Unique needs
Mental Illness
It can be challenging when providing services to an individual who may be experiencing mental illness. It is important that staff do not attempt to diagnose mental illness without proper evaluation by professionals who specialize in the treatment of mental illness. If the individual is on medications not only will they have characteristics of the illness but side effects of the medication as well. If mental illness is not addressed and treated, the symptoms will likely remain. If the mental illness includes depression, then the underlying causes of the depression will remain unresolved until the underlying causes are addressed. Individuals may resist sharing the details of their mental illness due to the stigma of the diagnosis. Some individuals are able to remain independent and function appropriately while taking medications but become unable to be safe when they discontinue their medications. The need for services then changes. It has become increasingly important to utilize community resources available to assist with services for individuals who have a mental illness especially when the person also experiences addiction or homelessness in addition to the mental condition.
Homelessness
When planning services for someone who experiences homelessness utilization of community resources is necessary. Homeless shelters are available in many communities but may be rejected by the person who may feel comfortable with the network of support they have on the street. An individual experiencing homelessness may be in extremely poor health, have mental illness and be virtually unemployable. Social programs may include shelters, food banks, used clothing programs and possibly even low-cost medication programs for those with untreated illnesses. In treating clients with unique needs medical diagnoses must be determined and overlap among unique needs is not uncommon, such as being homeless and experiencing mental illness, or being homeless and diagnosed with hepatitis C or another communicable disease.
Single parents with children
Individuals parenting alone face challenges unique to the single parent. The parent must worry about shelter, food, clothing, and all the other needs for the child/children and themselves. There may be an underlying fear that the children will be removed from his/her care because of homelessness, lack of resources or the inability to get a job because he/she has no childcare resources. Any service provider must balance proper and appropriate services to the single parent without compromising the legal responsibility to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the children. Accessing community resources for shelter and food is often necessary and can enable the children to remain with the parent. WIC, food stamps, low-income housing opportunities, homeless shelters, after-school programs, and reduced-cost childcare programs should be examined to ascertain eligibility.
Women who are pregnant
Women who are pregnant should be medically evaluated and receive prenatal care. Education regarding options (such as adoption) should be offered with no bias or coercion from staff. Being pregnant can be stressful for a woman who lacks resources for shelter or prenatal care. There are also significant emotional needs that should be considered. Because of the stress of the situation and their fears and anxiety they may have delayed prenatal care or have poor nutrition. The planning process by a service facility must include plans for both the mother and the baby. There are many community programs available such as WIC, public assistance programs that help with food and lower cost rent, and not only prenatal care but postnatal care as well (including postpartum care for the new mother). There may be parenting classes available and low-cost respite or full-time daycare options available so that the new mother can return to work.
People who speak a language other than English
Accessing services when speaking a language other than English can be challenging. The person who cannot make himself or herself understood can be facing extreme situations with their medical well-being. They may need legal assistance or even educational opportunities and be unable to express things in a way that can be understood by someone who only speaks English. There are standards and guidelines to follow when working with an individual who needs an interpreter which can be accessed online as well as guidelines regarding translation. An interpreter will be able to convert what you say into a verbal rendition understood by the individual speaking the other language. The translator will create in writing what you have written and convert it into the language the person will understand when reading it. The expense of this will vary from state to state with some states funding this with social program funding. When working with an interpreter face the individual receiving services and speak directly to them.
Homosexuality
The link between personal or facility bias and the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender individual who is experiencing a need for services should be considered. It is recommended that an agency provide a means of self-evaluation for the program to foster sensitivity to language use and issues surrounding homosexuality. There may be specific health information to gather based on sexual preferences and social resources that are specific to the clients’ needs and social preferences. There may be fewer resources in rural areas. Counselors who are familiar with the diversity of the patient’s needs in this area should be considered if available. The individual may be experiencing anxiety from difficulties with their family of origin, significant societal barriers related to their sexual preference, or even medical concerns including hepatitis viruses or HIV/AIDS. It is crucial that not only emotional needs are met but medical needs as well.
Community Liaison
There should be at least one representative within each agency who can act as a liaison between the agency and community resources. This might include contact with law enforcement agencies, human resource agencies, community organization leaders, and clergy. In addition to this formal role, all staff must recognize that they are essentially the front lines of the business and should represent the program in a positive way in the community and to any client or potential client that walks in the door regardless of the unique needs they may have. Staff education on a wide variety of issues and the unique needs of clients should be part of the training provided by any public or social service.
Summary
Working in a field where there is a multitude of challenges associated with individuals with unique needs can be overwhelming for the staff members who work there. Professionalism is crucial and each person should be treated with respect while receiving support and encouragement. Proper education and the ability to remain open-minded and non-judgmental, coupled with the willingness to learn and become self-aware of personal bias can lead to respectful quality services.