Social Work Month Appreciation
March is National Social Work Month!! Social Workers all over do so much and often wear many hats to get the job done. Many put a stereotype on social workers as only “giving out food stamps” or “taking kids”. The social work field is so much more than that and literally impacts the lives of millions of people. Our communities would fall apart without social workers. Some people/families/organizations/systems make it day-to-day because of social workers. Social workers can be found in any of these areas: hospitals, health care, school system, substance abuse, child services, therapists, clinical mental heath, law enforcement, community development, employment specialists, adoption, housing, hospice, prisons, military, sports, public health, research, outreach, and the list goes on and on. I wanted to do something to not only celebrate this month, but to show appreciation to those who do one of the hardest jobs.
Hear from some social workers who wanted to share their story:
Noni Taylor
My name is Noni Taylor and I am a social work intern at a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) serving seniors who reside in assisted living and longterm care, and seniors who need skilled services (physical therapy).
I believe Social Work is a calling. I have had traumatic experiences in my childhood and wanted to assist people to overcome their challenges in life.
The hardest part about Social Work is trying to explain to people the value of our profession and that Social Workers do not have to live in lack because they chose to help vulnerable individuals.
The rewards of being in Social Work is that you are apart of your client's healing. It is incredible to see someone who has no idea what the future holds and then walking away with clear insight, clear boundaries, and adaptive coping tools.
For someone who wants to be a social worker, you don't have to be a broke one. Be clear about your WHY because it is the vehicle that will motivate you to keep going when challenges come your way.
Social Workers intervene where systems intersect. - Dr. B
Christol Flowers
My name is Christol Flowers. I am from Washington, DC. I have over six years of experience in results-oriented case management with a background in education, administration, and human services. I also have experience working in hospital departments that focus on mental health, behavioral health, and patient services. I received a Bachelors in Social Work at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Then in May of 2019, I received a Masters of Social Work from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. I currently work as a Legal Assistant at DC Housing Authority. I really enjoy my role in this position. For the 10 months that I have worked in this position, I have been able to utilize many Social Work ethical values, and one in particular being advocacy. Our agency works with a vulnerable population and ensures that their voices on issues or concerns regarding their housing is acknowledged. We genuinely consider their views and wishes when making decisions that could impact their lives. Education and learning have always been a primary focus of my social and intellectual pursuits. However, by growing up in South East, DC and seeing numerous adversities and obstacles affecting our community such as homeless or displace adults with mental illnesses living in poverty. This showed me the human brain is a vital organ whose illnesses can be successfully treated. It is interesting to see that the brain can be affected by physical, emotional, and behavioral changes and is still able to function. This intrigued my interest in pursuing a career in Social Work. One of the hardest parts of being in this field is preventing burnout and learning the importance of SELF CARE! It is impossible to care for others when you are neglecting yourself. When working in such a demanding and difficult field it can be challenging dealing with other people’s lives and issues. So, it is important to create boundaries and know when to leave work at work, and not to bring it home with you. Remember to eat, exercise, spend time with family and friends, nurture your spirit, and realize that you are not a fairy God mother or Genie in making every wish come true for clients will help in the long run. Mindfulness and relaxation are key because it nurtures resiliency. The rewards of being in this field are beyond imaginable. One, this field is rapidly expanding, and with this expansion an array of job opportunities will be available making it easy and accessible to find meaningful work. The variety of places to work are unlimited! There are opportunities of employment in schools, hospitals, health centers, insurances companies, churches, and law firms. The type of positions varies as well such as, direct client care, policy development, working a role of a supervisor, or in grant writing. Also, a huge benefit of working in this field depending on the position may qualify for student loan forgiveness. Which is a fantastic opportunity in decreasing and lowering debt that impacts our daily lives. My advice to individuals that want to become social workers is know that you are working in a field that allows you to make a difference in people’s lives. You will be in a position where you are solving difficult problems, and utilize the core values of Social Work such as social justice, cultural competency, dignity and worth of a person in your decision-making process when making decisions that impact the lives of your clients. Remember the value of SELF CARE! I cannot stress that enough! Aspects of Social Work can be challenging, demanding, or traumatizing! So, it is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself as it produces positive self-esteem and boosts your confidence! It is necessary to remind yourself that your needs are a priority as well because if not you will become burnout, less motivated, and picking up unhealthy habits. You and your clients will be negatively affected, so please practice self-care techniques such as mediation, yoga, biking, cooking classes, painting etc. I want the world to know that Social Workers are not overworked and underpaid! Our salaries are comparable and competitive with any other public sector profession. Also, stop assuming that Social Workers only work in social service agencies, and that there is no career progression in Social Work. It is all a myth! There is a wide range of employment opportunities, and workplaces for social workers. Yes, social work qualifications are generic just like any other profession that requires a post-secondary or advance degree to practice. However, with our qualifications and educational background we have the flexibility to work across a range of teams such as, foster care, mental health, school counseling, government, non-profit, etc. This is exciting because Social Work isn’t a stagnant career it provides endless opportunities, and room for professional growth!
