Doris Plaster is a licensed clinical social worker with a master's in social work. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She enjoys the challenges, frustrations, learning and inspiration that her job as a licensed clinical social worker brings. She has worked for nursing homes in the last seven years. Before that, she worked in welfare and community projects. Friendships, church and work fellowships, interaction with clients and communities all bring her great joy. All of those experiences as well as her family are inspiration and material for her blog, Hold My Hand, which includes stories and reflections from her personal and professional journey.

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
I grew up in a community where the sisters of a religious order held a strong leadership. I had great appreciation for these sisters teaching in our school, and promoting community organization and self-empowerment. I absolutely admired their devotion and hard work, but overall their compassion and caring for the children, youth and elderly. That inspired me later to be a social worker. I believe that being a social worker is being courageous. Our focus is on individuals and social groups that face tremendous difficulties. We are the professionals trained to assist and empower people to overcome their challenges and to cope with their problems.

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field?
I earned a master’s degree in social work. I worked in community development projects and, in the last seven years, in nursing homes. I graduated 20 years ago.

What types of classes and projects did you have to do?
The social work curriculum includes areas such as sociology, human behavior, psychology, ethics and diversity, economics, statistics and research. It also includes elective areas such as social work and children, mental health, family violence and aging. Projects include specific field practicums in coordination with social service agencies. Field settings of interest may include: mental health, health care, child welfare, alcohol and substance abuse, hospital social work, sexual abuse, domestic violence and aging.

How did your education help you in your career?
By completing a social work program I learned the concepts and skills needed to perform as a professional assisting individuals, groups and communities to enhance their social functioning. Currently, my focus is on the aging.

What was your career path like in this field? 
I have definitely advanced in my career. I started as a community support worker, and through my experience plus advancement in the medical field, I currently hold a position as a geriatric social worker. I underwent the requirements of earning my license as a clinical social worker.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
Social workers in nursing homes or the health care field must be skilled to assess the psychosocial, emotional and physical needs of the aging and disabled population. You must be skilled to provide counseling and to refer to community resources, advocating for the independency and dignity of the clients.

What do you do on a typical workday?
I visit clients (residents), assessing needs, monitoring their well-being. I attend interdisciplinary meetings. I meet with families and monitor their coping with their loved ones’ disabilities and/or long-term placement. I complete psychosocial assessments and documentation/notes on individual clients. I meet with other agencies for networking/referral purposes.

Do you plan to advance to another position within your career field? 
Possibly. I would like to either advance into a program managing position or to work in a geriatric psychiatric setting. I have learned that I have a passion for the aging population and the clinical field.

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
It must be a people person, compassionate, confident and able to multitask.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
I would say follow your passion!