Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Ethics Education In Human Services: Course Context And Teaching Activities, Linda Wark, Tammi Dice, Shoshana Kerewsky, Tricia Hudson

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Ethical choices are a cornerstone of effective human services practice. Human services professionals are expected to adhere to ethical standards, but little is written on the teaching strategies that ready students for ethical practice with clients. This article meets the need for such literature by addressing the teaching context that influences student learning in human services courses and presenting four teaching activities. Future directions and suggestions for research to examine the effectiveness of these activities are offered.

Human Services Students Preferences For Master's Level Training, Tammi F. Dice, Mark C. Rehfuss

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Human Services students close to graduation are seeking employment in the field, but many are also considering their future career paths and the training needed to reach their long-term career goals. Knowing if bachelor's level students desire graduate degrees, which focus they prefer, and how they would like to pursue the degrees may contribute to the decision-making of educators, employers, and students. This exploratory study, therefore, examined human services students' preferences for master's level training. Students' responses reflected preferences for several types of master's programs, direct acceptance, and online delivery. These themes and their implications for educators, employers, and students …

Human Service Students' And Professionals' Knowledge And Experiences Of Interprofessionalism: Implications For Education, Kaprea F. Johnson, Narketta Sparkman-Key, Michael T. Kalkbrenner

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Interprofessionalism is an approach to delivering optimal client care in which providers from multiple professions work collaboratively on care teams. Human Service Professionals (HSPs) are generalists who frequently work together with professionals in related fields. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which HSPs and helping professionals in related fields have engaged in interprofessional experiences. Researchers also investigated the impact that having previous interprofessional experiences had on participants' perceptions of interprofessionalism. Results revealed that professionals and students who had previous interprofessional experiences were significantly more likely to have positive perceptions about interprofessional cooperation. However, results also …

Creating An Interdisciplinary Human Services Program, Nicole Kras

Publications and Research

The field of human services is interdisciplinary in nature. Creating an interdisciplinary human services program provides college faculty the opportunity to present students with a variety of perspectives and encourages them to make meaningful connections between disciplines. This case example provides an illustration of how a small college created an interdisciplinary human services program.

Inclusion Of "Human Service Professional" In The Standard Classification Occupation System, Narketta Sparkman-Key, Edward S. Neukrug

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The human services field has continued to grow, and today, it is considered one of the major social services professions. Despite its establishment, the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) continues to exclude the term “human service professional” from its classification system. This manuscript encourages advocacy for such inclusion.

Gaining Understanding Of Human Services Professionals: A Survey Of Nohs Membership, Narketta Sparkman-Key, Alyssa Reiter

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Through a survey of the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS), this article examines the demographics, credentials, and interest in becoming involved in the human services profession as well as in advocacy efforts for human services issues. It is hoped that the findings will be used to further define the nature of the human services professional, to expand recruitment efforts by NOHS, to assist in conference planning, and to help define curriculum standards within human services accreditation.

Applying John Dewey's Theory Of Education To Infuse Experiential Learning In An Introduction To Human Services Course, Michael T. Kalkbrenner, Radha J. Horton-Parker

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Teaching an introductory human services course is challenging, as educators must provide an overview of effective practice in a highly diverse field. Researchers conducted a review of all of the prior editions of the Journal of Human Services (JHS) to identify previous research on experiential learning strategies in human services education. This brief note examines the pedagogical practice of experiential learning and the application of John Dewey's theory for successfully training students in an Introduction to Human Services course.

