Being There for Others: Celebrating Social Workers at Brio Living Services

March is Careers in Aging Month, and Brio Living Services is highlighting a variety of professions that help us all to age well! One of these is social work, which we also celebrate in March during National Social Workers Month.

Brio Living Services employs 47 social workers across the organization. Some hold traditional social work positions. Others fill the roles of Enrollment Coordinator, Dementia Care Specialist, Transitions Coordinator, Behavioral Health Specialist, Director of Independent Living, Chief of Home & Community Based Services, and Executive Director.

“The neat thing about a social work degree is you can work anywhere,” says Dawn Buchbinder, Social Work Supervisor at Thome PACE in Jackson, who during her career has worked with everyone from Head Start preschoolers, to homeless teens, to older adults. In her 20s, Dawn faced a personal struggle and had experience with a social worker. “I gained so much healing from that interaction. I wanted to be that person for others.”

Dawn has worked at Thome PACE since it opened in 2016. In her position, she supervises seven team members and coordinates and directs the behavioral health program. “The PACE model is to provide as many services for participants as possible in-house,” explains Dawn. “Because of the shortage of psychotherapists, I had the opportunity to get into this area, and I really enjoy it. A scholarship from the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation allowed me to complete a 3-month Motivational Interviewing certification to gain a higher level of psycho therapy skills. It is very helpful in a lot of arenas, especially the medical field.”

Angela Edward, social worker at Thome PACE, also received a Foundation scholarship to continue her training as an end-of-life doula. “At PACE, we work to keep folks in the community and support their goals of remaining at home until end of life,” says Angela. “As an end-of-life doula, I help with the end of life process, such as making sure the person is ready for the end, advanced care planning, even helping them with legacy projects—what do they want to leave behind for their family. It is a privilege for me to spend time with people who know they don’t have a lot of time left. Being there with families is really rewarding.”

Heather Freysinger, social worker at Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center at Chelsea Retirement Community, agrees that her career is gratifying. “I love residents’ stories and learning about their history. They have so much to offer, and it’s very rewarding to be able to provide help when they need it.”

Heather, who has worked at Kresge Center for 17 years, assists with older adults who are there for short-term rehabilitation as well as those who require long-term skilled care. For those needing short-term care, Heather helps them get ready to go back home. 

“Discharge planning begins on day one of admission to assess what they may need help with to safely return home. This could include private homecare assistance, identifying community resources, such as Meals on Wheels, or applying for Medicaid. I enjoy working with residents and their families. It’s most rewarding to be able to help get them set up with the resources they may need and making sure they’re safe.”

“Working with older adults is really unique,” Dawn adds. “I love learning about their lives and stories. In doing so, you also learn about our society and human development. Their stories include the stories of racism and sexism, and how changes in our society impact individuals and families. You learn a lot more working with the elderly than with other populations. Everyone should—you get a different perspective on life, and your priorities change.”

You might be surprised to know that, at Brio Living Services, there is a wide array of careers in aging to choose from! Learn more about a Career You’ll Love at Brio Living Services!