Human Service Roles
Question Content Area
Ideally, all clients of human services are motivated, cooperative, and responsible and like their helpers; however, one challenge of this profession is that not all clients fit that description. In your experience as a helper, you will likely meet clients who are culturally different, resistant, silent, overly demanding, or unmotivated. They may also differ from you in other ways, including background, religion, values, and life experiences. You need to know something about these client groups because they often elicit feelings of uncertainty, hostility, and resentment in their helpers. They are particularly difficult for many beginning helpers to work with, and it is important to realize that the client’s behavior is not necessarily the helper’s fault.

Moira, an intake worker at a shelter for homeless persons, has just met Donny, a 32-year-old homeless veteran with a history of alcohol dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder. He is minimally intoxicated at present, but has been off his psychotropic medications for quite some time. He is difficult to interview and tends to jump from one topic to another. For better or worse, there is specific information you must gather in order to admit him to the shelter and make sure he receives any services he needs emergently.