From the Blog: National Social Work Month: Building Connections and Changing Lives

Happy National Social Work Month! No matter which industry or specialty they choose for their career path, social workers wear many hats in their role. They are dedicated to improving lives by removing barriers that may prevent people from living their best life; the job of a social worker is both nuanced and detail-oriented, but also requires a holistic, bird’s-eye-view approach.  

In a skilled nursing setting, social workers work with residents and their families to identify needs and aid in accessing a variety of services. They are an invaluable member of the care team and in celebration of National Social Work Month, we asked several CommuniCare social workers to reflect on their important role. 

Sarah Redelman

Director of Social Services, SouthPointe Healthcare Center

“I’ve been a social worker at SouthPointe for five years and in the industry for eight. I love being able to support my residents and family members throughout their stay at SouthPointe, whether it be with updates on their care plan, arranging services for post-discharge, or helping with advanced directives. 

As a social worker you tend to wear many different hats, and during COVID I received my PCA license so that I could assist with resident care on the floor. I was working side by side with the nurses and CNAs to help care for our residents. It was a truly life changing experience.” 

Earlene Dula

Social Services Director, Kenwood Healthcare Center

“One of my biggest strengths in being a social worker is my ability to have compassion and active listening. I’m a firm believer that most people just want to be heard and seen. When we lose sight of our residents and their needs we are no longer working within our mission.

I love the interactions with the residents and their families; both good and bad. It’s rewarding when I see residents leave in a better, healthier, and happier place than when they arrived. It’s a calling, what we do as Social Workers, and I love it as much now as I did when I started 20+ years ago.”

Jody Kozma

Social Service Director for more than 25 years at Salem North Healthcare Center

“I love that I have built an amazing connection with my residents and their families. I always make time for them even if I am busy, I will stop and just talk with them. I love that I have helped navigate this tough road of admitting loved ones to a facility and believe that I have helped ease a lot of concerns families typically have.

If an area is in need, I make sure I am always able to help, because every department is crucial in the daily operations at a facility. If one part of the whole isn’t working properly then it’s my responsibility as the social worker to step in and help so our resident’s stay here is the best it can possibly be. If our residents are happy then the families are happy. I will do anything and everything to make things the best they can be here at Salem North.”