Professional Identity
Thus far in the course, you have explored the generalist, planning, outreach, humanitarian, and advanced case management roles in the human services profession. For this Assignment, you consider which of these roles interest you the most and how you would revise your professional identity statement, from Week 2, to reflect your interest in them.
Resources
- Hunter, B. A., Lanza, A. S., Lawlor, M., Dyson, W., & Gordon, D. M. (2016). A strengths-based approach to prisoner reentry: The fresh start prisoner reentry programLinks to an external site.. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 60(11), 1298–1314. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X15576501Links to an external site.
- Oliver, C., & Charles, G. (2016).Enacting firm, fair and friendly practice: A model for strengths-based child protection relationships?Links to an external site. British Journal of Social Work, 46(4), 1009–1026. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcv015Links to an external site.
- Schram, B., Mandell, B.R., Dann, P.L., & Peterson, L. (2020). An introduction to human services: Policy and practice (9th ed.). Pearson.
- Chapter 8, “Interviewing” (pp. 207–236)
- Chapter 9, “Direct Strategies: Working with People One-on–One” (pp. 237–254)
- Walden University, LLC. (2020b). Hart CityLinks to an external site. [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com
Note: Visit the Hart City Women’s Correctional Center and view the scenario about Sarah, who is meeting with her case manager to prepare for aftercare services
- WaldenULibrary. (2018, November 8). Webinar: Advanced social work and human services library researchLinks to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3ZjrpVLu0I&feature=youtu.be
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 49 minutes.
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To Prepare
- Think about the human services roles you have examined thus far in the course. Which roles interest you the most, and why?
- Consider how you would revise your professional identity statement from Week 2, based on your interest in those roles.
By Day 7
Submit a 1- to 2-page journal entry that addresses the following questions:
- Which advanced human services professional practitioner role interests you the most of those you have learned about thus far? Why?
- What changes would you make to your professional identity statement as a result of learning about the roles? If no changes are needed, explain why.
3
Human Resources Week 2 Journal
Name
Institution
Course
Tutor
Date
As an advanced human services practitioner, I believe every human being should have the right to a dignified, equal and opportunistic life. Empathy, respect for diversity, and social justice are the founding values that I do appreciate (Curtis et al., 2019). A just society is characterized by the ability of every citizen to access the resources and support required to succeed, regardless of the background or the situation. This reflection informs my efforts and approaches toward leading change in human services, guiding toward creating equitable opportunities while addressing systemic barriers affecting marginalized communities.
In my role as a practitioner, I am an advocate for empowerment and change. Leadership in human services is not merely about directing people but about creating a collaborative space for people to learn the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to make changes in their lives and communities (Silva et al., 2022). I lead with integrity and know that my decisions are guided by ethical considerations and the voices of those I serve. I develop continuous learning, self-reflection, and a devotion to personal and professional advancement in tackling difficult challenges presented by the field.
References
Curtis, E., Jones, R., Tipene-Leach, D., Walker, C., Loring, B., Paine, S.-J., & Reid, P. (2019). Why Cultural Safety Rather than Cultural Competency Is Required to Achieve Health equity: a Literature Review and Recommended Definition. International Journal for Equity in Health, 18(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3
Faissner, M., Gaillard, A.-S., Juckel, G., Yeboah, A., & Gather, J. (2024). Intersectionality and discriminatory practices within mentalhealth care. Philosophy Ethics and Humanities in Medicine, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13010-024-00159-7
Silva, J. A. M., Mininel, V. A., Agreli, H. F., Peduzzi, M., Harrison, R., & Xyrichis, A. (2022). Collective leadership to improve professional practice, healthcare outcomes and staff well-being. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2022(10). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd013850.pub2