Generations Counseling & Care Management

(201) 845-7030

National Social Work Month

By

“I grew up around my grandparents and great grandmother, so being around older adults literally feels like home to me. I’ve been working with seniors, lifting their spirits, all my life in a way.”
-Vicki Sherman Doueck, MSW, LCSW, ASWCM, and President/CEO of Generations Counseling & Care Management, LLC.

March is Social Work Month and as it draws to a close, we thought we would highlight our Care Management staff. It takes a special person to become a social worker. Not only do they assess the needs, circumstances, and support systems of clients but they often intervene and advocate in crisis situations involving deteriorating physical conditions, mental health emergencies, or trauma. We are lucky to have such an amazing team of social workers, who fight for our clients day in and day out.

We asked each of our social workers to share a little bit about why they do what they do and what they like about their job.

“I cant remember why I became a social worker…but I know HOW. One of the first things we are taught is start where the client is. This is a lesson that I continue to practice daily and is what I LOVE about what I do. In the 25 years I have been a social worker, I have continued to learn from the people and communities I work with. Whether it is through helping them access resources, providing emotional support, enabling areas of independence, supporting the families caring for them, or helping to make necessary modifications and adjustments for a life transition, celebrating my clients successes-no matter what those successes are- is the best part of my job.”
~ Stacey Padva Maines
“I’ve worked at Generations for the last seven years and being a care manager has been a whole new experience for me. My clients and their needs are very diverse. Where I see my clients (home, hospital, facility, housing authority…) is also very diverse. When I get a new client, it is not always black and white on what they need and it takes using my social work skills to figure out how to help my client best. One day can be quiet for me and the next day one of my clients may be in crisis. One day is not like the rest. Working as a care manager keeps me on my toes but I still feel the same satisfaction of helping others.” ~ Alison
“While there are many things I like about being a care manager, my favorite thing is the role I play as an advocate for my clients. Advocacy is such an important skill in the profession of social work, and a primary reason I became a social worker. My role in advocacy looks different depending on my client and the circumstances they are navigating. Advocacy involves assessing, listening and working with my clients to understand their goals and then help them attain them. Sometimes I’m collaborating with my client and enabling them to speak up. Other times I am the voice for my client. Either way, advocacy plays an important role in ensuring my clients receive the care and services they need.” ~ Amy
“I have always known that when it was time to pursue a career it would be one in which I dedicated myself to helping others. I am so grateful that my journey in Social Work has taken me to Care Management. My favorite part of it all is building relationships with clients and their support systems, as well as being able to make a positive impact on another’s life (however small it may seem). I am challenged everyday and am grateful to work with care managers who are so knowledgeable and supportive. I am proud to be a Social Worker and to set an example to my children that helping others will bring value to their lives and the lives of others.”
~ Katherine

Family owned and operated for over 35 years, Generations Counseling & Care Management, LLC is a full-service geriatric care management firm that provides care management, advocacy, and psychotherapy services with an integrated, professional, client-centered approach to the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities, their families, and the caregiving community. Our expert staff are available 24/7 and offer a wide range of services that cover all aspects of elder care including: care management, counseling, psychotherapy, elder care planning, transitional service to senior communities & nursing facilities, services for disabled individuals, benefits counseling, assessments, financial services and management, moving and relocation coordination and much more. If you need more information on our services, please call our office at 201-845-7030. We service New Jersey and New York.