Shana Simmons
My name is Shana Simmons and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a mother of two, a wife and entrepreneur. I currently own a part-time private practice, C.O.A.C.H, LLC located in Chesapeake, VA, providing face to face and virtual services. I offer individual, group and family therapy with a specialization in Perinatal Mental Health which supports expecting mother and families adjust emotionally to parenting. I also support various issues and mental health diagnosis. I work full-time in a collegiate setting offering counseling services in the individual and group form as student's deal with adjusting to college, at home stressors and mental health issues.
I became interested in the field of Social Work by being introduced at an early age by my grandmother who raised me. She exposed me to the helping profession by being a committed employee for over 26 years with the Norfolk Community Services Board. I learned empathy and compassion at an early age by observing her interactions with those with a diagnosis of Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities. Learning a little history about myself and my families history with substance abuse, I wanted to further understand how Mental Health, Intellectual Disabilities and Substance abuse impacts individuals and their family. As an expecting mother at age 16 and sharing with my guidance counselor my future interest of helping others she guided to me to my career path of social work.
The hardest part of being in the field is maintaining an effective work-life-balance. One may work a 9-5 or even have a few part-time jobs BUT even off the clock those around you in your personal and professional life know that you are full of resources, information and am a non-judgmental supportive figure. Self-care and boundaries is a MUST in this field.
Rewards of being in this field is being a part of the positive change, seeing progression in clients that you promoted and saving lives. I love witnessing my client's progression, positively impacting the community and having a client tell me how lifesaving a Coping Plan has been to them.
To those entering into the field, to do feel pressured or in a hurry to identify your role in the world of Social Work. There are so many opportunities, positions, titles, roles, etc. that you can explore. Obtain a solid group of colleagues to motivate, push you and hold you accountable for your growth and self-care. AS you advocate for others PLEASE remember to advocate for yourself. And again, self-care and boundaries is a MUST in this field, put it into action!
"Social Worker", please take our title out of the box. We are so much more capable of providing support outside of providing "food stamps" and "taking kids out of people's home". We are your advocate in the hospital, your after-care service coordinator upon your discharge from the hospital, we are your therapist, social policy changers, walking resource guide, mediator for supportive services at your child's school and sometimes your alternative to legal consequences. Get to know us! We are here to support you with effective outcomes while meeting you where you are socially, environmentally, mentally and emotionally.
Tysheira Maddox
Hello, my name is Tysheira and I am from Philadelphia. I am currently in my last year of graduate school obtaining an MSW with a focus on Mental Health. I enjoy working with children and families in crisis, dealing with family violence, and other mental health concerns. I did not choose Social Work, it simply chose me. I studied Psychology in undergrad where I thought I wanted to just be a therapist for the rest of my life; however, all of that changed when it was revealed to me to obtain a master’s in social work. I realized that what I was naturally good at and what I wanted to help individuals with wasn’t something a Psychology degree could help me with. I needed to dive deeper and understand the systems and environments that contribute to the lived experiences of those that I wanted to serve.
