Challenge:
Workers who feel judged are less likely to make full use of services to which they are entitled. Focus groups cite a lack of empathy on the part of agency staff or a feeling of hopelessness and resignation.
Strategies:
- Recognize the unique and important role each individual plays in promoting Economic Mobility and Security for Workers. Human Service staff and advocates are often the only link to services available which can help to “lift and empower” individuals and families on their progression to greater independence. Staff understanding and ability to navigate these areas can make a tremendous difference for your community. Understand that while receipt of public benefits offers some assistance for individuals and families, these benefits alone are not sufficient to reach outcomes of economic independence. Demonstrating empathy, care and compassion for others can go a long way in helping others to discover additional steps needed to reach goals of self-sufficiency. In addition to the above, below are some additional strategies or “plays” for Human Service Agencies and Advocates to consider:
- Understand that while receipt of public benefits offers some assistance for individuals and families, these benefits alone are not sufficient to reach outcomes of economic independence. Demonstrating empathy, care and compassion for others can go a long way in helping others to discover additional steps needed to reach goals of self-sufficiency.
- In addition to the above, below are some additional strategies or “plays” for Human Service Agencies and Advocates to consider:
- Hire staff that reflect the diversity of the population you serve. Workers who formerly received public benefits can often serve as empathetic motivators in assisting others on their journey.
- Create peer support groups among the clients you serve to foster opportunities for mutual learning. motivation and support.
- Train and offer peer “coaches” or “navigators.” Make these paid positions and develop robust training and screening to foster learning and empowerment. Often, transition from intergenerational poverty requires building additional social capital and supportive networks to offer suggestions and alternatives to individuals and families facing difficult decisions.
- Make empathy a cornerstone of your culture. Screen and hire for it. Offer training for staff in the challenges of the Benefits Cliff and the realities lower-wage workers face.
- Take a consultative, rather than a deficit-focused, approach. Train staff in motivational interviewing. Train staff in trauma-informed care, racial equity, cultural acceptance, etc. Address communication barriers by offering multilingual staff, translators, and other strategies to ensure effective communication.