E-Advocacy In Human Services, Lauri Goldkind

Social Service Faculty Publications

E-advocacy, or the constellation of electronic tools used for policy advocacy, offer cost-effective approaches for engaging constituents to create social change. Providers of human services may face challenges when trying to implement these tools. While many electronic tools have low barriers for entry, other factors may inhibit their use in agencies. This article explores the organizational characteristics related to the use of electronic advocacy strategies. Based on a survey of nonprofit executives, the study uses path modeling to describe the connections between organizational characteristics and the use of electronic advocacy tools. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Analyzing Health Education Training Of Human Services Students, Christine W. Thorpe

Publications and Research

Human services programs across the country are charged with training students to address social problems of individuals and families through delivering services that enhance the standard of living of all people. The coursework generally offered in accredited human services programs are within the framework of mental health and social work, yet human services workers play a critical role in health care delivery and need to convey good health practices to the clients they serve. Hence the need for human services students to have coursework in health education to develop their skills in addressing client health behavior. The purpose of this …

Secondary Traumatic Stress And The Role Of The Human Service Practitioner: Working Effectively With Veterans' Families, Laurie M. Craigen, Ione Paiva, Kathleen Levingston

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Posttraumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) is an increasing mental health concern in the military veteran population. It is important to note that PTSD is a systemic diagnosis, meaning that the well-being and emotional health of family members is impacted by living with a veteran suffering from PTSD. Some family members may develop secondary traumatic stress (STS) symptoms. This manuscript will describe secondary traumatic stress and will explore the role of the human service practitioner in working with family members with STS. Future research in this area will also be explored.

Compassion Fatigue In Human Service Practitioners, Rebekah F. Cole, Laurie Craigen, Rebecca G. Cowan

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Increasing rates of compassion fatigue among human service practitioners (HSPs) have wide ranging consequences for the practitioner, the client, and the field of human services. In addition to high turnover rates or the HSP's early departure from the field, compassion fatigue can also cause serious harm to the client as well as the client/helper relationship. This manuscript will address the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, the risk and protective factors associated with the development or prevention of compassion fatigue, and the importance of selfcare for HSPs.

The Human Services--Board Certified Practitioner: A Review Of The Current State, Narketta M. Sparkman, Tamikia Lott

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The Human Services--Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) is the only credential of its kind to govern the field of human services. There is no recent literature on its growth, impact, or status over the last six years. It is beneficial for human service practitioners to remain up-to-date on the credential in order to make decisions on becoming credentialed and achieving the benefits of being credentialed. This brief report gives an update on the current state of the credential in terms of growth and development. This information provides an update to the key components of the exam and requirements for eligibility. Growth …

Perceptions Of The Hs-Bcp Credential: A Survey Of Human Service Professionals, Narketta M. Sparkman, Edward S. Neukrug

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

With the Human Services Board Certified Practitioner credential (HS-BCP) being a few years old, this article sought to obtain the current perception it by members of the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS). A survey of NOHS members suggests that respondents overwhelmingly heard of the credential, that 42% had obtained the credential, and that a large number who were not credentialed indicated a desire to obtain it. Perceived awareness of employers was also obtained from NOHS members, as well as differences as a function of demographics and the perceived value of the credential. In addition, respondents expressed their views regarding …

The Value And Importance Of International Service Learning Programs: A Model For Human Service Education, Laurie M. Craigen, Narketta M. Sparkman

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Given our growing globalized society, students are studying abroad at increasing rates. While different formats of study abroad programs exist, there is a surge in the number of short-term international service learning programs. This manuscript defines service learning and discusses the benefits of international service learning programs, specifically for human service students. The manuscript will conclude with a model of a successful study abroad program in San Jose, Costa Rica for undergraduate human service students led by two faculty members.

Uplifting: Improvements In Boston Area Client Well-Being, Ryan Kling, Lisa Kalimon, Tanya Stepasiuk, Bukola Usidame, Ryan Mclane, Ryan Whalen, Ana Maria Sanchez, Michael P. Johnson Jr.

Public Policy Practicum Projects

LIFT-Boston, a local non-profit organization, entered into a collaborative partnership in September 2012 with McCormack Graduate School Public Policy Ph.D. students and faculty to develop and execute a research project. The goals of this endeavor were to assist LIFT-Boston in understanding the outcomes associated with its services and enable the organization to further pursue service goals.

