Each March, National Social Work Month recognizes the impact social workers deliver while providing services to children and adults in need. This month, we'll be taking time to celebrate and get to know some of the dedicated social workers across DOROT.
Jane Blumenstein, Synagogue Outreach Social Worker
What does a social worker actually do?
The job of a social worker is incredibly different depending on the environment in which he/she works. At its core though, social work is about helping, advocating, listening, and treating the whole person within their environment. Unlike psychology, which is focused more on providing counseling and therapy and addressing mental health issues, social workers are also interested in the more expansive environment surrounding the person and how that is impacting their functioning.
What do you do at DOROT?
As a synagogue outreach social worker, I am a part of a team that bridges DOROT to 10 synagogues in the Manhattan community. By connecting seniors and caregivers from the synagogues to DOROT’s incredible programs and resources, we help our congregations care for and engage their congregants.
How has the pandemic affected your work?
Our work has definitely gone through various waves as the pandemic has progressed. Initially, we were simultaneously working out our own remote work pattern while also reconfiguring how we support our clients. The pandemic has opened new doors in the way that we work at DOROT. Now that so many of our clients have become more comfortable using zoom, we are able to reach our clients through this incredible platform. Running support groups has been particularly gratifying – a support group for people living alone as well as a bereavement group- both on zoom - with no travel time!
What is something that you love about your work?
Every day is different and varied. My job involves providing direct service to individuals and groups, as well as supervising interns, developing new program ideas, as well as public speaking and outreach. It’s great to have a job that taps into various skills and pushes me to develop new areas of expertise.
Social workers are a unique set of folks - we are passionate and caring, creative and patient. It’s gratifying to be a part of a tradition of helping and supporting our community!
More about Jane:
Jane Blumenstein received her BA from UCLA and her MSW from Columbia School of Social Work. In addition to her work at DOROT, she is an active board member at her synagogue where she also served as president and runs their security committee.
For information on all DOROT programs, services and resources, call 212-769-2850.