Technology Solutions for Human Services
Technology Solutions for Human Services
“Technology can have a profound effect on the way your organization achieves its mission” (Jamie Greene, p. 5). Technology is essential in providing effective services in a human service field. Human service providers encounter a number of obstacles such as providing services and empowerment. Some obstacles can be eliminated with the use of proper technology. Services provided for the aging community can be challenging because of the rise in the aging population and the decline of their mental and physical health. Human service organizations have found that technological tools and solutions are more readily available to use by public and private sectors than in recent years and realize the impact it has on the services it provides. Human service agencies come across barriers that hinder its services, effectiveness, and productivity. Technology offers assistance and solutions that can overcome barriers that impede the services provided to the community.
Barriers to Services
“In this environment, there is a growing pressure to have a greater impact on the community, conduct operations more efficiently, and transform the lives of more individuals in the community” (Jamie Greene, p. 10). Human Service organizations are always trying to provide services for their clients which assist each individual in the most effective way possible. One of the best ways to do this is to collaborate with other agencies. Resources can be combined to further the services available to clients. This can be done by creating a database to keep track of services given to individuals. This will prevent people from obtaining the same services from different agencies. Reports also can be created to determine services being used and where services are more widely needed. This will help each agency function in the most effective way possible and provide more services for their clients.
Networking
“Community development organizations can avoid re-inventing the wheel by learning from others in the community development sector” (Jamie Greene, p. 11). Networking with others is a win-win situation. By sharing knowledge with others and learning from others everyone benefits. When human service agencies work with other agencies, they can support one another by sharing what works or what does not work. Resources are available online by people who have researched agency programs to help human service agencies revive existing programs, offer new services, or just looking for new ideas. Online resources such as LISK Online Research Library, Enterprise Resource Database, and KnowledgePlex offer an array of information that is available to enhance services offered. This type of technology allows agencies to access information when it is needed.
Geographic Information