FULTON, NY – Caseworker supervisor Mike Savona has announced that Jamie Jenks has joined the staff as a caseworker.
A graduate of Keuka College, Jenks, who holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, is excited to be joining the caseworker program.
“I have always wanted to work in an organization that helps people,†said Jenks. “Catholic Charities is all about helping people and the Caseworker Program allows me to do just that.â€
Designed to help families who have children at risk of foster care, the caseworker program offers preventive services and resources that help to strengthen the family unit.
These services enable families to remain intact and avoid unnecessary placement of children into foster care.
As a caseworker, Jenks works closely with families to assess their situation and develop a strategy that will help them overcome any difficulties they may be experiencing.
“When I meet with families, I discuss their current living environment and ask them what they feel are their most pressing concerns or needs. Once those are defined, I work together with the family to establish the goals they wish to achieve and provide them with the guidance and resources to help them do so,†said Jenks.
According to Jenks, the ultimate goal of the caseworker program is to keep the family together and make any necessary changes that help keep children safe.
“Families come to us for a number of reasons such as economic problems, lack of support systems, developmental issues, difficulty adjusting to marriage, separation, or blended families, as well as other issues that may cause undue stress. By fostering self-determination and self-sufficiency, I work to help them overcome the problems they are experiencing,†she said.
In addition to providing support, Jenks also connects families to other resources that can benefit them such as counseling services and parent education programs that can help learn life skills that have a positive impact on their family life.
“As a caseworker, I serve as a liaison between the families I work with and other service providers,†added Jenks.
Savona is pleased to have Jenks as part of the program is impressed with her enthusiasm.
“Jamie is excited to be working in this field and has a genuine interest in helping others. She is very conscientious, hardworking, and has strong social skills which will serve her well in her position as a caseworker,†he said.
For more information on the program, call Savona at 598-3980.
missing or outdated ad config
