Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Working within a System Chapter Eight
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Chapter Topics Agency environment Using available services Challenges Promoting change
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Agency Environment Mission and goals –This is usually a relatively short statement that summarizes the purpose of the agency –It will also provide a sense of the agency’s function and direction –This is a great source in learning about an agency in preparation for application
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Agency Environment Structure –This provides information about how the agency is organized –It is essentially an illustration of the chain of command within an agency –See Figure 8.1
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Agency Environment Resources –Funding sources can determine whether an agency is public, governmental, non- profit, or for profit.
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Agency Environment Community context –This identifies what the agency does within a given community –This can influence the way an agency operates, the services it provides, the clients served, and the professionals employed
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Mission statement Purpose of agency Guiding principles Brief Agency information
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Other Sources of Agency Information Goal statements Job descriptions Policies and procedures
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Agency Structure Chain of command Organizational chart
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Resources PublicNot-for-profitFor-profit
Revenue Streams Government Grants and contracts FeesDonations
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Community Context Shared values Community mapping Connections
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Using Available Resources Referral Information networks Informal vs. formal networks
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Referrals 2 step process –First, assess the client’s problem and needs –Second, provide the link between the client and needed service When to refer –The client may request the referral –The client may require service beyond what the helper can provide –The helper may have a lack of sucess
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Referrals How to refer –Explain why the referral needs to take place –Describe the service the referral will provide –Know the referral contact –Provide the appropriate information Where to refer –The referral should meet the client’s needs
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Referrals Evaluating the referral –The referral process does not end once the referral is made –The helper should engage in a systematic follow-up to assure that the client’s needs are being met
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Information Networks Know available services –Develop a systematic for building a file of human services available in the service area Develop file –Services –Clients served –Contact information
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Challenges Resource allocation Paperwork Turf issues EncapsulationBurnout Professional development
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Promoting Change Developing local services: Advocacy Community organizing Empowerment
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Community Organizing Develop and use network Mobilization Create resource base and workforce