The importance of understanding values, beliefs, and customs of various cultural groups is explored. Ethics A classical and historical look at ethics, as well as the student's personal values system is explored. Individuals face complex ethical decisions with increasing frequency in our society, and so a framework for addressing those questions is needed. Each student will develop a system for making ethical decisions in their personal and professional life, as well as explore the ethical framework already in operation in the human services. Introduction to Human Service Counseling Students become acquainted with the various kinds of counseling and the work of professional counselors.
Attention is given to the counselor's tools, skills, and techniques.
The process of referral, and the rights and responsibilities of the human service worker are discussed. Necessary skills in assessment, interviewing, recording information, observing, and confidentiality are reviewed. Students discuss unique and common problems within case management and develop ways to improve their practice. Special Issues, Special Populations Human service workers deal with clients with a multitude of medical, emotional, economic, or social issues. These include homelessness, mental illness, alcoholism, physical and sexual abuse, and poverty.