(Posted 2024 February)

Meet Lauren!

Position: Social Services Specialist II, Nutrition Case Manager for the Home Delivered Meals program

I started in 2016 as a social worker intern with the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources line. I earned my master’s in social work from the University of Washington in December 2017, and I was fortunate to be hired straight out of school. My supervisor provided me with a safe-learning space to develop my social work style. She asked me questions that invoked the themes of social work, encouraging me to focus on the risks, understanding both the client’s goals and my goals to help them. 

I've been employed with Fairfax County for six years, including the last two years in my current position working in the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Prior to joining Fairfax County, I held various positions working with clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in residential and outpatient settings, serving as support staff, counselor, and supervisor.

One of the reasons I continue to work with DFS is because of the amazing experiences I have had with clients. In my role as a comprehensive case manager, I complete an annual assessment for each client that helps me determine what resources may be beneficial to discuss accessing. I assist home-bound community members with ensuring they have access to nutritional security and weekly meal delivery. I provide information and referrals to as many services and benefits that a client may be eligible to receive. I also assist in advocating for a client’s autonomy and the right to stay in their home as long as safely possible. I provide information and referrals related to financial, emotional, medical, protective, nutritional, home repairs, home-based care, long-term care, community, and SNAP Medicaid applications. I also help clients with occupational therapy consultations and assistance in obtaining durable-medical equipment, transportation through TOPS, Senior Express, Metro Access, and volunteers. 

It is rewarding to see the ripple effect of support provided by the county, which benefits individuals, the community, and stakeholders.

I chose to work in the Department of Family Services (DFS). The caring, familial atmosphere, high morale, and support from colleagues and supervisors make it the best place to work. The internal culture, advocacy for workers, and opportunities for growth make DFS employment fulfilling. 

To me social work is listening to what people need, respecting their autonomy and dignity, while advocating and navigating the complexity of the aging process. I’ve been lucky to work with leaders that allow me to be creative and innovative. Listening to clients and working with my coworkers to brainstorm solutions that provide clients with the support they need is important. For example, we are working on a guide to help clients navigate the transition from Home Delivered Meals to receiving a waiver for assistance with meal preparation. 

Social work is also about community. It gives me a sense of hope, relief, and security while being able to provide for my family. I relax by having playtime with my son and visiting my parents. In my spare time I enjoy comedy and watching funny content on YouTube. My hobbies include advocating for coworkers’ well-being via the SEIU union, gardening, and baking. I am also excited to welcome a healthy baby girl this summer!