Holistic Care in the Field
Advanced human services professional practitioners are generalists. They help individuals, families, and communities using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach where they address many different root causes of a problem rather than just one. Practitioners must take this open, wide view to understand the needs of the communities in which they work and which services align with those needs.
explore what it means to be a generalist in the field of human services. Then, you consider how you would apply generalist, holistic care to help a service user in Hart City, a virtual community used throughout this course. Finally, you propose at least one new service, program, or resource that is needed in Hart City to adequately address issues like those the service user faces in the scenario.
Review your Course Announcements for possible information related to this week’s Discussion and Assignment.
Review the Learning Resources and pay particular attention to what it means to be a generalist in the field of human services and why holistic care is important in the practice of human services.
Go to the Hart City virtual community using the link that is provided in the Learning Resources. Once you are in the community, visit the Hart City Community Center and view the scenario about Jean, a carpenter from Haiti. Identify one specific example of how generalist, holistic care could be applied to help Jean.
Explore the other organizations in Hart City and the services and programs they offer. Think about one new service, program, or resource you would propose—possibly in collaboration with another agency—to address issues like those Jean faces in the scenario.
Post an explanation of what it means to be a generalist in the field of human services. Then, explain one specific example of how generalist, holistic care would be beneficial for Jean in the Hart City scenario. Finally, as an advanced human services professional practitioner in a leadership position, assess the services and programs currently in existence in Hart City and propose at least one new service, program, or resource that you would propose for the Hart City Community Center—possibly in collaboration with another agency—to address issues like those the service user faces in the scenario.
Sample Answer
A Generalist Approach to Human Services
A generalist human services practitioner is a professional who possesses a broad range of knowledge and skills to address diverse human needs. Unlike specialists who focus on a specific area, generalists take a holistic approach, considering the interconnectedness of various factors that influence individuals, families, and communities. This approach enables them to identify and address multiple root causes of problems, rather than simply treating symptoms.
Applying Generalist, Holistic Care to Jean’s Situation
In Jean’s case, a generalist, holistic approach would involve considering not only his immediate housing needs but also the broader factors affecting his well-being. This could include:
- Physical Health: Assessing his physical health, including any injuries or illnesses related to his work as a carpenter.