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.
Daniel Jackson, Social Work Supervisor, DOROT Westchester
How did you decide to become a social worker?
Social work is a late-in-life career change for me. I was a graphic designer my whole life and loved my freelance job, but after a move from the West coast to the East, I found myself looking for a change in careers as well. I was always very involved with volunteerism, and I wanted to do more work directly impacting lives. My partner suggested I become a social worker and it was the best advice ever!
How has COVID-19 impacted your work?
The pandemic has affected us all in ways both good and bad. But as a social worker taught to look at strength-based behaviors, the pandemic has shifted the way I see my older friends coping with social isolation. I am now more empathetic to that loneliness and have become a better listener. And I’m continually amazed at their resilience and persistence.
What is something that you love about your work?
I love (love love) the time spent with my older adult friends. Hearing their life stories, laughing with them, being present with them in low moments, and knowing that my work is making a difference. It is more rewarding than anyone could imagine.
DOROT was my first field placement as a student in grad school, and I fell in love with the agency right away. I like to tell the story of how it started with kindness: people reaching out to their older friends to check in with them and have conversations. I was so fortunate to be hired by DOROT directly after getting my MSW degree.
More about Daniel:
Daniel grew up in the rural Midwest, and inherited a green thumb from both his dad who was a farmer and his mom who found joy in her garden. He has a severe case of the travel bug, (when there is not a pandemic), and has lived on 4 different continents. Oh, and he has a cat, Gito, who thinks he’s a dog.
For information on all DOROT programs, services and resources, call 212-769-2850.