A picture from Emily's workday that she sent her Staffing Manager, Lindsey.
Every March, Social Work Month is celebrated, and every year, a theme is chosen. A united message from the field to the rest of the world. The theme for March 2022 is "The Time Is Right For Social Work." With all the world has seen, experienced, and lived anew in recent years, there has been a rising demand for social workers' dynamic skill sets in diverse settings, and it's unlikely to trend in reverse.
We asked Emily DiMaio, a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), currently on assignment with GHR Human Services, if she would like to share a few words. Through a few simple prompts, she generously shines a light into her world for the rest of us. Enjoy her coffee shop career epiphany to the message she wants to share during this years' Social Work Month:
Did you always know you wanted to do social work, or how did you fall into that decision?
"My undergraduate degree is actually in Fine Art (with a minor in Psychology). However, my work as an artist largely explored connections and experiences with others through unique creative processes. I really enjoyed the use of art as a form of story-telling. In my senior year of college, I was working at a local coffee shop where one of our "regular" customers shared stories of their experience as a Clinical Social Worker and offered their perspective regarding the use of creative approaches in therapy.
Through their stories, I recognized unexpected possibilities in the field of Social Work where I could combine my creativity with my passion for helping and connecting with others. It was at that point that I chose to pursue a career in Social Work."
Describe one moment that really moved you.
"As a Social Worker, I often encounter people during a very difficult or painful time in their lives. Each time a client is willing to let me into their life is a moment that continues to move me.
In my most recent placement, I worked with individuals from a culture that does not typically recognize mental health services, such as talk therapy. However, upon learning about the services available to them, many clients chose to return for weekly counseling and were willing to discuss very private emotional experiences. I have never taken these moments of trust and vulnerability for granted."
How do you keep your cup filled?
"Following through with my self-care plan isn't always easy, especially when I am overly excited and wrapped up in the work I'm doing.
I do my best to keep up with the usual tips for avoiding burn-out like getting enough sleep, setting boundaries, asking for help, etc. But my absolute favorite, fool-proof way to fill my cup is to just laugh. The work can sometimes be challenging, though I'm fortunate to have supportive friends, family, and colleagues who share my love of humor."
What message do you want to send on #SocialWorkMonth2022, themed "The Time Is Right"?
"A message I would like to share with others is this: Social Workers belong everywhere. We bring such a unique value to many settings and roles, both in and out of human service-specific agencies. We are advocates and agents of change where it is needed. I think there is a specific image that others may visualize when they picture "traditional" social work, and I really want to help expand this image for our field.
We have the skills to thoroughly assess and respond to many types of challenges, navigating stressful situations, particularly well through a deep understanding of the interpersonal dynamics and complex systems at play. Our skillset is highly transferable, and we could be an incredible asset in unexpected ways" -Emily.
End of Q&A Between GHR Human Services and Emily DiMaio (March 2022)
Emily is a Licensed Social Worker wrapping up an assignment with GHR Human Services stationed at an Afghan Refugee Center. She and the others alongside her have been an impressionable force of good for many refugee families and individuals between homes, recreating their lives in a foreign land. A helping hand is understood in all languages.
To those reading who work in the field or whose lives were touched by a social worker, we say happy Social Work Month. The work is critical, it's admirable, and it's expansive. If you have a story to tell or a message to share, we would like for you to reach out (and not just in March)!