Cathy's Creative Corner: The Wright Kids (Part 1)
“Good morning, Ms. Long. I hope you’re as excited about joining the staff here at the Department of Social Services Childcare Division as we are about getting some much needed help! I’m Sarah Pittman and I’ll be your supervisor. You’ll meet the case manager when we go to your office. Although you will turn to her with questions or for advice on situations you may be unsure of, you can always call me if the pressure becomes too much. Everyone is not built for this kind of work. Unfortunately, they don’t realize it until later. It’s like wearing two hats at once. One side reads ‘social worker,’ and the other reads ‘psychiatrist.’ Maybe we need one reading ‘protector’ as well. All we ask is that you handle each case with an open mind, get all the information required and be efficient. Any questions?”
“I can’t think of any at present,” replied Ms. Long. “I’m just ready to get started in this new chapter of my life! I’m so grateful you’ve allowed me the opportunity.”
“Let me show you to your office where I’ll turn you over to manager, Niecy Wade.” The two ladies take the elevator to the Childcare Division. The floor is partitioned off with more than a dozen offices for caseworkers. The open area in the middle has rows of desks for intake personnel. Their job is to answer all incoming calls to the division, relay them to their caseworker or take information to help set up a caseworker if they don’t already have one.”
“This looks like a smooth-running organization,” comments Ms. Long.
“Yes, this part is,” agrees the supervisor. “It’s the cases that can be difficult. And no two are alike.” After a few more steps, she stops and motions to the new employee. “This is your office. Make yourself at home. Niecy will be with you shortly.”
Only a few minutes pass before the case manager appears. “Hi. I’m Niecy Wade. Just call me Niecy.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Niecy. Just call me Crystal. Ms. Long is much too formal,” the woman comments as she rises from her chair.
“Don’t get up on my account. Get comfortable. Take an inventory of any supplies you may need and email it to me. You’ll find a list of contact numbers and emails in your top drawer. The bottom drawer has several files of clients who are now on your caseload. Review them, write down anything that brings up questions and we’ll take it from there. The best way to get started is to jump right in with both feet. I’m sure you’ve heard that quote before.” Niecy smiles as she exits the office.
A score of emotions runs through Crystal’s body. Excitement over her new job is the front-runner right now. Confidence is a close second. She has always been a people person, having empathy for others and their situations. These attributes make her the perfect candidate for such a position. Lastly, anticipation is trying to take hold of Crystal’s mind. Not knowing exactly what to expect or what is likely to happen will be challenging. Like Mrs. Pittman warned, no two cases are alike. Crystal can’t try to predict any outcomes.
After determining she has pretty much everything she needs, Crystal decides to do the inventory later. She opens the bottom drawer and takes out the stack of client files to review. The first folder references teen siblings Desmond and Demetria Wright who live with their grandmother, Barbara Porter. It appears a neighbor and school counselors are concerned about the teens’ well-being. “This seems as good a place to start as any.” Crystal sends up a silent prayer, takes a deep breath and proceeds to call Mrs. Porter.
