There are many duties and skills needed of a case manager, how to advocate for clients, establish goals, monitor their progress, complete paperwork, ad much more. But in working directly with people who need the assistance, case managers often say being a listening and supportive ear is the most important thing to remember.
Recently, one case manager shared the following story about her work.
I have been working with a teenage boy named Derek* for many months now. We frequently work on self-regulation techniques, skill building and self-esteem building activities. When I first began working with Derek he did not share much information, as he was very quiet and kept to himself. I knew that if I continued to be a support for him he would eventually trust me enough to be vulnerable and honest. A few weeks ago Derek shared more information with me than he ever has before. After sharing this information and confiding in me, I thanked the client for trusting me enough to share that information. He replied: “I don’t usually trust people, but I trust you”.
Hearing those words from that client made all of the difficult times in this job worth it. That was the reminder I needed that I am making a difference, even when it sometimes doesn’t seem like it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to “change lives for good”.
This work is supported by the United Way of Grant County Community Investment
