Respond to forum post. Respond to student post. Please complete both sections Part I and Part II. Part answer the forum question and Part II respond to students as if you are talking directly to the student in first person. I do agree with you Beth, etc.
This is an internship class. Student is doing internship at agency Comhar in Philadelphia, PA in the case management department for adults.
Part I Question:
What should you know before making a home visit? How should you protect yourself as a human services professional working in the field? Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring your safety? How so?
Part II
Student A- Erika Juarez
Before making a home visit you should do a through review of the clients notes and history. Depending on their history and the situations it may be a good idea to have another person with you when doing a home visit. This is not only to ensure safety for yourself, but others involved as well. To protect yourself as a human service professional there should be boundaries set for all those involved. I would also be aware of my surrounding when dealing with any of my clients no matter the situation. Being communicative with others so they know where I would be when doing home visits. I am responsible for my own safety. I feel that I would be able to handle situations that I am in with handing my clients. I am the one who is taking on these clients and my work load. I would also say the agency I would be working for are also responsible for my safety because they are also involved with clients backgrounds. Since they would also know my where about, but at the end of the day it is myself.
Student B- Allison Partridge
As a Professional we should review case history including any criminal history prior to making any home visits. When making the first home visit of a client, depending on the reason for the home visit you should have lengthy conversations with your agency’s supervisor. As well as reviewing the safety policies and procedures of the agency. Then prior to the visit, begin building a rapport with the client. This will establish a relationship prior to a home visit which may lessen any threatening environment that may occur. A safety policy should include the ethical boundaries that may be viewed as blurred boundaries. Keep in mind the time of day you plan to visit, so not to be alone at any time in the client’s home. As the professional, you time management is valuable therefore, leave all the client’s personal information at the office, such as the address, phone numbers, and any other important information that may be beneficial if needed. Keep your phone charged and plenty of gas in your vehicle. Wear low heeled shoes, just in case you need to get out quickly if such conversations become heated. In the event that you feel anxious, you can always contact the local law enforcement as a backup. The agency that is your employer are responsible for your safety and well-being regardless, of where your job takes you. However, in the event that your home visit creates a threat or makes the contact become negative, you can always call the local law enforcement to escort you to and from any visits that promote potential danger. As stated before, there should be strong agency safety policies in place before you ever travel out in the field.
Morgan, L., (2004). Social Worker & Outreach Worker Safety. Career advice, Relations with Colleagues & Supervisors
Retrieved from https://www.work.chron.com.