Lisa Avery, MSW -- Medical Social Work; NASW VT Board President
What inspired you to enter the social work profession?
In all honesty, I was having a midlife crisis. I had begun the work on recognizing my privilege and felt I had a responsibility to help create change within the systems that supported systemic inequity.
Are you doing what you thought you would be doing with your social work degree?
My focus has always been on social justice, so my platform from which I do this work has changed, but not my goal. Whether it is through educating cooworkers on the concept of intersectionality and the role that plays in our patients lives or working dierctly with clients to provide resources and support; addressing inequity is always the underlying theme. Being a member of NASW has afforded me the opportunity to further this work by developing relationships with other like minded social workers: we share resources, encourage community involvement, and offer empathy and validation.
What does "Uplift. Defend. Transform." look like in your daily work?
Uplift. Defend. Transform. I work in a large medical institution, so I get to walk along the side of pediatric patients and their families when they have medical needs to offer support, validation, and resources. From a more macro perspective, I get the opportunity to defend the role of social workers in the medical field: helping others appreciate the specific lens through which social workers engage with patients and healthcare systems. Transformation is woven into how I intentionally build relationships with patients and coworkers. By nature, as I engage with individuals I am given the opportunity to transform my understanding of the world and how I can create change, and hopefully assist others in their transformative journey.
What are the biggest challenges facing the community you serve right now?
Systemic underappreciation for the support that our communities need for families to thrive. From a grassroots level, families need their basis needs met so they can then pursue those higher level needs such as a sense of connection, confidence, self-actualization, and belonging. All qualities that allow someone to be an engaged and happy member of society.
What is one thing you wish others knew about social work or social workers?
Title protection comes to mind. Many people refer to themselves as "social workers" but they do not have an accredited social work degree. They may work in a field that focuses on assisting others, but by definition that does not make them a social worker. Those who have earned a degree in social work have a specific lens through which they work, are bound by a specific code of ethics, and offer a specific set of skills that help them Uplift, defend and transform.
Anything else you'd like to add?
It is important to acknowledge the hard work that social workers do every day. Whether it is creating change by working in a clinical setting, a school setting, a business environment, or within the nonprofit sector, our job is challenging and we need to be able to do it for the long haul. Take care of yourselves and each other because it will take all of us to get it done!