Flores Martinez

Michelle Flores Martinez

Introduction to Social Work

(SOCW 2361-002)

Professor Kelli Rolland-Adkins, MA, MSW, LMSW

November 30, 2023

The Social Worker Interview

Semester: Fall 2023

1) May I know the identity of the social worker you are interviewing?

Chelsea Smith, LMSW, LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor)

2) Enumerate all the credentials possessed by the social worker.: LBSW (Licensed Baccalaureate Social
Worker), BSW, MSW, MSSW, LMSW, DSW, Ph.D ., LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LMSW-AP,
etc.

LMSW

LCDC

3) Enumerate the academic qualifications of the social worker (i.e., type of degree(s), school(s)
attended.

SIMMONS UNIVERSITY Boston, MA Doctor of Social Work (DSW) (Expected Completion: Dec 2024

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON Arlington, TX Master of Arts (M.A.) Social Work (Aug 2019) •
GPA (Grade Point Average): 3.74 • Relevant Coursework: Direct Practice in Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Counseling

UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR Belton, TX Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Social Work (May 2017) •
GPA: 3.8 • Relevant Coursework: Minor in Psychology • Awards & Honors: Magna cum laude •
Extracurricular Activities: UMHB Social Work Club President, UMHB Social Work Club Vice President,

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UMHB Class Representative NASW (National Association of Social Worker) CTX Branch Student
Representative

CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE Barnstable, MA Associate in Arts (A.A.) Human Services (May 2015) •
Relevant Coursework: Certified Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor I

4) Where does the social worker now work? Provide the address, email address, and phone number.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES

DSHS Region 7 Behavioral Health Coordinator

2408 S. 37th Street

Temple, TX 76504

Office: 254-771-6743

State Cell: 254-669-8466

Fax: 254-778-5490

Chelsea.Smith@dshs.texas.gov

Schedule:

Office | Mon/Tue/Thurs | 8 AM – 5 PM

Telework | Wed/Fri | 8 AM – 5 PM

Educational Leave | Tues/Thurs | 3:30 PM – 5 PM (Wednesday’s 4 PM – 5 PM)

5) What is the current occupational designation of the social worker?

Behavioral Health Coordinator

Public Health & Behavioral Specialist V

6) What are the current responsibilities and duties of the social worker?

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Supervises the creation, execution, and assessment of education and training initiatives focused
on a specific region. These programs guarantee that behavioral health is consistently taken into
account and integrated into regional efforts concerning health promotion, healthcare provision, and
emergency responses. • Engages in complex advisory and technical support tasks to ensure that
DSHS Public Health Regional staff are knowledgeable in identifying behavioral health issues and
referring clients to appropriate treatment. •

Acts as a liaison with the Texas Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Network.Exercises
autonomous professional discernment and proficiency in evaluating and creating training
programs to address the requirements of regional staff; determines the most effective
assessment methods to measure the efficacy of presentation content and forms; and operates
with limited supervision, having significant freedom to exercise initiative and independent
judgment.

7) Which demographic does the social worker presently cater to? What demographic of individuals has
the social worker already assisted?

Ms. Smith has delivered and still delivers social work services to diverse groups, including the
uninsured, underinsured, and members of the comm LGQTB/QTPOC/TGNC unity. She plays a
vital in providing these people with services and acting as their advocates. Ms. Smith may
engage with community health clinics, nonprofits, and government initiatives to help the
uninsured access healthcare, understand the intricacies of healthcare systems, and find
possibilities for free or inexpensive treatments. She also aides in helping to find insurance
or financial aid choices that meet each person's particular requirements.

For the LGQTB/QTPOC/TGNC and underinsured populations, Ms. Smith also aims to provide a
welcoming and culturally aware atmosphere. This entails tackling the particular difficulties
these groups have, such as overcoming discriminatory behaviors, obtaining mental health care,
and fostering inclusion. As well as she might support laws that improve insurance coverage to
lessen the stigma associated with mental health in the communities of the,
LGQTB/QTPOC/TGNC community and provide safe places where people feel comfortable talking
about their needs. She along with social workers support the empowerment and well-being of
the uninsured, underinsured, LGQTB community, and other oppressed groups by providing
individualized support, promoting understanding, and pushing for structural reforms.

In addition, she assists her colleagues by offering community HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
and STD testing, along with public health services. The services she offers to her colleagues are
essential in maintaining community health, avoiding the transmission of infectious illnesses, and
creating a supportive atmosphere for persons seeking testing and education. Her unwavering

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commitment to public health programs makes a substantial contribution to the welfare of

her colleagues and the wider community.