The hardest part of being in the field is taking care of yourself. As a social worker, you dedicate your time, energy, and emotional well-being ensuring that lives are protected and advocated for; that is not an easy job to say the least. Learning self-care and implementing it early on is crucial; I’ve been in the field for four years and still have not mastered it. I am still learning how to take care of myself and not feel guilty for it.
The rewards of being in the field is simply bringing relief to individuals and families. You’ll see that there is a lot of pain in this world and although you cannot “save” everyone, you can bring some sort of relief and direction to help them live a more peaceful life.
If you want to become a social worker, I advise you to ponder on your “why”. What do you have to offer and why would someone need it? What are your passions and why would social work be the field to exercise them. I want the world to know that social workers have the same issues as those that we service. We are not exempt to life’s barriers; not mentally, financially, or physically. We too struggle and need others as well.
Jennifer Stringfield
My name is Jennifer Stringfield, and I wear many hats as all social workers do. We the best! I am a Full Time School Social Worker for Newport News Public Schools and I work Part-Time as a Clinician III with several different programs at Western Tidewater Community Service Board. I love the flexibility of Social Work in which you can work in many different positions in the field.
My personal life experiences intrigued me in joining the field. As a young child myself as long as my family were product of the social service system in which we had one case worker who went above and beyond for my family to ensure my family was kept together as unit. The joy I felt made me want to be able to help families as this particular helped my family.
The hardest part of the job for me is the paperwork and the long days in which my personal self care often fails.
Although its long days and nights and tons and tons of paperwork, the reward for me is seeing other families/populations benefiting from services or supports I provide to the family to strengthen the unit. I love empowering others to do things they feel or may feel they can not accomplish.
My advice to those who want to become a social worker: DON'T get in the field for the money! I feel that is the first thing I would tell someone because if you will not love the job and become burnt out before you know. It must be passion for you. Always remember to take care of yourself while in the field monthly because the work is very overwhelming and can become personal which adds to stress. Self care can include having a strong social life, traveling, taking mental health days for yourself, and seeking therapy to process or decompress for yourself. I would also encourage social workers to work towards obtaining their Master's in Social Work in which the possibilities in the field become endless (and you have a leg to stand on to negotiate your salary as well )
We have hard and stressful jobs and are often taken for granted but we are definitely change agents which impact the world one Social Worker at a time!!
Ashley McKennelly
My name is Ashley McKennelly and I am a Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) Program Supervisor. As a TFC Supervisor, I provide guidance to case managers with linking, managing, and ensuring that client's therapeutic needs are met.
Like most people in the human services field, I wanted to “help” people. It’s always been my desire to work with children, specifically those at-risk, to give them the opportunity to know that despite their circumstances, if they work hard and believe in their own self, they can do whatever they set their mind too.
For me, the hardest part of being in the field is recognizing that you cannot help everyone. Often times, we can see more potential in others than they see in themselves and it is difficult to watch others “fail.”
The rewards of the field are things that money cannot buy; having people appreciate your support, trust your guidance and recognize their own abilities. As a supervisor, the ultimate reward for me is being able to pour into others, so that they can reach their highest potential.
My advice to those that want to become a social worker is to evaluate your own mental health. This field is hard; it's a lot of work, and it can be mentally draining. Utilize self-care and recognize when you are not "okay."
Social work is a field that is over-worked, and underpaid. No one goes into the field for the money; we do what we do because we have the heart of helping others.
