A national study of associate degree mental health and human services workers

Assessment of paraprofessionals' on-the-job performance in an outpatient child guidance clinic

On-the-job performance of paraprofessional and professional staff of an outpatient child guidance clinic were compared in three respects: (a) ability to do intake interviewing, (b) maintain case records, and (c) collect research data for a therapy outcome study. Data indicated that paraprofessionals performed as well as professionals on each job activity, and suggest generally that paraprofessionals can adequately perform the various tasks assigned to them.

The interfacing of constituencies

Within a public human service organization interaction occurs among diverse constituencies such as clients, donors, and professionals. Several recent trends affecting relationships among constituencies are identified and problems emerging from these trends are considered. Since various changes within human service organizations have occurred during the 1960s and early to mid-1970s, one may speculate about future developments which may result from these trends. It is suggested that each constituency must adapt to changing circumstances in a spirit of cooperation if the organization is to be effective.