Citizen as the Integrating Agent

摘要

A new human services delivery profession grounded in a new mode of practice is needed to allow a collaborative relationship between the professional and the service receiver and, equally important, a transfer of capability from the professional to the individual in need of assistance. Furthermore, professional education must be rethought and redefined to initiate this kind of approach. The model presented here stems from and reflects economic developments, such as society's move from an industrial to a postindustrial society with over 66 percent of the work force engaged in service occupations. Consequently, it is based on a service ethic that recognizes that care about human beings is important and satisfying and rewards can come from doing a good job for others. It denotes empowerment, or the ability of people to manage their lives, recognize and meet their needs, and fulfill their potential as creative, responsible, productive members of society as the ultimate service goal. Implementation involves establishing and achieving appropriate purposes, clarifying one's values and dealing with value issues, effectively understanding self and others, understanding and working effectively with systems, and developing and using needed skills. Eight major areas will be essential to this new type of human service work: (1) assumption of responsibility for lifelong learning, (2) the development of professional relationships with citizens and coworkers, (3) work with others in groups, (4) functioning as a teacher, (5) functioning as a counselor, (6) functioning as a community liaison, (7) functioning as a supervisor, and (8) acting as a change agent. A hypothetical example is presented of constructive action illustrating the kinds of knowledge attitudes and points of view involved in empowerment. The citizen role is discussed, and the altered human service delivery system, implications for education, and charting productivity in the human services are explained. A brief description of the constructive action process, the citizen empowerment guide, and pertinent forms are included, as are references and a bibliography.