Antoinette Comer
Hello There! My name is Antoinette Comer and I am currently working as a Social Service Coordinator at Manor Care-Roland Park in Baltimore MD. In my current role I am expected to Identify cognitive impairments, signs of mood problems, psychosocial needs, and follow up as needed. As a Social Service Coordinator, I effectively communicate with the interdisciplinary team, residents, families, and community agencies. I maintain accurate and timely documentation, which complies with federal/state regulations, HCR Manor-Care corporate policy, and specific center practices. I assist the families with completing Advanced directives as many of the residents are unable to make their own decisions due to a decrease in their health. I truly enjoy supporting each patient with their right to self-determination. I document patient refusal of services offered, inform the residents of any therapeutic alternatives to the refused service, and help educate the residents about the alternatives. I facilitate communication among resident, family, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure that patients are provided with risk/benefit information regarding significant health care decisions. As a Social Service Coordinator, I complete PASARR’s (Preadmission Screening and Resident Review) and discharge planning documentation. I also track behaviors and monitor cognitive and psychosocial changes. I complete Care plan conferences for all residents. Appropriate referrals are made to other consultants, community agencies, or center departments in order to facilitate the patients maximum use of resources, and to promote the patient’s increased level of social functioning. I am the liaison with psych services needed by the residents. I provide assistance with the resident’s admission to ensure a smooth transition, contact the new resident and family as needed to ensure that needs are being met and that difficulties are being resolved. I inform the patient, family, or legal representative of Medicare/Medicaid program benefits and assists with application for these alternative funding programs for nursing home care. I encourage patient autonomy by promoting attendance at patient council meetings. I also advise residents of his or her right to vote, and provide assistance with voting, if requested.
I knew I wanted to go into the social work field at a young age. I use to go to church with my grandmother and pass out food at the food pantry. I assisted her in cooking and serving food at the church as well. The feeling I received from helping others was amazing. It’s a high that’s unexplainable. From then on, I knew I wanted to work towards making a difference in the community, and leaving my mark on this earth.
Being a social worker is extremely rewarding. Having the knowledge and resources to assist others in need is important. I love helping people figure out what they need to do in order to be successful in life. Sometimes people just need extra support behind them. Also advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves is empowering. Children and the elderly are vulnerable, and I love that there are services in place that assist social workers with protecting them.
I think the hardest part of being in the social work field is watching individuals self-sabotage when you know that they have so much potential. It’s extremely hard to place personal feelings to the side when dealing with families. Taking work issues home can be challenging as well. It’s sometimes hard to go home and decompress, when you are worried about clients.
To those out there looking to become a social worker, go into it with an open mind. Patience is the key. Things will not always happen on your time, and things will not always work in your favor. It’s good to not take things the resident’s say personal. I would also say that it is imperative to go to therapy to take care of your own personal issues, so that your decisions and worth ethic are not based off of past hurt and trauma.
“Social workers are not in the field to take your children or ruin your lives”. We are here to advocate for vulnerable populations and assist with resources within the community. I want the world to know that social workers “don’t think they’re better than you”. We are all human and some of us have experienced trauma in our lives as well.
Shante Johnson
Hi, I’m Coach Shante and I’m an empowerment coach. I help selfless social workers and life coaches reconnect with themselves, so they can transition from surviving to thriving.
I actually fell into the field of social work. I initially wanted to become a psychiatrist but hated the psychology introduction class. My RA told me I should go into social work, but I brushed it off. Then one day in brown hall I saw interdisciplinary studies and switched my major and picked social work and psychology. I fell in love with social work in the introduction class and my professor asked me what’s my major. She quickly told me I need to switch. Those women saw the social worker in me, before I ever did. But, I know once I was in that intro class then when I took my first policy class I knew even more that I wanted to go the macro track.
The hardest part about being in the field is seeing a lot of clients struggle and you realize that the system needs to change. But, policy change takes so long.
The rewards of being in the field is that you can be creative in a lot of nonprofit positions, seeing clients succeed, knowing that you are changing lives and communities for the better.
My advice to those who want to become a social worker is to take care of yourself and don’t lose yourself in the service of others.
We are healing artists and we are really doing the necessary works to bring love and light into the world. Y’all need to put some respect on our names.
Ja’Keil Gilchrist
My name is Ja'Keil Gilchrist and I am currently working at Western Tidewater Community Services as a Clinician 1. I work with people who have developmental Disabilities and Intellectual disabilities with crisis support. The primary goal is to provide these individuals with the tools that they need to stay out of a crisis.
