Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Oriane Eriksen
Director

Foster Family News - Workforce Welcome: Meet Our Foster Care Intern, Melissa Alba!

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(Posted 2023 January)

Melissa AlbaMelissa is a graduate student at George Mason University pursuing a master’s degree in social work. She is in a specialization year with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families and expects to graduate in May 2023.

Melissa’s parents emigrated from Cochabamba, Bolivia in the 1990s. She is the middle child among her three sisters. Melissa was born and raised locally, so Fairfax County is her home! Her mother was a single parent, and Melissa credits her mom with teaching her about strength and resilience. She also taught Melissa the importance of treating people with kindness and respect.

In her spare time Melissa enjoys spending time with loved ones, trying new cuisine, hammocking, reading a book, being in nature, and traveling!

FFN: Tell me about your background and/or professional history.
MA: My undergraduate degree was in criminology from George Mason University. After graduating in 2009, I worked for a non-profit religious organization working with international college students prior to pursuing a career in social work. During this work, I had the opportunity to live in Venezuela for a year and meet people from around the world. These experiences really prompted my desire to be a part of helping communities and individuals in need. It also has created in me the importance of being culturally humble.

FFN: What led you to pursue a career in child welfare?
MA: I made a shift in my career path during COVID and decided to go back to school to further my education. A career in social work was something that has always interested me, especially the aspect of helping others and being an advocate and support to communities and people that are hurting. George Mason has the Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program, which is a specialized training program preparing social work students for a career in public child welfare. I was accepted to the program, and it has helped direct my passions and steps within this career.

FFN: What are you enjoying most about your internship?
MA: I want to soak up all the knowledge I can from working with seasoned social workers. I strongly believe in the importance of being humble and having the mindset that you will always be a learner. I am excited to connect with all types of clients especially children.

FFN: What is most rewarding to you about your work?
MA: I really believe in the importance of ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and permanence for children. I find it most rewarding that the work I am doing is a part of making sure this happens.

FFN: What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
MA: I think the biggest challenge will be not seeing clients succeed and being around children who have trauma and not being able to protect them! I am a very compassionate person, and it makes me sad to hear when children are suffering.

FFN: What are your goals for the future?
MA: As a Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend participant, I plan to work with the Department of Social Services in Virginia for two years after graduating. I also would like to get my LCSW.

This is an exciting time to join Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Learn more about our job opportunities.


This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep current and prospective foster and adoptive parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County. If you enjoyed this article, please subscribe.

Learn about what the Foster Care and Adoption program has planned for foster families - stay on top of trends, participate in trainings and learn about policy changes.

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