why join the helping field
Why enter the helping field
Tiffany Reinzan
Introduction to Human Services
09/22/2014
University of Phoenix
Those working in human service have specialized training, whether earned through school or on the job, as a helping professional. You could hold a variety of positions, whether in residential care, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and food banks, substance abuse programs, organizations dedicated to children and families, poverty and employment services, child and elder care operations, mental health agencies and domestic violence efforts. Your role may include helping others obtain services, monitoring and keeping records, organizing or leading group activities, assisting clients in mastering everyday living skills and modeling healthy behaviors for residents or clients. For people like Amy and her coworkers, the possibilities and opportunities are endless.
Most human services jobs are paraprofessional, meaning not clinical or medical. Common positions, such as childcare workers, activities coordinators and in-home staff, don't require years of extensive education. Often, paraprofessionals are part of a team that includes professional social workers, psychiatrists or doctors
Despite the rewards, there are real challenges for those working in human services. When you enter the field, there is significant pressure on you to develop appropriate boundaries with those you help. It's an important balancing act that everyone must walk. Your supervisor will help you learn how much of your own personal life is appropriate to share in the workplace. Just as everyone has different boundaries, many people have different lifestyles and values than yours. For some, there might be a challenge in working so closely with those who live differently, which could be the result of education, economics, culture or values. Regardless, human service workers must learn to help others without being judgmental. You may work with individuals who need services
Tiffany Reinzan
Introduction to Human Services
09/22/2014
University of Phoenix
Those working in human service have specialized training, whether earned through school or on the job, as a helping professional. You could hold a variety of positions, whether in residential care, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and food banks, substance abuse programs, organizations dedicated to children and families, poverty and employment services, child and elder care operations, mental health agencies and domestic violence efforts. Your role may include helping others obtain services, monitoring and keeping records, organizing or leading group activities, assisting clients in mastering everyday living skills and modeling healthy behaviors for residents or clients. For people like Amy and her coworkers, the possibilities and opportunities are endless.
Most human services jobs are paraprofessional, meaning not clinical or medical. Common positions, such as childcare workers, activities coordinators and in-home staff, don't require years of extensive education. Often, paraprofessionals are part of a team that includes professional social workers, psychiatrists or doctors
Despite the rewards, there are real challenges for those working in human services. When you enter the field, there is significant pressure on you to develop appropriate boundaries with those you help. It's an important balancing act that everyone must walk. Your supervisor will help you learn how much of your own personal life is appropriate to share in the workplace. Just as everyone has different boundaries, many people have different lifestyles and values than yours. For some, there might be a challenge in working so closely with those who live differently, which could be the result of education, economics, culture or values. Regardless, human service workers must learn to help others without being judgmental. You may work with individuals who need services