The integrated approach to human services is also known as the umbrella approach. It is a theoretical approach that allows for a base of operations under one larger agency. It uses decentralized facilities, but integrates the care. The care is comprehensive. It is the type of care that I see in my own community. The drawback is lip service. The human services agency at the county level does not link the network properly and is more interested in the budget of the items and expanding the care. The problem is an oversight problem. Although it might seem that they save money while expanding services, the county does not pay attention to the services that they are intending. This causes problems in the quality of service being rendered.
The generic concept of the Integrated approach to human services is more solution oriented and is combined under one system. The generalist theory sees the worker as the broader knowledge community service worker. In this way the generic concept supports a framework that the worker is identified by their competency rather than their education. The environmental problems are understood in order to help while the psychological aspect of helping is not completely devoid this system under one roof is more geared toward getting someone in need of housing into a home rather than to help them with a cognitive reframe.
Integrated approach to human services
Although the Integrated approach to human services seems to be the type that is in most areas there are also aspects of both. From an idealized work viewpoint there is a preference for the generic concept. This concept would allow a worker to get into the trenches based on their abilities rather than education. This would enable anyone to help now rather than years from now. It would also focus on training workers in skills that are directly related to the job, almost like a school for mechanics that trains for only that rather than general education.
The most important aspect for anyone would be that they are allowed to help people by solving their most pressing environmental issues. This is the work of most human service. The homeless client does not come to have a psycho education group thrown at them. They want shelter food and a job. Once those needs are met and the person stabilized then they can get assistance with some of the higher order problems. It’s about immediacy.
These two distinct descriptions of theoretical frameworks for the delivery of helping services are similar. They can even be utilized to better each other. For the most part, the idea of the Integrated approach to human services is for county human services. The broader services and knowledge base of the generic concept with peer human service workers is the spearhead. It is necessary to have the physical problems met and to meet those of the consumer before they receive treatment. To act eclectically and utilize the best of both these theories is in the best interest of the client.
References
Corey, M. S., & Corey, G. (1998). Becoming a helper. Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole.
Okun, B. F., & Kantrowitz, R. E. (2014). Effective Helping: Interviewing and Counseling Techniques (8 ed.).