The Human Service

Internship
Rahmah Allen
ASH 8100
Summer 2014
Chapter 1
Major assignment: develop an E-Portfolio in power point format.



To acquire a tremendous amount of administrative skills, information, and
agency history from my site supervisor, to become an excellent Human Service
Administrator.
Feelings of internship: ANXIETY, FEAR, & EXCITEMENT
What is important as I plan my internship with my site supervisor?
Separating work and my internship
What aspect of the learning plan excite me the most: Attending
administrative meetings.
What aspect do I feel will be most challenging? Developing a monitoring tool
for other departments and grant writing.

Personal
statement
Chapter 2
Describe COSA context: (AAA) local area
on aging. Department of County
Government responsible for planning,
coordinating and administering programs
and services for the seniors in Delaware
County. Build relationship with hospitals,
nursing home, charitable agencies.
Sociocultural, legal, and political issues:
Bureaucratic- Funding cuts

What particular element of COSA have I
learned most about while interning?
Budget expenditure and funding
Most funding comes from Pennsylvania aging
block grants and the state Department of
Public Welfares Office of Long Term Living
Medicaid Funds. COSA also receives some
funding from federal and local sources.
How has my view of COSAs context
changed?
I have more understanding of the agencies
structure and history.

Chapter 4
What do I want and need in my
supervisory relationship?
Reliability
Trust
Support
Knowledgably source
Difficult task during supervision:
I havent had any difficulties or
problems during supervision. However, I had
to serve on a committee & work with an
obnoxious director because my supervisor
did not have a great work relationship with
that person.

How have I handled my responsibilities within
my role of being an active and open
participant?
Ive been honest with my site supervisor. Ive been
very devoted. When my task was completed I was
always seeking a new task.
How can I grow with my skills and use
supervision effectively? What do I need in a
supervisor as I become a professional?
I want to continue practicing how to speak
effectively as an administrator and continue to
network.
My ideal supervisor- need communicate
effectively and give clear direction and be able to
provide direction when needed.

Chapter 6
Most experience- I worked with
individuals.
Least experience- working with
families.
What do I Enjoy- working with
individuals.
My strengths- open minded,
receptive, optimistic, and
energetic.

Need improvement: changing facial
expressing when consumer/family
is not truthful and lying on staff.
Improved: how to handle conflict
and complaints from
consumer/clients.
I see the best of situations
Allows me to develop dialog
w/people
listen to their feelings
inquire ideas of improvement and
explore those ideas

Chapter 7
I worked with various races, ages, & different sexual preferences.
Having better understanding of clients culture can improve your relationship w/ client
and give you a different understanding of how some people view the world.


I have a great understanding of an individuals sex, religion, or nationality.
When working with people who are culturally different: I accept them for who they are
and remain professional.
People come in different sizes, races, and professions. I think the more people
understand the meaning of the word culture. The more they will be able to accept
people, no matter the person race, sex, religion, or sexual preference.
Goal: Continue to accept people for who they are no matter how different they are.
Insight
gained
Chapter 8
The Information and Referral monitoring tool
I had to meet with COSAs Assessment unit and Information and Referral unit. The purpose of meeting with
the two units was to identify any frequent issues occurring, and changes in either units policy. The goal is to
strengthen the systematic activities in the Information and Referral unit, by developing a monitoring tool.
The monitoring tool will evaluate the functionality of current system, to ensure accuracy, and constancy with
all of the referrals or general calls that are received from COSAs Information and Referral Unit.
My finding indicates that the Information and Referral unit could get improve by doing the following:
Attend PS Basics Training to know how to conduct protective services investigations based on the
Department of Aging regulations. This could reduce the amount of errors when completing a Report of Need.
Attend community assessments with Nurse Consultants for in home services. This will give the Information
and Referral worker an idea and better understanding of an Assessment visit.
Have phone calls monitored for accuracy.
Utilize the skill set activity codes.
Assist in researching resources and submit information.
Strength: I am good a public speaking as long as Im knowledgeable about the topics.
Weakness in writing: duplication of words, proof reading
Goal- practicing substituting words and take time to proof read.

Chapter 9
1) I dont do well in stressful situations.
2) Its unhealthy.
3) At times I break out into hives or eat snacks.
I learned:
o some things are out of my control.
o Never let someone see you frustrated.
o When getting annoyed politely end the
conversation and walk away.
o I try not to take things personal.
o When entering a stressful situation have
tissue in my hand.
o Always take a lunch break out of the office.

What pitfalls to Avoid while dealing with stress:
o negative people
o gossiping
o indulging in arguments
Boundaries between professional life and work life:
o Dont tell all your business, do not go to work to seek
friends.
o Go to work to do your job.
o Be selective as to who you discuss personal and
confidential things with.
o Avoid frequent after work events that involve
alcohol.
What have I learned about safety at work:
Seek the nearest exit and be aware of my surroundings.
Never meet with a client in a small space and closed
doors.

Chapter 10
Appreciation: I am thankful to work at an agency that promotes growth and
allows employees to be flexible with their work hours and intern within the
agency. I think my site supervisor is very knowledgeable and valuable resource
for COSA.
Regrets: If I could have been able to quit my job and intern at a different
agency I would have. That wasnt ideal for me because I have a family and
responsibilities. I would have wanted to intern at the VA, Red Cross, or a
psychiatric hospital.
Improvement: I need to continue talking/ networking with people in different
agencies. Networking is important in the Human service field.

Chapter 11
Career goal
In five years I would like to be a unit director within the agency or a program
director. I want to take on the role of being a director.
How to achieve the goal?
Show dedication and express interest when upper management potions
become available.
Apply for different positions.

Reference
Kiser, A.,(2012). The Human Internship. Belton CA :Brooks/Coles.

E-portfolio http://mrsrahmah.weebly.com