The primary research questions respond to the organization’s most fundamental questions. These include how the organization’s unique service model impacts clients across several objective and subjective dimensions of well-being. Secondary questions focus on how these impacts may translate into increases or decreases in student …

Online Relationships And The Role Of The Human Service Practitioner, Laurie M. Craigen, Rebekah F. Cole, Rebecca G. Cowan

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Online relationships are an increasing phenomenon in our contemporary society. While many individuals experience successful online relationships, there are clear physical, emotional, and financial risks to meeting a partner online. This manuscript addresses the nature of online relationships and the potential consequences of engaging in an online relationship. Given the large number of individuals who seek out the internet for a potential partner, human service practitioners are in an ideal position to work with clients engaging in relationships online. This manuscript also discusses different strategies and interventions that human service practitioners can employ when working with clients involved in online …

Distance Supervision In Human Services, Robert M. Carlisle, Kristy Carlisle, Andrea J. Kirk-Jenkins, Tara Hill, Gina B. Polychronopoulos

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

As the use of technology increases, there are more opportunities for students and human service professionals to participate in education and supervision remotely. Distance supervision has become increasingly popular in the field of human services, providing educators and practitioners with new methods of professional communication. However, the use of technology in supervision also poses unique challenges for human service professionals and requires additional ethical considerations. The following will address the above points as well as review both asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods for distance learning supervision and their utility for providing supervision in the field of human services.

The Importance Of Advocacy And Advocacy Competencies In Human Service Professions, Kevin C. Snow

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Experts have highlighted advocacy as an essential component of human service practice. Several human service oriented organizations, like the National Organization for Human Services, have required helping professionals to incorporate advocacy into clinical practice. Despite this emphasis, some practitioners do not understand, endorse, or incorporate advocacy into their daily work. This paper defines advocacy for human service and related helping professions, explores one set of advocacy competencies applicable to this work, and discusses how advocacy enters the daily practice and leadership areas of human service practitioners.

Reflections On The Impact Of Service-Learning/Experiential Education For The Field Of Human Services, Teresa Brooks Taylor, Jamie Branam Kridler

ETSU Faculty Works

This article will address the importance of a holistic approach for human services by exploring the concept of community and utilizing service-learning/experiential education in human service courses. ACCESS (Achievement, Collaboration, Community, Education, Standards, and Services) will be covered by illustrating how service-learning/experiential education is a great pedagogy for collaborative partnerships between the university, community, students and faculty. Important elements of service learning/experiential education will be reviewed to provide a better understanding of the concepts. Reflections of the service experience will be included from students, community agency and faculty. Survey results will be utilized to demonstrate how service-learning/experiential education helps students …

Reflections On The Impact Of Service-Learning/Experiential Education For The Field Of Human Services, Teresa Brooks Taylor, Jamie Branam Kridler

ETSU Faculty Works

The article addresses the importance of a holistic approach to human services by exploring the concept of community through utilizing service-learning/experiential education in human service courses. ACCESS (Achievement, Collaboration, Community, Education, Standards, and Services) illustrates that service learning/experiential education can offer a viable pedagogy for collaborative partnerships between the university, community, students, and faculty. The article reviews important elements of service-learning/experiential education to provide a thorough understanding of the concepts, including reflection on the service experience from students, community agencies, and faculty. Survey results demonstrate ways in which service learning/experiential education aids students in achieving skills and in acquiring a …

Technological Innovations For The Human Service Profession, Tara M. Hill, Cassandra Pusateri, Erik Braun, Mueni "Joy" Maweu

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Many professions are incorporating innovative and affordable technologies such as smart phones, wireless Internet, gaming systems in which the only controller is the human body, and countless software programs and applications to improve efficiency, increase access, and promote themselves. The human service profession is also making strides to utilize new and existing technological mediums in original and creative ways. The article presents ideas for the use of innovative technological approaches in the training of human services students, the dissemination of services to consumers, supervision of human service students and professions, and the everyday operations of human service agencies. The limitations …

