Workers in human service organisations often find work with clients relatively manageable, but struggle to work effectively with their employing agency, particularly when translating professional values and a client-centred approach to practice. Working with Human Service Organisations provides students and human service workers with a range of tools to assist them to reflect and act critically and creatively within organisations. In Part One, the current context for workers and organisations is examined in relation to organisational theory and practice theory. In Part Two, a model for integrated practice is proposed to enable students to make connections between their professional training and the aims and structures of the organisation.

·          Applies a critically reflective approach to the development of specific strategies for working effectively in human service organisations.

·          Canvasses a broad range of theories about organisations and organisational life.

·          Practice focus, including a variety of cases and issues for critical reflection.

·          Proposes a new model: an integrated approach to working in organisations to encourage thinking about organisations in the context of communities and clients.

Introduction

Part One: Creating Connections for Practice: Working in human service organizations

1. Current Context: Issues and Prospects

2. Thinking about Human Service Organisations: Useful theory

3. Parallel Processes: Using Practice Approaches to Explore Organisational Issues

4. Key Aspects of Working in Human Service Organisations

Part Two: Working Towards Integrated Practice

5. Principles of Integrated Practice

6. A Model of Integrated Practice

7. Skills and Knowledge for Integrated Practice

8. Tools and Strategies for Working in Human Service Organisations

9. Conclusion: Working Effectively in Human Service Organisations

Bibliography

Index

Fiona Gardner – Senior Lecturer, Centre for Professional Development, La Trobe University