9) What is the duration, in years, of the social worker's experience in the field of social work?

Chelsea has shown a considerable level of proficiency in delivering social work services for many
years. In 2017, Chelsea successfully obtained her bachelor's degree in social work and promptly
began her career as a practicum social worker. In 2022, she obtained her complete state license
and began her employment with the state as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). From a
technical standpoint, she has engaged in practice for a cumulative duration of six years, and she
has obtained a license for a span of one year.

Chelsea says, “I can be in an uber ride and complete an entire biosocial assessment on anyone in seven
minutes.”

10) What motivated the social worker to choose a career in social work?

Chelsea expresses that she became a LMSW as it is her sincere desire to assist people in
navigating and overcoming life's problems is driven by her aspiration to have a good influence
on the lives of individuals and communities. She exhibits profound compassion and
understanding, since her work serves as a method for her to provide assistance to others
experiencing hardship. Chelsea expresses her satisfaction in assisting people in managing mental
health challenges, providing support to families in emergency situations, and campaigning for
the rights of vulnerable communities. Her profession in the area of social work is primarily
motivated by the inherent gratification that comes from making a good impact on others' well-
being and promoting beneficial transformations in their lives.

Another compelling factor that motivated her to pursue a career as a social worker is her strong
commitment to social justice and her aspiration to tackle structural inequities. Her motivation
stems from a fervent dedication to championing causes against prejudice, poverty, and other
social inequities. She is passionate about actively participating in initiatives aimed at establishing
a fair and inclusive society by questioning systems that sustain inequality and addressing the

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difficulties associated with advocating for policies that foster justice. She is enthusiastic about
promoting and actively participating in large-scale beneficial reforms, as well as making a
meaningful influence on people' lives on a daily basis. This serves as a strong incentive for both
herself and those who choose a profession in social work.

11) Salary Range: (This question is optional. However, be sure to state that an answer was “Not
Provided,” or points will be deducted).

Chelsea states that in 2017 she started with a pay of $20625.41 and nine months her pay
increased 10%. In 2018 Chelsea’s pay was $2967.88. Then in 2019 from January to March there
was a pay increase due to a job change in the same sector and they started making $3227.19.
Now as of 2023 she now makes as a LMSW her pay is that of $5687.49 before taxes and after
taxes $4127.98.

Chelsea states that her yearly pay shows that to be of $71,105.07 and before taxes that is a
gross income of $63,743.57. She does state that this month she will receive a 5% raise and then
in June or July due to the new legislative law that has been passed she will receive another 5%
pay raise.

Now she states that her pay may be higher when compared to the traditional Social Worker
Salary as she holds a different pay due to her being that of along with her LMSW she is also a
behavioral Health Specialist Coordinator for the company.

You may find any Texas or agency state worker salary at https://salaries.texastribune.org/

Chelsea says, “The beauty of working for the state is the 100% health insurance benefits”.

11. Continuing Education

Chelsea is currently working on receiving her LMSW-IPR

And is currently under practicum supervision on her 2000 hours out of her needed 3000 hours
as she is deviating from her LCSW due to her new interest in private practice.

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Chelsea says, "Ensure that you identify the specific field or domain in which you wish to pursue
employment and maintain a receptive attitude towards it.”

12) Is practicing social work worth it? Why or why not?

If you ask me on other days, I may disagree, but on this particular day, I do believe it's worth it.
The job we do is really unique, and you can utilize your skill sets and transferable talents to do
anything—it could always be something new and different.

While there are benefits, it is important to acknowledge the drawbacks of this field of work,
such as the scarcity of workers and the overwhelming number of individuals with demands.
Additionally, it is possible to lose sight of one's own desires within these circumstances. She
states, "It's a very slippery slope," since these are the kinds of things that may cause you to go
backwards.-!

Chelsea says, “People are complex, so we have complex issues.”

13) What “words of wisdom” would the social worker provide to a “new” social worker!!!

Chelsea states: “So some words of wisdom,” I know its cliché to say and easy to say.” I would say the
importance of self-care and self-awareness".

“Remember you are a person and to advocate to help people have voices and not to settle.”

“You can never have too many tabs open in your brain.”

“People will look at you like if you have ten heads.”

“Self-awareness almost feels like paranoia.”

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Chelsea says. “What repulses me is that never in a million years did I think I would be enclosed in four
walls talking for over 8 hours a day”.

Sources and citations:

Chelsea Smith, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES, DSHS Region 7 Behavioral Health
Coordinator, 2408 S. 37th Street, Temple, TX 76504, 12/4/2023 www.dshs.texas.gov

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