by Kathleen Sizemore, Communications Program Officer, Department of Health and Human Services

As we mark the beginning of Social Work Month, we reflect upon the thousands of passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives’ work to uplifting those in need.  Through the years, social work has called these strong spirits to motivate people to live to their fullest potential.  This month, we salute the contributions of social workers who have been shaping our society for the better for generations.

Cuyahoga County’s Health and Human Services Department employs over 700 social service workers.  Our compassionate professionals help County residents of all ages and backgrounds address challenges in the areas of aging, justice, family services, mental health, clinical work, substance abuse, employment assistance, advocacy, child welfare, disabilities, health care and personal welfare.

The legacy of social work in our County runs deep.  The Department of Children and Family Services building is named after legendary social worker, Jane Edna Hunter.  Hunter dedicated much of her life to social causes – particularly helping women and children of color.  Knowing first-hand the challenges African-American women faced in finding work and housing in turn of the century Cleveland, Hunter founded The Phillis Wheatley Home in 1911 to offer shelter, assistance, and education for them. Over 100 years later, The Phillis Wheatley Association continues to serve hundreds of individuals each year with senior housing, skill building, youth enrichment and scholarship programs. 

Today, strong social workers continue this legacy.  Madeline Torres, a Program Officer 2 with the Division of Senior and Adults Services, is one such example.  With 20 years in social work, she started in the County’s Job and Family Services division, then transitioned into case work assisting older adults with specialized Medicaid benefits.  Torres has assisted thousands of residents over the years, and believes that in order to be a great social worker, you must genuinely care about the people you serve.  “Be compassionate with your clients and treat them as if they were your own family members,” she says. “Treat them with respect and dignity and go above and beyond to assist them during their time of need.”

Exceptional social workers are recognized by the Department of Children and Family Services during an awards celebration every March.  Last year, Carley Robertson, a worker in Extended Services unit, was recognized with the “Excellence in Engagement Award” for exemplifying the Department’s core value of having frequent quality contact with families to help ensure safety, permanency, and well-being.

Robertson makes a point of seeing the more than 30 children on her caseload monthly and stays in frequent touch with their parents.  She has taken on cases where there had been difficulty engaging family members -- including a case with a missing child that she managed to locate, reconnect with her family and engage in a positive care plan.  Robertson says she takes difficult cases and reassignments “because I understand the needs of the families involved and they respect my desire to do what I can to help them.” 

Torres believes that social work is the perfect field for people who have a passion for helping others.  For those interested in pursuing this line of work, she suggests obtaining a degree in Social Work, and coupling it with background knowledge on human development, psychology and best practices. She feels this approach can help one gain a better understanding of why clients may be facing certain situations and helps to better assist them.

Robertson believes that all families deserve respect and understanding no matter the situation they are in.  “Sometimes clients are just looking for someone to listen,” she says.  “If you can partner with them, I have found that it motivates families to work with you in order to resolve whatever crisis they may be facing.”

Robertson also notes that self-care is an important topic in the field.  “I feel there is no way to help the families you serve in the community if you are not taking care of yourself,” she explains.  “I find it is so important to have a strong professional and personal circle around you.”

There will always be a need for strong, passionate social workers to further this legacy of service.  We are grateful to the inspirational leaders of the past, thankful for the diligent workers who continue the fight today, and hopeful for the new cadre of impassioned individuals who will join our ranks and continue to strengthen those who needs us most.