HHS 201 DQs Week 1- Week 5

Week 1 Discussion 1 – Barriers to Helping and Receiving

Given the current economic conditions, many American society members are facing tremendous obstacles – both financially and emotionally. They need help. However, there are a multitude of barriers preventing them from accessing the help they need. Discuss the internal and external barriers that prevent people from finding and using human services. choose (2) internal and (2) external to discuss. Why do you think these barriers exist? What are the strategies to overcome them?

Week 1 Discussion 2 – Multicausality

The logical course of action when given a problem to solve is to first find the cause of the problem.  In human services, multicausality complicates this process.  Discuss the core principles of multicausality, and explain how this concept is central to understanding the human service field.  Provide an example of how ignoring multicausality might lead to an inadequate strategy of intervention when attempting to manage a specific problem.  For example:  Prohibition was implemented to curb drinking without an understanding of the complexity of alcohol abuse.  Include at least three of the principles of multicausality in your example to highlight your understanding of this concept.

Week 2 Discussion – Ethical conflicts

1 Because human services work often involves direct client interaction, there are times when the values of the worker differ from those of their clients. In these circumstances, ethical dilemmas tend to arise. Review the case examples and current ethical conflicts presented in Chapter 5 of your textbook. Choose (1) case study and (1) ethical conflict to discuss, and present the dilemmas involved in each case. As a human services professional, how would you handle these situations? How would you balance your values as a professional with a client’s needs?

Week 2 Discussion 2 – Values Skills and Knowledge

To work in the field of human services, individuals must possess a unique blend of personal and professional values, skills, and knowledge. Using Table 4.1 as a reference, provide an overview of the structure and content of the helping relationship. Discuss the characteristics of an effective human service worker in relation to the A.S.K. pyramid, describe how each of these levels of the pyramid are of equal importance in human services, and explain how this differs from other fields.  How would clients be disadvantaged, for example, by an unsympathetic, inflexible, unskilled worker?

Week 3 Discussion 1 – The Social Welfare System
Discuss some of the most significant welfare programs and policies in the American human services system, and describe the impact these programs and policies have made throughout history. Think about the many program that we have for the elderly, the underserved, children, and veterans – what would we do without them? Consider the effectiveness of policies for social security benefits, medical care, and food vouchers. Are the policies successful in providing necessary assistance? Why or why not?

Review the case study on p.177 of your textbook – It’s Not Because We Made Bad Choices. What are your overall thoughts on this case? Does this story represent much of America right now?

Week 3 Discussion 2 – Poverty and Income Stability

Many of the people with whom you will work in the human services field will be economically disadvantaged or near economically disadvantaged. Review the video, The Truth About Poverty In America. Consider your attitudes toward this population and the homeless, and discuss whether you think there is prejudice against the poor.  In light of the high unemployment rates in our country and the current economy, does this seem to be more of a personal issue or a systemic one?  What are some of the reasons for financial instability right now?

Week 4 Discussion 1 – Case Management and Counseling

Regardless of the type of problem a client faces, case managers and counselors share four goals.  Discuss these goals and the ways in which workers build supportive relationships with clients while helping them with their problems.  Consider and describe the most effective aspects of helping relationships, and discuss the impact managed care has had on the scope of availability of case management/counseling services. What has changed, and are these changes for the better?

Week 4 Discussion 2 – Planning effective programs

In the world of human services, planning and implementing programs is a significant aspect of daily responsibility. Assess the role of program planning in this field. What are the basic tools of planning, and what steps are involved in the planning process? What are the benefits of a properly planned program, from the perspective of both the client and the worker? What are the disadvantages of an improperly planned program?

Week 5 Discussion 1 – Implementing Organizational Change

Assess the methods of organizing and changing systems. As human service professionals, what strategies do we use to galvanize positive change? Are changes generally generated from the top down, or from the bottom up? Please provide an example of each to support your answer.  Also, discuss the dilemmas of the change agent – what obstacles do they face?

Week 5 Discussion 2 – Legal Considerations and Burnout
What are the primary legal considerations that every human service worker must be aware of? How do these legalities help to protect us and our clients?

Although many of you may not have experienced job stress or burnout within a human service agency, you may have experienced something similar in another aspect of your life.  Discuss your experiences and how you have coped with stress in the past.  Analyze some of the recommendations for avoiding burnout included in your readings and discuss some that you might want to implement for yourself in the future.