Social workers assist Veterans where they are

Although many VA medical services are narrowly focused, ubiquitous would be a fitting description for Southeast Louisiana VA’s Social Work Service and its 159 staff members.

The mission of the social work staff is to assist Veterans, their families, and caregivers and survivors in resolving social determinants to health and well-being. Social work is woven into the fabric of VA Health Care, providing clinical interventions and service across the VA continuum of care.

“Social Work Service members can be found throughout the medical center and are involved in almost every aspect of care,” said Cecilia Graham, chief of Social Work Service.

Sam Nguyen (pictured above) is a Patient-Aligned Care Team social worker.  A typical day consist of assisting the PACT teams by providing psychosocial support and coordination of care for Veterans. Working in the PACT clinics, he interacts with Veterans and their caregivers navigating the VA healthcare system. Other daily duties include coordinating nursing home placement, working with the PACT team in coordinating the next level of care for patients, and explaining programs that the Veteran and caregivers are entitled to.

A rewarding feeling

“One of the challenging parts of my job is coordinating care from one VA to another because each VA operates a little differently,” Nguyen said. “At times it takes a little research to find who the appropriate point of contact is at a certain facility. It’s a rewarding feeling because we all play a role providing our Veterans with the best care possible,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen says the best part of his job is working with the amazing health care professionals at the medical center, including its doctors, nurses, physical therapists and psychologists, among others.

Social workers often work at offsite locations as well such as community-based outpatient clinics, community resource and referral centers, and homeless outreach in the community. They also conduct visits on streets, in homes and in agencies, going where the Veterans are.

Jake Guidry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Health Care for Homeless Veterans/Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing specialist. His primary duty is to facilitate the housing process for homeless Veterans entering the HUD-VASH program.

Some days, he assists homeless Veterans in gathering vital personal documents, providing them with resources and clinical support, or aiding them in their search for permanent housing that accommodates unique case management needs. These duties—such as assessment and applying brief interventions—are those related to direct Veteran care.

Deeply personal

Networking and relationship building is also a large part of Guidry’s job. A social workers’ ability to transition Veterans from homelessness to permanent housing relies largely on community partnerships. Stakeholders for this mission include housing authorities, landlords, Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant recipients and other community agencies.

When not providing direct services to Veterans, Guidry’s efforts are focused on establishing, nurturing and maintaining relationships that improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.

Guidry’s work is deeply personal to him. “My late father was an Army Vietnam War Veteran and his brother, my late uncle, was a Marine Vietnam War Veteran. Both of these men have had a huge impact on my life, my personal development and who I’ve become as a professional. As a clinician working with Veterans, I feel motivated to provide the same quality of care that I would want for my family members. I see this work as a way of honoring my family members,” he said. “The best part about this job is the opportunity to contribute to a mission that aligns closely with my personal values. I believe that Veterans, who have made so many sacrifices for our country, deserve access to quality care and fundamental rights, such as safety, security, health and shelter. The work we perform in the HUD-VASH program brings the community a little bit closer to that ideal.”

Positive client feedback means a lot to the Social Work Service staff.

“When a Veteran who had been unsheltered or residing in a homeless facility only days prior secures a place of their own and expresses gratitude, that’s proof we’re making the desired impact and effect with our efforts,” Guidry added.

The staff members are the backbone of the Social Work Service and the care of Veterans, according to Graham. “They work very hard every day and are dedicated professionals.”