In a reflective journal assignment, discuss where you think you can have the greatest positive impact in your work as a human services professional in an elementary school or community-based setting with a large population of at-risk students. Specifically, focus on risk and resiliency factors that you would be most interested in addressing and why.
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“I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear” is a famous quote by Oprah Winfrey. Human Services Professionals play a critical role in our society by working to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. According to Diller (2018), human services professionals are trained and experienced in helping people who need support and assistance. They work in a wide range of settings, including community organizations, schools, hospitals, and government agencies, to provide services and resources to those struggling with various challenges, such as poverty, homelessness, mental illness, addiction, and abuse (Diller, 2018). The role of a human services professional is both complex and rewarding, as they play a critical role in helping people to improve their lives and achieve their goals. Diller (2018) also stated that one of the essential roles of a human services professional is to assess the needs of individuals and families and determine the best course of action to help them; This may involve conducting interviews, gathering information about their living conditions, and evaluating their mental and physical health. Based on this information, the professional will develop a plan that may include providing direct services, such as counselling, case management, and support groups, or connecting the individual with other organizations or resources that can help. Another critical role of human services professionals is to advocate on behalf of their clients (Diller, 2018). This may involve working with government agencies and other organizations to secure funding and other resources to support the needs of the individual or community. The professional may also work with schools, healthcare providers, and other professionals to coordinate services and ensure that the client receives the support they need; This may involve communicating with other professionals, preparing and submitting reports, and attending meetings to discuss the client’s progress. This paper discusses where one would have the most significant positive impact working as a human services professional in an elementary school or community-based setting with a large population of at-risk students and which risk and resiliency factors one would be most interested in addressing and why.
As a human services professional working in an elementary school or community-based setting, I believe I can have the greatest positive impact by working in a community-based setting with a large population of at-risk students; This involves taking the time to understand their unique needs, challenges, and strengths, and working with them to develop a personalized plan of action to help them succeed. According to Sanders et al. (2018), one area where I think I can have a significant impact in addressing these students’ social and emotional needs. Many at-risk students may have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, which can negatively impact their behaviour, academic performance, and mental health. By providing individual and group counselling, I can help these students develop the skills and coping strategies they need to overcome these challenges and lead happier and more fulfilling lives. Another area where I believe I can make a difference is in connecting these students with resources and support outside of the school or community-based setting (Sanders et al., 2018). It may involve working with community organizations, government agencies, and other professionals to secure funding and resources to help the students and their families. For example, I can help families access food, housing, and healthcare resources or connect students with after-school programs and tutoring services. Thus, as a human services professional, I can have the greatest positive impact by working in a community-based setting with a large population of at-risk students.
As a human services professional, addressing trauma and abuse in at-risk students is crucial to providing comprehensive support to the individuals and communities we serve. According to Dye (2018), trauma and abuse can have long-lasting impacts on individuals and affect their mental and physical health and overall well-being. Addressing these issues is a moral obligation and a necessity to promote positive outcomes and improve the quality of life for those who have experienced trauma and abuse. Dye (2018) also stated that human services professionals would be interested in addressing trauma and abuse in at-risk students because of the prevalence of these issues. At-risk students are more likely to experience trauma and abuse due to various factors such as poverty, neglect, homelessness, and exposure to violence. These students may also face additional challenges, such as limited access to resources, limited support systems, and discrimination. As a result, they are at a higher risk of developing negative mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Dye, 2018). In addition to the prevalence of trauma and abuse among at-risk students, human services professionals are interested in addressing these issues because of their impact on a student’s academic performance (Dye, 2018). Trauma and abuse can interfere with a student’s ability to concentrate, make decisions, and form relationships, leading to decreased academic achievement and potential disengagement from school. Dye (2018) also state that by addressing trauma and abuse, human services professionals can help at-risk students overcome these challenges and improve their academic outcomes. Thus, as a human services professional, addressing trauma and abuse in at-risk students is crucial to providing comprehensive support to the individuals and communities we serve.
As a human services professional, addressing substance abuse in at-risk students is essential to providing comprehensive support to individuals and communities. Addressing substance abuse is a moral obligation and a necessary step in promoting positive outcomes and improving the quality of life for those struggling with substance abuse. According to Garcia et al. (2020), substance abuse is a major issue that can have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on individuals and society. One of the main reasons why human services professionals would be interested in addressing substance abuse in at-risk students is due to the prevalence of substance abuse among this population (Garcia et al., 2020). At-risk students are more likely to experiment with and abuse substances due to various factors such as poverty, neglect, exposure to violence, and limited access to resources. These students may also face additional challenges, such as poor academic performance, limited support systems, and discrimination, which can increase their risk of substance abuse. Garcia et al. (2020) also stated that human services professionals are interested in addressing substance abuse in at-risk students because of the impact that substance abuse can have on a student’s academic performance and overall well-being. Substance abuse can interfere with a student’s ability to concentrate, make decisions, and form relationships, leading to decreased academic achievement, productivity, and potential disengagement from school. Thus, by addressing substance abuse, human services professionals can help at-risk students overcome these challenges and improve their academic outcomes and overall quality of life.
In conclusion, human services professionals play a critical role in helping individuals and communities overcome their challenges. As a human services professional working in an elementary school or community-based setting, I can have the greatest positive impact by building relationships with at-risk students, addressing their social and emotional needs, connecting them with resources and support, and being a positive role model and mentor. Taking a holistic and person-centered approach to my work can help these students overcome their challenges and reach their full potential. Addressing trauma and abuse in at-risk students is an essential aspect of the work of human services professionals. By providing support and resources to individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse, human services professionals can help improve their mental and physical health, academic performance, and overall quality of life. This work is critical to promoting positive outcomes and creating a better future for at-risk students and their families. Another crucial aspect of the work of human services professionals is addressing substance abuse in at-risk students is an essential aspect of the work. Human services professionals can help improve their academic performance, mental and physical health, and overall quality of life by providing support and resources to individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Diller, J. V. (2018). Cultural diversity: A primer for the human services. Cengage Learning.
Dye, H. (2018). The impact and long-term effects of childhood trauma. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 28(3), 381-392. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2018.1435328
Moral-García, J. E., Agraso-López, A. D., Ramos-Morcillo, A. J., Jiménez, A., & Jiménez-Eguizábal, A. (2020). The influence of physical activity, diet, weight status and substance abuse on students’ self-perceived health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1387.10.3390/ijerph17041387
Sanders, J., Munford, R., & Boden, J. (2018). Improving educational outcomes for at‐risk students. British Educational Research Journal, 44(5), 763-780. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3462