March is National Social Work Month, and it’s a great time to celebrate the compassionate dedication our team members bring to their meaningful work each day. KVC wants to show appreciation to social workers, clinicians and other professionals working to make a positive impact in our communities. 

In honor of these professionals, let’s look behind the scenes. Join us as we look at a typical day in the life of a social worker, see what motivates them to make a powerful difference for those we serve and why KVC West Virginia is a great place to do this meaningful work.

Exploring Social Work: A Day in the Life

First things first: for people in the social work field, there is no “typical day!” As most in the helping professions would agree, no two days are the same. Some go wherever needed, traveling for client visits across the communities they serve. These social workers travel between schools to work with children, meet with entire families in their homes or lead in-office sessions. Other days involve less face-to-face engagement and more behind-the-scenes work. But one thing is for certain: there’s never a dull moment! 

Much of the social work profession involves helping children and families through difficult situations through face-to-face interactions. While helping others is at the core of social work, this career is about so much more than helping people. Social workers at KVC West Virginia serve people who are walking through vulnerable, challenging seasons in their lives. These people rely on social workers to help them identify resources, find solutions and make connections. Social workers utilize their expertise to promote strong mental health, help strengthen relationships, end cycles of generational trauma and abuse — and ultimately create stronger families and communities. 

The goal of these interactions is to evaluate key needs, and connect or provide community resources for the overall health and safety of the family. Substance use treatment, child and family mental health therapy and other in-home family services are examples of helpful resources families often utilize while working with a social worker.

Going Above and Beyond: Social Worker Responsibilities

The duties of this profession go beyond client and resource matchmaking. Other vital social work responsibilities include: 

• Offering counseling, therapy, resources and expertise
• Prioritizing and re-prioritizing as new cases come in
• Supervising visits between parents and children
• Attending court hearings
• Transporting children 
• Coordinating and managing the action plan for each case 
• Remaining in contact with the client, family and provider to ensure the best outcome 

With varied responsibilities, it’s easy to see how there is no typical day in the life of a social worker, but each day is sure to bring a new rewarding challenge. 

Meet KVC West Virginia Social Workers

Stephanie C., LICSW, RPT

Stephanie C., LICSW, RPT, a therapist at KVC West Virginia, began her career in elementary education and student affairs. Her time in higher education eventually led to her working in the substance use prevention field, and finally to her current position as a clinical social worker and registered play therapist.

Play therapy is often used for connecting with younger children and is a favorite of Stephanie’s. She mentions initially feeling unsure about being able to hold the trauma that comes with social work cases, but inevitably knew this is what she was meant to do, and she hasn’t looked back since! 

Amanda S., MSW, LGSW

Another therapist at KVC West Virginia, Amanda S., MSW, LGSW, was confident her passion was in this field and began her career after gaining her bachelor’s and master’s in social work. After gaining industry experience in foster care, she became a clinical social worker, where she now works as a therapist for children and families. “Connecting with children and families within the community and helping to make the world a better place is why I love my career,” Amanda says. 

A Heart for this Work: What Draws Social Workers to this Profession

While some set out to become social workers from the beginning of their careers, others follow one of the many paths eventually leading into the social work sector. Although the stories of how these professionals came to do this meaningful work are different, the reason is similar at the heart of it all.

“A lot of my work is focused on calming strategies, sensory work and co-regulation, so that clients can learn and practice strategies for calm time on their own,” Stephanie says. Throughout the process, connection, communication and coordination are the bulk of this work. For a social worker, each day is filled with duties that encompass these qualities. Social work professionals enjoy these qualities (especially connection) the most. 

A career in social work is not always an easy path, but it’s rewarding. The reward comes from taking an often challenging situation and influencing a positive resolution. 

Social Work Careers at KVC West Virginia: The KVC Difference

Wayne County office KVC team

As a social worker, there is no shortage of opportunities to make a difference in your community. If you feel called to provide real change by enriching the lives of children and families, explore the benefits of working with KVC. 

As a company that provides life-changing support to children and families, our team of caring professionals drives our impact. With the focus on enriching and enhancing the lives of children and families who are going through traumatic or challenging situations, compassionate social workers looking for purpose and connection should consider joining the KVC team. 

In addition to competitive pay, KVC offers a 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate company match and only a one-year vesting period requirement. Team members enjoy generous PTO and holidays, tuition reimbursement and more. Here you’ll find hybrid jobs where every day looks a little different. Some days you’ll work from home, some days from the office and some days from client’s homes. KVC employees receive free dental insurance, generous employer contribution on medical plans and employer-paid group life and disability coverage – because your health matters. 

Building a Workplace Where Everyone Belongs

Here, it’s all about valuing our people. Our supportive culture places high value on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), and our environment is uplifting and empowering. Particularly for people in such a difficult, complex profession like social work, support from colleagues can make all the difference. “I have never felt like I’m on an island,” Amanda says about KVC’s culture. “KVC cares about the quality of my work, and it’s important to feel like you’re a part of something.” 

Stephanie also shares Amanda’s insights about the supportive culture. “KVC holds wellness and engagement for employees in high regard,” she says. Stephanie enjoys being part of the KVC team because of the supportive atmosphere that is unlike anywhere else.

“KVC is where I’m meant to be,” Stephanie shares. 

Looking to join an organization that fosters its professionals as much as its clients? At KVC, you will find a rewarding career with a company that values you. Learn more about joining our team.