1.2 Learning Objectives and Key Terms
Elizabeth B. Pearce and Yvonne M. Smith LCSW
1.2.1 Learning Objectives
- Define the field of human services, including its core principles.
- Describe the relationship between human services and related fields.
- Describe the key theories and practices of human services.
- Describe the needed characteristics, skills, and knowledge of helping professionals.
1.2.2 Key Terms
Key terms are important vocabulary for understanding the content of the chapters. They will be bolded and defined via an in-text glossary the first time that they appear in the chapter.
Key terms for this chapter are:
- Bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach: the act of assessing levels of functioning within biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions (and how they are connected) to help understand human behavior.
- Collaboration: the act of working with others.
- Congruence: being “real”; actions in line with values and beliefs.
- Cultural responsiveness: being aware that each individual you meet has their own set of beliefs, values, routines, and rituals that contribute to their culture.
- Ecological systems theory: emphasizes the complexity of the environments that each individual interacts with.
- Empathy: being able to feel and relate to another’s feelings.
- Equity: provision of what each individual needs in order to receive and obtain equal opportunities.
- Evidence-based practice: an approach based on scientific evidence, client values, and clinical experience.
- Generalist approach: using multiple disciplines and methods.
- Human services: a professional field focused on helping people solve their problems.
- Interdisciplinary approach: the use of multiple disciplines, or knowledge branches, working together to solve problems.
- Prevention, Intervention, and Remediation: a model that looks at three ways to help people solve problems.
- Social constructivism: a theory that emphasizes the shared understandings agreed to by members of a society.
- Social justice: viewpoints and efforts toward every person receiving and obtaining equal economic and social opportunities; removal of systemic barriers.
- Strengths-based approach: the practice of using the strengths of individuals, families, and communities to solve problems.
- Systems theory: looks holistically at a person’s environment and conditions.
- Trauma-informed care: an approach that recognizes that many people have experienced trauma.
- Trauma-specific practices: clearly delineated medical or psychological interventions for specific kinds of trauma.
- Unconditional positive regard: belief that everyone has worth and deserves our consideration.
1.2.3 Licenses and Attributions for Learning Objectives and Key Terms
1.2.3.1 Open Content, Original
“Learning Objectives and Key Terms” by Elizabeth B. Pearce and Yvonne M. Smith LCSW is licensed under CC BY 4.0.