Phoenix VA social workers recognized
By Stephen Woolverton, Public Affairs Specialist
As part of Social Work Month Phoenix VA held a breakfast for the social workers who are dedicated to serving our Veterans March 26, at the 32nd Street VA Clinic.
The theme for Social Work month this year was Uplift, Defend, and Transform, which honors the core mission of the Social Work profession - to enhance human well-being, meet the basic needs of all people, and put special attention to the needs and empowerment of people that are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.
“I am very proud of all the hard work you do day after day,” said Associate Director of Patient Care Services, Lynette Dorsey, DNP who spoke at the event. “I often hear about your dedication, and commitment to supporting our Veterans. Your efforts make a difference.”
The event included a continental style breakfast, games, a raffle and ended with a chair yoga session. The Annual Social Work Service Awards and Recognition Breakfast was organized by a group called SQUAD (Social Justice, Quality of Care, Understanding, Acceptance and Dedication) who are social workers themselves.
“The VA is the largest employer of social workers in the country,” said Katie Tiegs, a Phoenix VA Social worker and one of the event co-organizers. “We have over 200 social workers at the Phoenix VA, and we are in every program you can think of. There might be only a handful of us here and there, but we are everywhere.”
The event was held to celebrate social work month and recognize members of the social work service who are going above and beyond, handling difficult and challenging situations. There were about 90 social work staff who attended the breakfast in person and more joined virtually on Teams. More than 30 social workers were also recognized and given an award at the breakfast for the outstanding service and dedication they provide to our Veterans.
Tiegs joined the VA almost four years ago with the encouragement of her Veteran husband. She said that social work as a whole is challenging, working at the VA gives her opportunities to help a wide variety of people.
“Social work as a whole is challenging,” said Tiegs. “I get to see people in their 20s up till their 90s. You know, just people at so many different stages of life. So, I really like that.”
Social workers have been a critical part of the Veterans Health Administration for 100 years. The social work department was established in 1926, and since then has expanded from 36 social workers to being one of the largest employer in the nation. Social work month was first celebrated in March 1963 to raise awareness and recognition of the profession and today, social work month is still being celebrated to encourage support of the profession, uplift social workers and celebrate their contributions to the field.