treatment for Children	200	(1)
AIDS	201	(1)
Risk Factors	202	(1)
The Plight of People Infected with HIV	202	(1)
Role of Human Service Professionals	203	(1)
Ethical and Legal Issues	203	(2)
Ethnic-Sensitive Practice: A Multicultural Perspective	205	(1)
An Integrated Approach	205	(2)
Ethical Issues Related to Culture and Ethnicity	207	(1)
Ethical Standards of Human Service Workers	207	(3)
Dual Relationships	210	(5)
The Challenges of Working in Human Services	215	(30)
Aim of the Chapter	215	(1)
Personal Challenges	215	(20)
Fears Associated with Being a Student	215	(1)
Challenges Faced by Beginning Professionals	216	(2)
Balancing Family Life and Career	218	(1)
Keeping Personal and Work Issues Separate	219	(1)
Caretaking and Rescuing	220	(1)
Wanting to Be Liked	221	(1)
Transference and Countertransference	222	(1)
Transference	222	(1)
Examples of Transference	223	(1)
Countertransference	224	(1)
The Identification Process	225	(1)
Positive and Negative Countertransference	225	(2)
Resistance	227	(1)
Reasons for Resistance	227	(6)
Difficult Clients	233	(1)
Examples of Difficult Clients	233	(2)
Organizational Challenges	235	(5)
Understanding the Organization	235	(1)
Fitting in	235	(1)
Working with Other Organizations	236	(1)
Organizational Limitations	237	(2)
Change in Organizational Life	239	(1)
Environmental Challenges	240	(3)
Fiscal Realities	240	(1)
Political Realities	241	(1)
New Technology	241	(1)
Impact of the Internet on Human Services	242	(1)
Coping Strategies	243	(2)
Open Communication	243	(1)
Flexibility and Patience	244	(1)
Avoiding Negativity	244	(1)
Interpersonal and Professional Relationships	245	(22)
Aim of the Chapter	245	(1)
Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution	245	(6)
Effective Communication Skills	246	(3)
Conflict Resolution Skills	249	(1)
Types of Conflict	249	(1)
Approaches to Conflict	250	(1)
Personal Relationships	251	(5)
The Effect of Helping Roles on Personal Life	252	(1)
Impact on the Family	253	(1)
Intimate Relationships	253	(2)
Impact on Family Members	255	(1)
Relationships with Colleagues	256	(3)
Benefits	256	(1)
Creating a Supportive and Cohesive Environment	256	(1)
Creating Alliances and Friendships	257	(1)
Problems with Colleagues	257	(1)
Assertive Communication and Conflict Resolution with Colleagues	258	(1)
Relationships With Administrators	259	(2)
Conflict and the Role of Administrators	259	(1)
Assertiveness and Conflict Resolution in Relationships with Administrators	260	(1)
Relationships With Agency Staff	261	(1)
Professional Relationships in the Community	262	(3)
Collaborating with Professionals from Other Disciplines	262	(1)
Representing the Agency and the Profession	263	(1)
Community Change	264	(1)
Consultation in the Community	264	(1)
Cultivating Positive Relationships in the Community	265	(1)
Considering Culture	265	(2)
Keeping Alive in Agency Settings	267	(20)
Aim of the Chapter	267	(1)
Advantages of Working in Agencies	267	(3)
Interaction with Others and Opportunity for Teamwork	267	(2)
An Introspective Profession	269	(1)
Major Sources of Stress	270	(5)
Coping with Overwhelming Feelings	270	(1)
Working with Difficult Clients	271	(1)
Hostile Coworkers	271	(1)
Self-Imposed Limitations	271	(1)
Documentation and Paperwork	271	(1)
Record Keeping	272	(1)
For Statistical Purposes	272	(1)
For Ethical Purposes	272	(1)
Documentation for Legal Reasons	273	(1)
Maintaining a Positive Attitude Toward Paperwork	273	(1)
Budget Cuts, Realignment, and Layoffs	274	(1)
Burnout	275	(12)
Burnout Defined	276	(1)
Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Traumatization	276	(1)
Symptoms of Burnout	276	(1)
Behavioral	276	(1)
Physical	276	(1)
Interpersonal/Relational/Social	277	(1)
Emotional/Attitudinal	277	(1)
Intellectual	277	(1)
Spiritual	277	(1)
Stages of Burnout	278	(1)
Causes of Burnout	278	(3)
The Impact of Stress and Burnout	281	(1)
Prevention and Intervention	281	(6)
Epilogue	287	(2)
Appendix A	289	(2)
Appendix B	291	(4)
Appendix C	295	(2)
References	297	(10)
Index	307