Q: Describe a typical day as a Social Worker on the Community Access team.
A: I will see 1-2 private clients; answer, return, and follow up on the Community Access service inquiry calls; complete diagnostic assessments, coordinate services, assessments, and referrals.
Q: How did your career path lead you to your current position at Guild?
A: I feel like I have been a social worker my whole life. As a child, I would go to my elderly neighbors’ houses and see if they needed any help. My first social services job was at a women’s sober house. I have been with Guild for almost 11 years, seven of those on the Ramsey County ACT team, and two on Care Coordination before coming to Community Access last summer. I think I bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to my current position. I also completed my MSW two years ago, which qualified me to take the next step towards clinical licensure. This position is great for gaining clinical and diagnostic experience.
Q: What’s your proudest memory from working at Guild?
A: I do not have a proudest moment, per se. I strive to be proud of all my work. I aim to come up with innovative and implementable solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems. I am proud of the integrity I bring to my work. I am proud when a client reaches a goal they have been striving for.
Q: How does your team collaborate with other teams at Guild?
A: Community Access touches all the programs here at Guild. I see our team as the front door access to our services. We assess and refer for case management and community services; we direct folks to housing, we complete diagnostic assessments for other teams as needed. We provide information about all the services Guild provides and redirect to other community resources as needed.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I enjoy that each day is different. I appreciate the opportunity to learn something new or discover a new resource or solution.
Q: What is something you’ve learned throughout your time at Guild?
A: To be confident but stay humble and open to learning. Every person and interaction is new and different, and it’s my responsibility to stay in the present moment to truly be effective for the person I am helping.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: Collect/sell vintage clothes, pretend to clean my house, hang out with my two daughters and my husband. Dream about traveling. Try and avoid getting earworm songs stuck in my head.