All providers of social services need to have a comprehensive philosophy statement to ensure that their practice is consistent, ethical, and guided by sound principles. Personal philosophy statements provide a benchmark for all human service providers that can be used as a guideline to practice. According to Mackie (2007), personal philosophies are usually blends of the most important concepts and theories.
A social service practitioner is a person who understands the ability of the human spirit to adapt, adjust, and influence the human condition. A practitioner uses the knowledge to enhance the overall well-being of a person in an ethical way. A human services practitioner assists individuals and families in overcoming their current issues. Thus, the profession is crucial for maintaining the society healthy. There are four effective models of social work: task-centered practice, the narrative approach, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and solution-focus brief therapy (Campbellsville University, 2017). I believe that Cognitive-behavioral theory is the best approach, as it is based on evidence (Moore et al., 2016).
A human service practitioner needs to have many skills to perform the tasks effectively. For instance, a practitioner needs to have a sound knowledge base of approaches to the assessment of clients’ needs. Additionally, practitioners need to be effective time managers, collaborators, and supporters, who can provide emotional support to the clients. At the same time, practitioners need to use effective self-management practices to avoid burnout. For instance, practitioners should not take any criticism from clients personally to avoid emotional problems. The role of the practitioner in the client-helper relationship is to form the working alliance between the client and all other stakeholders to help the client survive, recover, and thrive.
The best services provided by human service practitioners are based upon equality, social justice, and empowerment (Mackie, 2007). The specific practices include quality case management, needs assessment, and exemplary interview skills (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2004). I want to be remembered as a human service provider, as these professionals are the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They give people hope and provide practical solutions to specific problems. I believe I can be useful in assisting those who strive to make this world a better place. Currently, clients face a myriad of problems, including housing, employment, substance misuse, malnutrition, and family issues. In general, all of the problems can be called adaptation issues to the realities of modern society. I believe I can be help clients overcome these problems, which is why I want to become a human service provider.
The provided philosophy is a well-structured narrative that touches upon every crucial aspect of human service providers. It clearly demonstrates the importance of the profession and the reasons why I want to become a social service provider. The philosophy also summarizes all the knowledge about human services I have acquired so far, which can be helpful for myself outside stakeholders. However, there is one central flaw in the philosophy that should be addressed. In particular, there are now clearly defined principles of human service provision. Even though the philosophy states that a practitioner should provide services based on the principles of equality, social justice, and empowerment, these terms are rather broad. Thus, the philosophy can benefit from outlining what I understand under equality, social justice, and empowerment.
References
Campbellsville University. (2017). 4 social practice models. Web.
Mackie, P. F. E. (2007). Your philosophy of social work: Developing a personal and professional definition to guide thought and practice. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 4(1), 1-11.
Moore, B. A., Fiellin, D. A., Cutter, C. J., Buono, F. D., Barry, D. T., Fiellin, L. E.,… & Schottenfeld, R. S. (2016). Cognitive-behavioral therapy improves treatment outcomes for prescription opioid users in primary care buprenorphine treatment. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 71, 54-57.
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2004). Case management for substance abuse treatment: A guide for treatment providers. Rockville, MD: HHS Publications.