Interpersonal Skills

In the area of interpersonal skills, there are many concepts that can be discussed. Establishing a relationship and providing support to the client, are just two of the many concepts that should be covered. There are many areas in the human service field that a case manager and human services worker has to fulfill their duties in. Initially taking the time to get to know the patient and earning their trust are very important first steps. After the trust has been earned and treatment plans have been completed, there will be a need for providing support; sometimes continuous support is even needed. The following paragraphs will discuss the many facets of interpersonal skills.

Establishing a RelationshipEstablishing a relationship with a client is the most important part of a client's treatment. As a case manager you want to introduce yourself to a client in a very personal and inviting fashion.

IBM Thin client

The Client

Brendon and Sam working with their clients Tim and...

A client needs to feel a sense of security before they can trust the case manager. As you introduce yourself to the client you want to do it in a way that they understand and that is appropriate to their age, gender and culture. For instance, establishing a relationship with a child may call for you becoming a play partner. A child never wants to feel threatened so you have to get down to their level. Listening attentively and working diligently with allow you to remain subjective and objective as you gather information about him or her. Throughout the entire process you want to conduct yourself in a fashion that is not judgmental to them or as if you are forcing your personal beliefs on them. Assuming that you know how to fix their problem or you know the answer to the entire question, can create a distrust which...