My motivation for getting into this field was seeing unresolved trauma in my family. Seeing the unresolved trauma in my family resulted in suicide, toxic relationships, abuse, and substance/alcohol abuse. Being an empath, and knowing the root of the issues that many in my family experienced made me want to help others become whole. Even after the pain, we can all heal and become whole.
Honestly, the hardest part of being in this field is working with places that do not always have the client's care and interest at heart. We work in a field that is supposed to help but instead, they get "caught up in billing" that it takes away from the ethics that we are supposed to abide by. Granted I pride myself on being ethical, I am often perplexed by how money-driven people can be in this field. We are supposed to do no harm, however, we harm our clients when we do not do what is in their best interest, or when we know that we can not service them but do not recommend them to someone who can.
The reward of being in the field is that I know that when I am in the trenches I am really providing my clients with the light that will guide them to the end of the tunnel. Working in a community-based program, I am often going in and out of houses where the next resort is hospitalization or another residential setting. Thus when I come in, the families are looking at me to either wave the magic wand, or check off a box ( either way they do not have much faith that I can do anything to assist). I am delighted when I hear the family say " he is doing better... he utilized the coping skill that you taught him". The small milestones lead to big results.
My advice to anyone who wants to be a social worker/ Licenced Professional Counselor/ or mental health professional is that you check your motive because this field does not become feasible until your a licensed professional or at least have gained experience. There may be times when you will have to work two jobs, have a load of paperwork, and get little to no appreciation or reinforcement. If you’re not in it for the right reasons you will forget the REASON in which you started in the first place.
My second piece of advice is to make sure you " check yourself", meaning everyone has a past and even if you feel that you don't need therapy chances are you do because you will interface with people who may " remind you of you" or a family member... then your triggered, and that is a sign that you need to do a mental self-audit, and yes " check yourself".
Do a genogram!!!! Look at your family history. The only way you can break your bad habits is by knowing the cycles in your family. ALSO, you can only heal at the level in which you're healed.
I am not a social worker ( but I am going to be a Licensed Professional Counselor)...However, I want people to know that L.C.S.W's and L.P.C's are not magicians, we can shine the light but it is still the person seeking treatment of any form to do the work. I would want people in this field and those who are not of this field to know that it is ok to be mental health professional and "need help also". Granted we are helping people, we need help also. Being a social worker does not shield us from life, actually, we can relate because we have been through it also. Also, I want to let people know that you should never seek help from someone who has never needed help themselves. The best therapist sees a therapist ( including me).
Kia Stanfield
My name is Kia Stanfield, MSW. I am a current social worker-holding a care management position as a Care Manager. I assist with discharge planning, short term and long term care, completing Advance Directive (assisting with transitioning of care), and safe discharge.
I went into this field due to the help that I received when my mother experienced a heat attack. Being pregnant at the time, the care manager at the hospital that my mother was assisted me and was genuinely helpful with resources for my mother and myself.
The hardest part about being in the field, is attempting to assist families with resources that are not affordable to the patients that need care. A lot of resources does not accept patients with different kinds of insurance. Locality plays a part in the patients care. A lot of the rural areas does not have services that can assist patients with the recommended services.
The rewards of being a social worker is seeing families transition back together with the help from you. In my case implanting services that will allow patients to be safe.
My advice for those that want to become a social worker is to first you definitely have to be a people person and a problem solver. It takes a lot of thinking outside of the box to do what’s we do. Even if the case your dealing with sounds the same, you have to treat each patient with dignity and rasped regardless of their social background or history.
The TWO stereotypes I hear the most is that 1. Social work is a women job...wrong! I know a lot of men that are great social worker and a lot of the community look up to the men that assist with helping youth! 2. “There’s no money in the social work business” wrong! You have to be open to change, step out of your comfort zone, and be able to continue your education way beyond degrees and having your license. Social work is forever changing and having participating in training and even relocating are options for reaching your full potential .