DHS Celebrates Social Work Month

March is National Social Work Month, a time to honor the professionals who act as a lifeline for society’s most vulnerable.

Social workers are experts at turning challenges into opportunities for growth, providing services in an array of sectors, including hospitals and mental health centers; federal, state, and local government; schools; community centers; and social service agencies. 

In the U.S. alone, social work is one of the fastest-growing professions, with more than 800,000 dedicated professionals nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At Georgia’s Department of Human Services, our caring and empathetic case workers help clients with accessing services ranging from medical assistance to child support, adult protective services, foster care services, and much more.  

The impact of this work is best seen through the eyes of those who live it every day, and this month, we have recognized the contributions of social workers within our divisions of Aging Services, Child Support Services, and Family & Children Services. These individuals are the boots on the ground helping individuals and families across the state every day.

“As a former foster parent for roughly seven years, I feel that I have the unique ability to relate to foster families,” shared April Fincher, a Case Manager with DFCS's Caregiver Recruitment and Retention Unit. “One of our long-time foster parents needed to have a medical procedure, and he was unable to secure a driver. So, I gladly picked him up at 5 a.m., drove him to the hospital for the procedure, stayed with him, and drove him back home afterwards to help him get settled in. Some people are surprised that I would take on that responsibility, but as a Case Manager, we should have that kind of relationship with our families where they know we are there for them in all facets of life.” 

As for anyone interested in pursuing a career in social work, Eligibility Specialist Supervisor Donna Norris had this advice, “Be flexible and willing to accept change. This career can be emotionally demanding but knowing you made a difference is worth it. It is rewarding to see our clients strive towards goals and improve their quality of life.”  

If you want to help make a difference as a social worker, view our job openings here

Related to: 

• Division of Aging Services
• Division of Child Support Services
• Division of Family & Children Services