Service Strategies Case Worker/Counseling

Human services professionals address needs at the micro level for individuals, the meso level for families and communities, and the macro level for whole systems (i.e., by making changes to laws and policies in response to social needs). This range from individuals to entire systems forms a continuum of possible services strategies (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). For this Discussion, review the media program “Defining needed services: Chapter 2,” and consider issues that are presented in the case. As you think about service strategies you might recommend at the micro, meso, and macro levels, reflect on your role in the continuum of services.Service Strategies Case Worker/Counseling

With these thoughts in mind:

A description of two service strategies that might be helpful to the clients in the media presentation, and explain why they might be helpful. Then, explain your role(s) in the continuum of services (refer to the Learning Resources) if you were the human services professional assigned to the case.

Reid Mandell, B., & Schram, B. (2020). An introduction to human services: Policy and practice (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
• Chapter 3, “Strategies, Activities, and Tasks of Human Service Work” (pp. 56-76)

In this chapter, the authors describe direct-service and systems-change intervention strategies. They also explain ways to implement these strategies.

Defining Needed Services – Chapter 2
Defining Needed Services – Chapter 2
Program Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING]
On-screen Graphic: Defining Needed Services – Chapter 2
On-screen Graphic: Four days have passed since the incident; John has
appeared in court after Chahana filed domestic assault and battery charges.
John has been remanded for trial at a date to be determined, pending filing of
motions in three weeks.
On-screen Visual: John is seated across from the HSP in an office.
HSP: Good morning John. Thanks for coming in so early. We have a lot to
cover today.
On-screen Visual: The HSP looks at a checklist on a clipboard, which includes a
list of the following: Housing Agency, Contact Employers, Visitations, Therapy
Services, and Finances.
HSP: How are you feeling?
JOHN: I’ve been better. I mean I’m not getting much sleep. I’m staying at my
sister’s house on a couch in the family room, and with all the anxiety…I ‘ve
just…you know I’ve just been better. Sarah’s family has been great, but I just
don’t know how much longer I can stay there.
HSP: Okay…let me set up a meeting with the housing agency we work with
regularly. They should be able to help us in finding a more stable place to stay at
least for the time being. I’ll also talk with Chahana about getting some of your
clothes and personal belongings.
JOHN: I mean I don’t know what to do with myself during the day. I’m on
personal leave from work, and I just sit and think all day.
On-screen Visual: The HSP looks at the checklist. There is a checkmark next to
Housing Agency.
HSP: John, we need to talk about your work as a teacher at school. Because of
the nature of the charges you’re facing, you’re not allowed to work with children
for the time being.
© 2014 Laureate Education, Inc. 1 Service Strategies Case Worker/Counseling

Defining Needed Services – Chapter 2
JOHN: (exasperated) Are you kidding me? (Pause) Well, does that mean I can’t

coach.

HSP: Unfortunately that is the case.

JOHN: What am I going to do for money?

HSP: I will help you get set up with temporary unemployment and we can look
into some options for alternative work until everything’s resolved.

On-screen Visual: The HSP looks at the checklist. There are checkmarks next to
Housing Agency and Contact Employers.
HSP: I ‘ve also been in touch with Child Services. We need to schedule an
assessment for you. This is the first step in getting you cleared for visitation with
your children. I need you to understand that either a Child Services worker or a
social worker must supervise these visitation sessions.
JOHN: I would never hurt my kids! This is just so unfair.
HSP: I know that. Everyone knows that, but the law requires these types of
protections in cases like this. (Pause) Let’s take a short break. Go use the rest
room and I will get you something to drink. How do you take your coffee?
Fade to Black
Fade up from Black
On-screen Visual: John and the HSP are seated at the desk.
HSP: Okay, John let’s talk a little bit about the preparation for your next series of
court appearances. It’s going to be important that you gather a group of credible
character witnesses willing to testify on your behalf.
JOHN: Yes, that is what my lawyer told me. I can definitely do that. There are
plenty of teachers at the school and parents of the kids I coach.
HSP: Okay great, reach out to those folks by phone and explain the situation.
See if they would be willing to talk in court. I also think it would be a good idea
for you to begin seeing a therapist.
JOHN: (frustrated) Fantastic, now I need to see a shrink!
HSP: Don’t think of it like that John. It would be good for the anxiety you
mentioned earlier. I can work with Social Services to set you up with someone if
you are comfortable with that.
© 2014 Laureate Education, Inc. 2

