There are a number of problems that human service clients are facing. One of the biggest problems is management. This can be a problem for both the client and the provider. There may be a lack of communication between the two, or the client may not be able to understand what is expected of them. Another problem is employment. Many clients have difficulty finding and keeping a job. This can be due to a number of factors, such as a lack of education or experience, or because of discrimination.
Finally, another problem is organization. This can be a problem for both the client and the provider. The client may not be able to keep track of their appointments or may miss important deadlines. The provider may also have difficulty keeping track of paperwork or may not be able to keep up with the demand for services.
Clients are rarely dealing with one issue at a time. Individuals, groups, and communities face various issues. These challenges might include housing needs, food, mental illness, drug abuse, or family difficulties, all of which may be difficult to handle on a single level.
Here are some of the most common problems that individuals, groups, and communities face:
-Housing needs: According to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, 7.4 million extremely low-income (ELI) households spend more than 50% of their incomes on rent and utilities, leaving little money left over for other necessities. This leaves them “severely cost burdened” and often forces families to make difficult choices between paying for housing and other basic necessities like food or medical care. In addition, many ELI households also live in substandard housing conditions with serious maintenance problems such as leaks, rodents, or mold.
-Food insecurity: In 2016, 42.2 million Americans lived in food-insecure households, according to the USDA. This means they lacked consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. This is often due to a lack of money or other resources. Food insecurity can lead to poor nutrition and health problems, as well as increased stress levels.
-Mental illness: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.—43.8 million people—experience mental illness in a given year. Mental illness can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, poverty, or family history. Mental illness can lead to job loss, homelessness, and substance abuse.
-Drug abuse: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that, in 2016, 20.5 million people over the age of 12 (or 8% of the population) struggled with a substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including poverty, trauma, or mental illness. Substance abuse can lead to job loss, homelessness, and criminal activity.
-Family issues: Family conflict is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as financial stress, parenting differences, or communication problems. Family conflict can lead to job loss, poor school performance, and mental health issues.
These are just some of the problems that human service clients may face. Dealing with these problems can be difficult and overwhelming.
Individuals or organizations, and the issues they are facing, are the reason why expert Human Service Helpers are necessary in today’s society. In this essay, I’ll address some of the issues that clients confront and what assisting skills human service professionals utilize to assist them with dealing with their difficulties and improving their quality of life.
One of the main problems human service clients face is management skills. Many clients lack in this area and need help learning how to properly manage their time, money, and resources. They may have difficulty keeping track of appointments, sticking to a budget, or following through with tasks. Human service workers can help by teaching clients time management techniques, providing budgeting assistance, and helping them develop task lists and goals.
Employment is another common issue human service clients deal with. They may be unemployed, underemployed, or not earning enough money to meet their needs. This can lead to financial strain, stress, and anxiety. Human service workers can assist clients with resume writing, job searching, and interviewing skills. They can also help them identify and apply for government assistance programs.
Organizational skills are often lacking in human service clients. This can cause them to have a cluttered living space, miss appointments, or be late for work. It can also lead to problems with time management and budgeting. Human service workers can help by teaching clients how to organize their space, set up a filing system, and keep track of important dates and deadlines. They can also provide tips on time management and budgeting.
Human service clients face many challenges in their lives. By providing assistance with management, employment, and organizational skills, human service workers can help them overcome these challenges and live happier, more productive lives.
According to the book, human development is a continuous process that includes phases and stages that people go through throughout their life. (Woodside & McClam 2012) Even though individuals will experience the 8 life stages known as Basic trust vs. Basic mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. role confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, and generativity vs. stagnation and ego integrity versus despair, we do not all experience them in the same way.
According to Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development, he stresses the importance on the environment and how that can shape an individual. (Woodside & McClam 2012, p. 110) So if we take a look at our clients who are in need of human services, they more than likely faced some sort of trauma or had a really difficult time during one of these stages which has shaped them into the person they are today and why they may be having difficulty functioning in society. Some common problems our clients face are:
-Trouble keeping or finding a job
-Problems with money and finances
-Housing instability or homelessness
-Legal issues
-Health problems
-Substance abuse
-Mental health issues
These are only some of the problems clients face, but as human service professionals, it is our job to help them work through these difficulties and get them on the path to a successful and fulfilling life.