2003). A mention of what appears to be Ms. Wellington's avoidance of difficult issues, from her increased focus on children to her incomplete paperwork, is also in order to effect a behavioral change. Goals set at this stage might consist of internal subjective measures on Ms. Wellington's own part, as education can have varying effects on different individuals at different paces, and any progress will of course be beneficial (Stuhlmiller et al. 2003). Ms. Wellington needs simple reinforcement and encouragement, nothing more drastic. Case Study #3: Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson, a former addict and current drug counselor who is possibly showing signs of a current or impending relapse into drug use, clearly needs to talk to someone in a professional capacity regarding his current life issues. It might not be best for counseling to take place in-house, however, as addiction is often accompanied by shame and a host of other negative emotions that would not be conducive either to the work environment or to Mr. Thompson's recovery/continued sobriety (Batiste 2008). The increased difficulty Mr. Thompson has shown in his ability to handle stress complicates the mater, as it could be a sign of an already-occurring relapse, or could lead to one if it hasn't already (Batiste 2008). It also means that the added stress of bringing this issue into the open could be detrimental in the short-term.

For these same reasons, the issue of addiction needs to be broached very carefully with Mr. Thompson in the interview. Posing questions that make the problem of his addiction clear to him is one way that allows the interviewer to remain largely passive while still eliciting the necessary realizations and the beginnings of the modifications necessary for Mr. Thompson to continue to perform his job (Batiste 2008)....

Mr. Thompson's handling of external stresses must also be addressed, but again such behavior modification discussion should take place through another counseling service if possible so as to promote the optimum environment for success (Batiste 2008). Goal setting should be left entirely in Mr. Thompson's hands, and the hands of his counselor, and it is likely that as these issues are addressed Mr. Thompson will require some extended and more frequent breaks and absences for a time, which will reduce his stress (Batiste 2008). Mr. Thompson should be referred to an outside agency for assistance, as well as receiving support in the office.
Conclusion

The variety of different issues that can and often do arise in human services management are complex and often emotionally and intellectually difficult to deal with. Yet the number of lives that such issues impact demands that they be addressed in as direct and compassionate manner as possible, rather than handled in what is merely the simplest and easiest manner possible. In this way, true growth can be achieved in a human services organization and in the industry as a whole, and this will only lead to the better provision of services to the community.

References

DOT. (2009). "Preventing Sexual Harassment: A Fact Sheet For Employees." Accessed 18 January 2010. http://www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/Documents/complaint/Preventing_Sexual_Harassment.htm

Batiste, L.. (2008). "Employees with drug addiction." Accessed 18 January 2010. http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/drugadd.html#Acc

Stuhlmiller, C.; Tolchard, B.; Thomas, L. & Crespigny, F. (2003). "Increasing confidence of emergency department staff in responding to mental health issues: An educational initiative." Australian emergency nursing journal 7(1), pp. 9-17.