Skills and Characteristics of a Human Services Worker

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Skills and Characteristics of Human Services Workers “Human services has developed in response to the need of individuals, groups, or communities for assistance to live better lives” (Woodside & McClam, 2011, p. 5). The delivery of human services is an interdisciplinary endeavor and takes a special person with knowledge of individuals, one who understands society and the relationships formed by individuals and the culture within the families. Human service workers must be able to empower a client but to do so he or she must exude confidence by using learned skills, education, and those characteristics ingrained during childhood. Because human services is not simple but complex and encompasses a wide range of services to include family, child, and youth services, public, and mental health services, crisis intervention, corrections, and education, human services workers must possess a number of interpersonal skills. Skills of a Human Services Worker “As any system gets larger, workers need additional skills and knowledge to understand and effectively use the resources available” thus, “the need for additional knowledge and skills has emerged” (Burger, 2010, p. 222). Communication, and listening skills, advocating, negotiating, coordinating, educating, planning, organizing, and consulting are just a small number of necessary skills for a human services worker. Though only seven skills in no particular order of importance are outlined below the other skills listed hold no less importance. Communication/Listening Skills Good communication and listening skills are very important for a human services worker. According to Scileppi, Teed, and Torres (2000), “Successful leaders invariably possess well-developed social skills, including listening and communication skills” (p. 95). To listen, speak, and write clearly are important communication skills. Human
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