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Populations in Need
Chastity Adams
SNHU
HSE-101: Introduction to Human Services
Professor Betancourt
Populations in Need
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Human Services could be defined as an interdisciplinary field of study with the
objective of meeting human needs through an applied knowledge base, focusing on
prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to
improving the overall quality of life of service populations. The objective of human
services is to encourage a practice that engages with all societal levels while facilitating
the independence of individuals or groups, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of
both informal and formal human services systems, and championing constructive social
change within society. Part of the appeal of a career in human services is the numerous
options you will encounter when you enter the field. Everyone, in one way or another,
requires assistance. Each person, organization, and community have their distinct needs.
Consequently, the client base for human services professionals is extensive and diverse.
The following are a few of the various populations you could support in a human services
profession.
Children & Families
Human service workers make certain that children reside in secure houses and have their
fundamental needs fulfilled. Young children still lack the ability to fulfill their basic
needs. Frequently, they lack a voice or are not acknowledged in their household. Sadly,
there are numerous instances today where children are not protected or adequately looked
after in their own homes. There are numerous instances in which parents wish to give
their children the best opportunities yet lack the means to accomplish this. This is the
point at which many human services professionals become involved. “The best place to
serve kids is in their home and with a family,” says Joan Wallace-Benjamin (Helping
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those in need: Human service workers, pp.26) The workers goal is to improve the
family’s home environment which could be assisting with applications for food stamps or
low-income housing and locating reliable childcare along with the possible of finding
them a temporary or permanent home with a foster or adoptive family. Families in crisis
may need support to experiencing difficulties including child abuse and neglect, and
advocate for the well-being of children.
The Homeless
Human service professionals support individuals facing homelessness in meeting their
basic needs. Human service professionals may guide clients to various providers, such as
temporary or permanent housing resources, meal service organizations, and employment
centers that can assist clients in gaining new skills or finding jobs. Without access to
suitable resources, individuals facing homelessness are unable to meet their essential
human needs. They do not always have the chance to eat, rest, or receive medical care.
They are not consistently equipped to obtain employment. Human service workers might
direct clients to different providers, such as temporary or permanent housing facilities,
meal service organizations, and job centers that can aid the clients in acquiring new skills
or securing employment. Certain clients may require assistance in locating treatment to
tackle a root cause of homelessness. Individuals facing homelessness may need help from
human service workers accessing support services, such as housing, healthcare, and
social services.
People With Addictions
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Another group you might engage with as a human service professional consists of
individuals grappling with addiction. From individuals dealing with gambling addictions
to those facing substance use disorders, you will interact with a diverse range of people as
they embark on their journey to recovery. They assess clients' requirements and then
guide clients to rehabilitation centers, which encompass both inpatient and outpatient
treatment facilities, that can most effectively address those needs. You will assist these
clients in finding rehabilitation centers or direct them to treatment facilities that can most
appropriately address their requirements. They also direct clients to groups or programs
to provide clients with support beyond treatment. Workers might also assist individuals
with addictions in executing treatment plans, developing sober support networks, and
securing employment after finishing rehabilitation. Some human service professionals
may collaborate with the families of individuals with addictions, aiding family members
in comprehending the essence of addiction and directing them to support programs
designed for families. Substance abusers may seek help to overcome their addiction and
seek help to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life along with the help
to reintegrate into society.
People With Mental Health
Living with a mental disorder can create difficulties for numerous individuals, families,
and communities. For certain individuals, mental disorders can render everyday life
challenging. Human Service workers are essential in enhancing overall wellbeing and
mental health within our society. They allocate their time to evaluating, diagnosing,
treating, and preventing mental, behavioral, and emotional problems. Some mental
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disorders that they tackle include depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.
Besides collaborating with clients directly, they also offer therapy in individual, group,
and family environments, based on the situation. Workers assist their clients in
discovering the strength to establish a route to an improved quality of life while
undergoing treatment for their conditions, and when necessary, workers offer support and
direction to their families. Human Service workers help clients with Mental Health
overcome their problems and improve their emotional health.
Veterans
Many veterans find it challenging to readjust to civilian life after returning home.
Numerous individuals face issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder. Human
services professionals can support veterans in managing their reintegration into society.
Some of those obstacles involve dealing with mental and emotional health issues. Many
veterans and active-duty military personnel experience depression, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety, or substance use disorders. Indeed, based on a 2016 study
published in the American Journal of Public Health, at least 1. 1 million veterans receive
treatment for at least one of these conditions each year. Human service professionals aid
these veterans in several ways; securing housing, translating skills acquired in the
military to civilian employment, and guiding them through the vast array of available
veteran services. Human Service professionals' direct veterans with disabilities toward
services that offer suitable support. Human Service workers might also provide your
services to veterans who were physically incapacitated during the war, instructing them
on how to manage and live autonomously. Human Service professionals provide veterans
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access to resources like financial aid, counseling, medical benefits, support groups, and
more.
Refrences
Goodwin University. (2016, June 29). 5 Human Services Careers that Help the Greater
Good | Goodwin College. Goodwin University. https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/human-
services-careers/
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2011). Helping those in need: Human service workers.
https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2011/fall/art03.pdf
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019, September 4). Social Workers : Occupational
Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.gov.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-2
Woodside, M., & Mcclam, T. (2019). An Introduction to Human Services (9th ed.).
Cengage.
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Workers, S. (2016). Five Different Vulnerable Populations Seen by Social Workers.
Social Work Degree Center. https://www.socialworkdegreecenter.com/study/vulnerable-
populations-social-work/
