Skills and Characteristics of a Human Services Worker

2010 Words9 Pages
Skills and Characteristics of Human Service Workers Michael Todd University of Phoenix Crisis Intervention BSHS 471 Dave Sweeney May 07, 2013 Skills and Characteristics of Human Service Workers Individuals desiring to working in the mental health and human services field must understand the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in these fields. Working with difficult populations requires high skill set and characteristics when providing direct services. Human service workers must demonstrate the ability to assist the client in a variety of situations from minor to serious. Skills required of a human service worker or mental health professional are developed over time through experience and education. This writer grew up in a dysfunctional atmosphere living with his mother, father, and younger brother until the age of 17. This writer made decisions based on human nature, environment, and learned behaviors resulting in 14 years of addiction. As a result, this writer experienced addiction until age 28 when he started his journey in recovery. As result of this lifestyle, this writer has a wealth of knowledge that supports his chosen profession of human service work or mental health services. Because of the addictive lifestyle, this writer experienced many tragedies, including death, divorce, incarceration of friends and family, and financial loss. These experiences place him in a position to have empathy toward individuals he provides services too. Experience alone is not sufficient in its self to provide quality services in the human services and mental health fields. Other skills along with life experiences provide and solid foundation for the worker to function successfully in his or her chosen field of work. Human service workers and mental health workers must work to develop excellent communication skills. Working with
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