Human Services
The pioneers of human services training and education programs felt that the answer to the workforce shortage was not to train another group of specialized professionals but to develop an entirely new kind of worker, the "generalist". Generalists are trained in a wide variety of helping interventions so that they may provide direct services to individuals or groups with a diversity of needs. These generalists also work in many different service settings integrating and coordinating the efforts of specialized professionals. Although graduates may vary from program to program in response to local needs, human service generalists are trained in basic helping skills essential to the helping relationship. These skills include:
- Interviewing;
- Observing and recording pertinent information;
- Conducting groups;
- Implementing treatment plans;
- Consulting with other workers and agencies;
- Mobilizing and utilizing community resources;
- Problem solving; and
- Advocating for clients.