Terry is a 30-year-old direct support professional working at a shelter for unhoused people
Terry is a 30-year-old direct support professional working at a shelter for unhoused people
Developmental Case Study: Terry
Terry is a 30-year-old direct support professional working at a shelter for unhoused people. Terry’s degree is in Human Services, and she has wanted to make a difference in her community since she was in high school. In her current position, she assists adults with obtaining services, looking for employment, and applying for subsidized housing. She has developed a close bond with several of the individuals she serves. Terry feels that there is much meaning and purpose related to the work that she does.
However, some of the other staff have recently left for other positions, and she has been asked to fill in for them until more staff are hired, which may take a few months. As her hours have increased, the shelter has expanded to take on additional clients, so she is working overtime with no end in sight, and without additional pay. She is beginning to feel overwhelmed and resentful of how much work the new clients require, which also makes her feel guilty. Outside of work, she is finding that none of her usual activities are fun anymore, and she is having difficulty sleeping. She has also pulled away from many of her friends and spends her leisure time just watching television instead.
You are both a counselor and Terry’s friend. What would you say Terry is experiencing? How common is her experience in the field of Human Services or healthcare? What advice would you have for her? Can you recommend a resource that might be useful? As a Human Services professional yourself, how will you avoid burn-out?
Be sure to craft your post as though you are the counselor. Consider the options you have before you in helping Terry. When you respond to the initial posts of your colleagues in class, you should again assume the role of a counselor and discuss the options offered. This gives you all the opportunity to discuss real-world situations in the field.
Your initial posting should be 250-500 words and must be submitted by Thursday, midnight (MT), of this week. By Sunday at midnight (MT), respond to two or more of your classmates’ initial posts in one of the following ways:
- Build on something interesting or provocative that your classmate wrote.
- Explain why and how you see things differently.
- Ask a probing or clarifying question.
- Share your understanding of your classmate’s posting in your words.
- Offer and support an opinion with peer-reviewed sources or industry best-practices.
- Expand on your classmate’s posting by providing constructive feedback.
Keep in mind that you’re expected to engage critically and not editorially. Engage the material and cite, using APA(Links to an external site.), where necessary.
Answer preview for the paper on ‘Terry is a 30-year-old direct support professional working at a shelter for unhoused people’
APA 320 words
Click the purchase button below to download full answer…….