How are human services professionals similar to and different from
other professionals who work in the same agency?
Human Services is a very broad area in reference to what is
performed. For example, a Drug and Alcohol counselor wouldn't be
the same as someone working with intellectual disabilities, but both
would be a form of counseling. Ultimately I believe it comes down to
the work being performed that sets each other apart, but the want to
help others has to be there.
How are they similar to and different from non-professional helpers
(e.g., volunteers) who work in the same agency?
I think they are similar in the sense they are both helping people.
There is a difference based on non-profit vs. for profit and I think its
important to differentiate between Human Service professionals and
others working within the agency. There is a difference in my opinion
to a person volunteering at a refugee camp as a chef and someone
who is a refugee specialist counseling individuals. Both are helping
people, but both are very different.
What could you do to work collaboratively with both other
professionals and non-professionals in the agency?
I think its important to form understanding of other roles within the
Human Services realm. Its important to know what communities they
serve and how they impact others around them. I think since
collaborating on ideas would lead to innovation and change within
the field.