Defining Needed Services – Chapter 2
JOHN: (sighs) I guess I could use a little bit more sleep. Lowering my anxiety
could help. I’ll…I’ll do it.
On-screen Visual: The HSP looks at the checklist. There are checkmarks next to
Housing Agency, Contact Employers, Visitations, and Therapy Services.
HSP: All right, the last thing we need to address today are your finances. It’s
important that talk with a credit counselor. This person can help you to review
your current credit obligations – any credit cards that carry a balance, student
loans – even your mortgage.
JOHN: (shocked and upset) Wait…what? I have to pay the mortgage while
she’s in that house? My sweat and blood are in that house. How come I have to
pay while she’s still living there?
HSP: I understand John. There are a lot of aspects of this that are going to be
frustrating, but let’s just take things one day at a time and work on the things that
you need right away.
Defining Needed Services – Chapter 2
Additional Content Attribution
Creative Support Services
Los Angeles, CA
Dimension Sound Effects Library
Newnan, GA
Narrator Tracks Music Library
Stevens Point, WI
Signature Music, Inc.
Chesterton, IN
Studio Cutz Music Library
Carrollton, TX
© 2014 Laureate Education, Inc. 3 Service Strategies Case Worker/Counseling

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Service Strategies Case Worker/Counseling

Introduction

As a Case Worker/Counseling Associate, you will be responsible for assisting diverse individuals and families in accessing culturally competent services to improve their well-being and quality of life. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team including social workers, psychologists, registered nurses and others to provide clients with the appropriate services they need. You will work collaboratively with clients, other stakeholders such as families, physicians and other specialists who have an impact on their lives.

Demonstrated active listening and communication skills.

Active listening is a skill that can be learned and practiced. It’s the art of being fully present with another person, paying attention to what they’re saying, asking questions to clarify what you don’t understand, and taking their perspective into account as you speak. Active listening helps build trust between you and your client because it communicates that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say–not just focused on your own agenda or getting them off the phone as quickly as possible! You should also be mindful of body language cues: nodding along with them will show them that their words are registering with you; leaning forward (or away) indicates whether or not someone wants more information about something; eye contact signals interest; hand gestures show willingness/eagerness for further conversation by highlighting key points made during discussion…

Provided culturally-competent, trauma-informed services to clients in the community.

As a case worker, you are responsible for providing culturally-competent, trauma-informed services to clients in the community. To do this effectively, it’s important that you understand both terms.

Cultural competency is an approach that recognizes and respects cultural differences among individuals or groups of people. It also promotes effective communication across cultures by understanding how these differences affect one’s worldviews, values and beliefs–which can lead to misunderstandings when interacting with others who have different backgrounds than yours.

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals’ lives; it acknowledges that some forms of treatment may inadvertently retraumatize someone who has experienced significant harm in their past (such as physical abuse). In order for someone who has been affected by traumatic events like war or natural disasters receive proper care from professionals like yourself without further damaging them emotionally or psychologically

Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop case plans and provide services to clients.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop case plans and provide services to clients. In this role, you will:

Collaborate with other professionals to coordinate the delivery of comprehensive mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services in accordance with federal, state and local laws governing funding sources such as Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance.
Review client records; assess client needs; develop an individualized plan of care that addresses the client’s needs; coordinate referrals for additional services such as psychiatric evaluations or substance abuse assessments when appropriate; arrange for transportation when necessary; assist clients in accessing community resources such as job training programs or educational opportunities (such as GED classes) which may be needed before they can become self-sufficient enough financially so that they no longer require any type of government assistance from us (such as food stamps).

Assisted clients in establishing goals, creating action plans and achieving desired outcomes.

In order to achieve desired outcomes, you must first establish goals and create action plans. The first step in this process is to identify your personal priorities or “must-haves.” This can be done by asking yourself the following questions:

What do I want? (e.g., an improved relationship with family members)
Why do I want it? (e.g., because being closer to them makes me feel loved and accepted)
How can I get there? (e.g., by spending more time with them)

Provided crisis intervention as needed.

Crisis intervention is a short-term, time-limited service that helps people who are experiencing a crisis. It can be provided by counselors or therapists as part of a treatment plan and may include:

Short-term counseling
Crisis intervention services (e.g., suicide prevention)
Brief individual therapy for those who need support during their recovery from an emergency situation

Developed education and outreach materials for use in community events and programs.

You developed education and outreach materials for use in community events and programs. Examples of your work include:

A PowerPoint presentation on the benefits of school counseling services, which was used at a local high school career fair
A brochure about the value of mental health services for children and adolescents, which was distributed to parents during an annual parent-teacher conference

Conclusion

As we all know, a Case Worker’s job is never done. It is important to always keep your skills sharp and up-to-date. This can be done through continuing education classes, workshops or on-the-job training. The best way to maintain your knowledge is by taking advantage of opportunities that arise throughout your career path so that when you need them most – your clients will have access to what they need most too!

Nursing Worker

Service Strategies Case Worker/Counseling