Louisiana VA employee honored by state social work association

Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System’s Jennifer Hannon, a clinical social worker, was awarded 2017 Louisiana Social Worker of the Year by the Louisiana chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System’s Jennifer Hannon was awarded 2017 Louisiana Social Worker of the Year by the Louisiana chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

“I was so flattered and humbled to be recognized in that way,” said Hannon. “For me, it means that I am living up to my own expectations and am establishing a strong reputation in the community for professional social workers.”

Hannon helps homeless Veterans in the Baton Rouge area make the transition to permanent housing, including helping them to create income attainment goals. She also links Veterans with employment, medical, mental health and substance abuse resources. She coordinates transitional housing, counseling services, assessments and treatments, and a variety of different topics Veterans will need, such as budgeting, banking, interpersonal skills and employment.

Hannon’s interventions in the community and the Celtic Studios shelter following the devastating August 2016 floods in Baton Rouge were noticed by a retired Army colonel and former supervisor of hers, who chose to nominate her for the award. During the awards ceremony at the NASW annual state conference, she was also cited for her “commendable social work practice” and involvement with different social service organizations.

To those who are just graduating from masters of social work programs and are entering the workforce, Hannon gives these words of wisdom: “Make yourself proud through the quality of your work and represent the profession well.”

This blog was submitted to VAntage Point by the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System.