Respond to 3 classmates 150 words on 3 prominent human service charateristics
Post by Joni
Based on the interviews with people in a variety of human service fields, I believe the three most prominent characteristics a human service professional should have are integrity, flexibility and empathy. These three stand out to me as vital, not only because these affect the clients we will see, but because these also affect our well-being as human service professionals. Integrity protects us; it is like a shield. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold,” (NIV). Our reputation as a practitioner, a colleague and an employee should be based on our ability to speak and live truthfully.
Flexibility is a trait that strikes me as especially crucial to our well-being. When we are rigid or try to control all circumstances in work or life, the person who suffers the most is us. Psalm 46:10 tells us to, “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted in the nations, I will be exalted in the earth,” (NASB). I love this version of this verse because I have certainly needed to be taught to cease striving! When I am restful and reliant upon God, it shows, and I have discovered in relationships that this quality makes me a “safer” person to others. Mark Johnson, Director of Social Services for the City of Lynchburg, says that it is important for a human services professional to “bring a peaceful countenance,” to their jobs (Johnson, M.).
Additionally, the ability to empathize with clients, not just sympathize, is a central character quality needed in the human services fields. Dr. Kevin Corsini describes some of the responsibilities of the human services field: “Human services is concerned with helping people facing the problems that are facing most people today…issues of poverty, breakdown of the family, racism and oppression, there’s natural disasters. There are real problems in today’s society. Human services is dedicated to helping people,” (Corsini, K.). Scripturally, one source of our empathy is found in Proverbs 22:2: “Rich and poor have this in common: TheLord is the Maker of them all,” (NASB). It is only by acknowledging our own poverty apart from the Lord that we can step into the experience of another with compassion and kindness; it is by recognizing the gift of the life we have been given that we can offer our service to another person with empathy.
I have learned the value of walking in integrity and have been taught through some rather interesting experiences to be flexible, and I am learning to respond with empathy rather than sympathy. I have been counseling and helping support a dear lady who was on the brink of homelessness earlier this year, and through that I have realized how much I take for granted that is so difficult for her. It is such an effort to regain stability once you have lost it. I have been trying to learn as we work together to imagine how different situations feel through her eyes; to see from her perspective. It is hard and I am frustrated at times, but it has been a stretching and growing process for both of us. I believe the character quality of empathy allows human services professionals to help clients “who are buried in shame for past poor choices…to approach their past mistakes…with a sense of grace, forgiveness, and mercy,” (Martin, 2014, p. 310).
Johnson, M. (n.d.) Mark Johnson, Director, City of Lynchburg Social Services (K. Corsini, Interviewer) [Video Recording].
Corsini, K. (n.d.) Introduction to Human Services [Video Recording].
Martin, M. E. (2014). Introduction to human services: Through the eyes of practice settings. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Post by Melissa
I think that the three important characteristics of a human service professional that I have seen discussed from the two videos is empathy (discussed by Duncan), flexibility (discussed by Duncan), and caring (discussed by Williams). When helping others it is important to show that you care and empathize with them. Put yourself in their shoes to understand what they are going through. Be there for them anytime in case of an emergency or time of need. Individuals can tell when a human service professional cares. There are several bible quotes about empathy and caring. The lord has cared for many people from what is seen the bible. In Deuteronomy it states “and you saw how the lord your god cared for you again and again in the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to his place (1:31, New Living Translation). “You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care” (Job 10:11, New Living Translation).
I think that Christians are supposed to show empathy, be flexible as well as caring in whatever that the do. Christians are supposed to do positive things and help others just as god has done. The three characteristic of a human service professional characteristics that I discussed are characteristics that I already see within myself. I use these characteristics working in my current job which is mental health. I care and empathize with the residents with what is going on in their life. I am flexible but I think that I could work on being a little bit more flexible. The textbook discusses certain qualities or skills that a human service professional should have. Two are being empathetic to clients as well as flexible in working with different types of clients (Martin, 2014).
There are many characteristics that a human service professional needs to be able to those in needs. According to both interview videos, Michell Duncan and Linda Williams are both in charge of helping women and children change the lifecycle of abuse. Duncan stated loyalty would be first, and then empathy and flexibility are good characteristics in workers helping people (Duncan, 2014). She stated it’s about helping people and making a difference. Williams stated people who work from the heart, people who care, people who are not in it form the money, and people who want to make a difference in the world (Williams, 2014).
From the interviews, I believe that the three most prominent characteristics should be compassion, humility, and loyalty. According Zechariah 7:9,10 “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart” (Life Application Study Bible King James Version, 2004). These characteristics are desirable because in order for us to practice true justice like what the scripture says, we will automatically have the compassion, humility, and loyalty to fight for the ones that need help the most. The characteristics I see myself most in are compassion and loyalty. Even though I also see my as humble, it is something that I feel I need to get refreshed on humility every once in a while. It is easy to get caught in the “me” attitude when I feel like I have accomplished something great. I should never have a selfish attitude of giving myself credit because ultimately, it is God that given me the ability to do all things. James 4:6 states “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (Life Application Study Bible King James Version, 2004).
One of the most important leaders that I believe practiced compassion, humility, and loyality was Jane Addams. “Addams was personally concerned with child labor, compulsory education, rights of immigrants, and voting rights for woman (woman’s suffrage)” (Martin, 2014, p. 368). With the help of our characteristics, we can make a change in the lives of others teaching hope and equip them to break the cycle of suffering just as Michell Duncan, Linda Williams, and Jane Addams have done.