PSS social workers were treated to a half day of team-building and celebration this month, marking the 5th anniversary of the Community Social Services (CSS) department as well as National Social Workers Month and Women’s History Month.
CSS consists of 32 social workers assigned to each of 10 PSS Older Adult Centers, NY Connects Brooklyn and Case Management in parts of the Bronx. A dedicated social worker also provides services for residents of the PSS Alberta L. Alston House in Corona, Queens. The department is 97% female and the clients served include many older women.
Senior Director of Community Services Matthew Buletti conceived of the workshop as a way for the far-flung social workers to meet and learn from each other, while brainstorming ways to best support the growing department. Among the priorities is to plan for more structured mentorship and professional development opportunities.
The day consisted of three parts: Gratitude, Recognition and Honors.
“They themselves being women are a preservation link to the past,” said Buletti. “If they are able to keep the older adults in their care healthy, engaged and connected, then that means the link to their children and grandchildren is still alive.”
A team-building activity with Course Horse divided the social workers into groups that allowed cross-program collaboration as they competed creatively with blocks on challenges such as building a dream home, building the tallest structure with the most blocks, etc.
Recommendations were also collected for ways to improve the department and increase cross-program referrals.
“I wanted to make sure their voices could be heard,” said Buletti, ”to enhance what we’re doing.”
One highlight of the morning was the awarding of honors to individual social workers chosen by their supervisors.
Most Effective Assessment Summarizer – Latoya Wentworth from the Case Management Program
The assessment summary is written for all clients and summarizes the different areas of the client’s life. Latoya was singled out for her “excellent” documentation by the NYC Aging Program Officer. Case Management Program Director Alexandra Mena adds: “Calls and letters have been received from clients and family members praising her work and giving thanks for her assistance and performance.”
Outstanding Caregiver Advocacy and Support Award – Maria Miranda, LMSW from the Case Management program
Said Case Management Director Alexandra Mena, MSW: “Maria advocates for her clients with fervor. She was acknowledged for her dedication to the social work field, to her clients, and for her advocacy work regarding Caregivers, and the importance of caregiver support on both a city and state level. Maria is truly a stellar social worker who has participated on panels, rallies, and caregiver advocacy in Washington DC, Albany, and New York.” Maria will be representing social workers at the upcoming On Aging conference of the American Society on Aging.
Most Versatile Social Worker Award – Daniela Carmona
Daniela has worked in every center and has the ability to engage with all of the different communities. Her award highlights the work she’s done since the department got off the ground. She’s able to pick up quickly learning new programs and is someone I can count on as a go-to person, said Matthew Buletti, Senior Director of Community Social Services.
Most Improved Professional Development Award – Floraine Cabrera, PSS Manhattanville and King Towers Centers
Floraine Cabrera consistently demonstrates effective and professional communication while maintaining a high level of dedication to advocating the needs of members. She has shown significant improvement in the quality and thoroughness of her documentation and approaches her responsibilities with notable diligence and accountability.
Most Improved Budget Award – Aracelis Estrella Ramos, Alberta L. Alston House
Aracelis was recognized for her creativity in working within a constrained budget to provide services to the multi-cultural residents of the building. .
The Rising Impact Award – Sashane Gibson, NY Connects
“I remember how challenging it can be to begin your career as a new social worker,” said NY Connects Brooklyn Director Allysha Bryant. “It is challenging learning to navigate complex systems while also finding your voice and confidence in practice. During her time with NY Connects Brooklyn, Sashane has demonstrated a strong commitment to the core values of social work, approaching clients with empathy, patience, and respect while helping them navigate challenges that previously felt overwhelming. She brings genuine passion and drive to supporting community members, while also developing the important skill of maintaining healthy professional boundaries. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow in her practice, and I wanted to recognize both the impact she has already made and the potential she continues to demonstrate.”
Overall, the Community Social Services program continues to grow and explore new ways to support social workers while advancing the broader mission of PSS and strengthening the services we provide to the community.
The workshop took place in the community room at the Fort Schuyler House in Throggs Neck.
To explore opportunities for social workers at PSS, visit our Careers Page.