Settings

Settings

The settings that are ideally first encountered should be made at a time when the human service worker has some extra time and not distracted by at her or his competing obligations. Schedule a one (1) hour of uninterrupted time for meeting. Where? The agency has advantages like 1. it involves a clean, safe, private and convenient professional environment. 2. it has access to supplies, forms, and resources. 3. the human service worker is able to introduce other human service workers who may assist with the client. The disadvantages are 1. the human service worker may not be able to assess people and their family members in their own environment and may not establish a clear understanding of the impact of living arrangements. 2. It may be inconvenient of client(s) getting to the office for treatment. 3. There could be increased client anxiety. 4. There could be stigma. 5. The clients are worried about leaving dependents at home.

There are telephone interviews with the advantage of being efficient, but a disadvantage of using the telephone is that the human service worker cannot see the non-verbals and may not really need the service. There are home visits with the advantage of 1. When it is not convenient for the client to come to the office. 2. The client may feel more comfortable and safe and more open to discussion. 3. It allows a greater and accurate sense of household or informal network. The disadvantages could be embarrassment over their home or uncomfortable with a human service worker coming and/or a neighbor comes by and/or there may be multiple distractions.

Case Management/Counseling

In facilitating groups the process and activity that seeks to stimulate and support a more adaptive personal and functional standpoint for the client and human service worker along with social skills of individuals through structured group interactions among other members in the group. The most effective in dealing with domestic violence and battering groups.

Here are some of the other types of groups:

1. There are Group therapy groups that provide a framework for providing and promoting change through group interactions and guiding change.

Still other forms of therapeutic groups are as follows that have therapeutic value and are cost-effective in Human service work.

2. There are Recreation groups that provide entertainment and enjoyment giving social experiences to clients.

3. There are Recreational Skill groups that uses an entertainment setting yet still uses teaching and developing a skill through recreational activities even in learning assertiveness skills.

4. There are also Educational groups to help acquire knowledge and skills that are more complex skills such as driving school skills for clients who may have alcohol issues (DUI or DWI).

5. There are Socialization groups to provide and stimulate a behavioral change. They also improve social group skills with group interactions and will hopefully increase self-confidence and self-motivation.

6. There are Self-help groups to provide and share a common individual/family issue that allow for one (1) specific problem. There are no professional therapists involved and follow the usual 12-step programs for addictions as in AA or NA or even GA.

7. Therapeutic groups provide skilled and professional leadership counseling for inpatient where some emotional and behavioral problems are present.

8. Finally there are encounter groups that assist members to develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills such as marriage encounter groups.

To Be Continued- Next: Group Development