The Use Of Empathy In Human Services: Strategies For Diverse Professional Roles, Hannah B. Bayne, Cassandra Pusateri, Lashauna Dean-Nganga

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Human service professionals must manage a variety of roles and responsibilities in order to meet individual, group, and community needs. Managing these roles often necessitates the use of empathy in order to correctly understand issues, build trusting relationships, and meet the needs of client populations. This article presents a brief overview of empathy and applies it to the human service roles of direct service worker, advocate, administrator, and evaluator. In each professional role, examples are provided of how empathy can help human service workers achieve optimal outcomes. Implications for human services training and professional development are also provided.

Assessing The Effectiveness Of A Self-Injury Treatment Pilot Training Program, Laurie Craigen, Danica Hays

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

With an increasing number of young adults who self-injure, there is a clear need for human service professionals to be adequately trained. Using a concurrent mixed methodological design, this study examined the changes in knowledge, awareness, and skills at the conclusion of a pilot training program for 79 counselor and human service professional trainees. Results indicated that knowledge, awareness and skills of human service professionals and counselor trainees improved significantly after the training. Implications for training and future research are provided. Within the conclusion of the manuscript, the researchers discuss implications for training and future research.

An Introduction To The Special Section On Professional Standards In Human Services, Tammi F. Milliken, Edward S. Neukrug

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics related to human services including accreditation, code of ethics, and assessment tool.

Who Or Whom? A Program Innovation To Improve The Writing Skills Of Human Service Students, Jill C. Dustin, Laurie Craigen, Tammi Milliken

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Writing is perhaps one of the most essential skills of the human service practitioner. However, many human service students lack the writing skills required to perform the necessary duties of their profession. This article describes an innovative initiative designed to strengthen the writing skills of students enrolled in a baccalaureate-level human services program.

The Growth Of Nonprofit Accounting And It's Impact On Human Services, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Changes in nonprofit accounting standards and practices have spearheaded a quiet revolution in financial management practice in social agencies and the delivery of human services during the past three decades. These changes have gone hand-in-glove with other changes in the political arena to dramatically transform the ways in which human services are organized and delivered. At the core of this transition has been the movement from fund to enterprise accounting, together with such larger political developments as the expansion of grant-based relations with government into the performance management environment of purchase of service contracting.

Human Services Data Standards: Current Progress And Future Vision In Crisis Response, Nancy C. Shank, Brian Sokol, Michelle L. Hayes, Christina Vetrano

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Interorganizational coordination is crucial among human services providers responsible for responding to both personal and widespread crises. Too often, however, agencies providing disaster relief, shelter, and connection to other social service systems operate in information silos. Moreover, organizations that assist the same people may be duplicating services or ineffectively providing services to those in need. In the past, there has been no easy way for human service organizations to share information about clients, resources, and services. Over the last decade, distinct initiatives have begun to standardize data collection, storage, and transmission standards within human service domains. This paper describes several …

Encyclopedia Of Disasters: Environmental Catastrophes And Human Tragedies (Review), Sue Polanka

University Libraries' Staff Publications

This article is a book review of "Encyclopedia of Disasters: Environmental Catastrophes and Human Tragedies" by Angus M. Gunn.

Silverwire, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

The Silverwire Newsletter is a publication that highlights the work of the UMaine Center on Aging. The topics covered in this edition of the Silverware Newsletter include the plans of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services to visit Maine, new grants and filled positions, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Summit for Grand families, the Legal Colloquium, and older adult alcohol abuse needs, resources, and readiness assessment analysis.

Multiple Roles Of A Rural Administrator, Roger A. Lohmann, Nancy Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Basic administrative procedures are similar in rural and urban areas. Even so, rural human service administrators are often not prepared for the many roles they must assume in small and underfunded rural agencies. The roles may include personnel director, budget officer, accountant, fundraiser, supervisor, building and maintenance supervisor, volunteer coordinator, group developer, community organizer, public educator, policy analyst, and director of public relations and marketing.