Celebrate staff during National Social Work and Women’s History Month

As we celebrate National Social Work and Women’s History Month, it is important that we highlight some of our own staff who have made great contributions to support Georgia’s most vulnerable children and families.  

To close out the month, DHS celebrates Region 5’s Caregiver Recruitment and Retention Regional Administrator, Nicki Hicks, for her 14 years of service with the Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Family & Children Services. Here’s her story. 

Nicki’s inspiration to become a social worker started when she was young. A friend in church confided in Nicki about experiencing abuse in her home. From that moment, Nicki knew that she wanted to help other children in situations like her childhood friend. Years later, she started her career with DFCS, with a goal to work in Child Protective Services. Her career went in a different direction, and Nicki now serves in the Caregiver Recruitment and Retention Unit (CRRU). Every day, she finds joy making sure that youth are placed in safe foster homes. 

The job has its challenges, but it can be very rewarding. “One of the most rewarding experiences I have had is seeing children who come into care with behavioral issues and witnessing a family give them a chance, saying YES to that child and later hearing how amazing that child is doing in their home,” Nicki told us. “Consistency and commitment can go a long way in a child’s life.” 

Nicki plans to return to school for her master’s degree so that she can complete her end goal of becoming a school social worker. A quote that she lives by is: “Don’t wait for things to get easier, simpler, better. Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now.  Otherwise, you’ll run out of time.” (Author Unknown) 

DHS commends Nicki for her commitment to Georgia’s youth over the years. We continue to celebrate social workers in all areas as the year continues, as their work never ends!