social worker

office technician

Department Of Social Services (DSS)

I spilt my time between three divisions- child protection/ ongoing case worker- juvenile probation intake & case management & return to ongoing caseworker in Western KY counties.  I preferred adoption &  out of home placements; enjoyed working with juvenile delinquents & often handled high- profile cases impacting my skill level application & developed  many creative  ways to address treatment issues in a rural community lacking many applicable resources.  Teamwork was essential & you knew who had your back at a 2 am on call.  Supervisors were knowledgeable &  supportive- they had your back as well.  Training in  selected fields was made available & staff was available to cover your cases while you  attempted to improve your skills

I love my job because it gives me a sense of purpose and allows me to grow both professionally and personally. Every day presents new challenges, which keeps the work engaging and dynamic. I get to collaborate with a supportive team that values open communication and mutual respect. This environment encourages creativity, learning, and shared success.

One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the impact of my work—knowing that what I do contributes to something meaningful. Whether it's solving problems, helping others, or reaching goals, I feel fulfilled knowing my efforts make a difference.

My job also offers opportunities for development and advancement, which motivates me to keep improving. I appreciate the flexibility and balance it provides, allowing me to manage my time effectively while still feeling committed and passionate. Overall, it's a role that aligns with my values and helps me feel proud of what I do.

The most difficult part was working remotely. Too much desk work everything on a laptop. Sitting on the phone hour after hour talking with people on the phone. Most of this was due to covid with the remote working but even still it takes a certain person to do the work that is involved in DSS. Getting to know the personal and often difficult details of what happens in peoples homes. And making a decision that could effect children because the adults in their lives cannot be responsible is very difficult. While a lot of clients truly are trying to progress, there are many that are not motivated to do anything and it gets frustrating. You put in a lot of over time but since its salary you are not getting paid for that and get a heavy work load right off the bat that I think is a reason why a lot of people do not stay long. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Honestly, the place is horrible.  It’s very clickey. They don’t give proper training, but you’re expected to know your job. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
No training. I seen one of my friends, before I left. And her schedule is jam packed.  SNAP workers are expected to do SNAP, housing placements, and HEAP. But the workers are expected to do all of this and be able to work on cases. I’ve heard that the workers have over 50 or more case files. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
You can of course go to a supervisor, but then they give attitude if you continue to ask questions. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Attitude, stressful and it’s impossible to catch up on cases because the workers have no time with a jammed packed schedule

A typical day at work is pretty much fun, creative and routine.  As the director program, setting the children schedule for meals, outdoor activities, nap time and etc. is totally up to you,   


Having a in-house private Childcare Center gives  providers hands-on experience with learning about diverse behaviors of children of all age groups..

I have learned State laws, safety regulation and other requirement needed to open and manage childcare facilities. The workplace culture can be adjusted based on the backgrounds of the children in your  care. 

The most difficult part of the job is evaluating the workers and making sure that the children all safe at all times.

The most enjoyable part of the job is working with children of different age groups,  nationalities, cultural backgrounds and personalie.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Off on the weekend and paid time off for holidays 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The company has turned back into a call center . Calls supposed to end at 1 however we don't get off the phone until 2. While they still want us to complete 30 cases a day from our inbox. Don't get paid enough at all 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Stressful and unorganized.       

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Getting to work immediately have to log into the interview center . Having to repeatedly ask people the same questions for 5 hours while trying to get work in my inbox done and repeatedly receiving emails from supervisor
That you're not doing enough

Management was always good to me, because I showed up and did my job. I had to deal with a young supervisor who would cover for their worst employee and did their work for them, which I discovered later that they were friends prior. Due to lack of promotional advancement, a lot of my department has left and got hired with other state departments (including myself). Whoever is remaining is struggling with a new system that isn't cooperative, and that's sad. Watch out for those who are quick to call discrimination, but use that as an excuse to not do their own portion of work. 

Work-life balance
Work-life balance at Department Of Social Services (DSS) is good

Pay & benefits
My pay and benefits at Department Of Social Services (DSS) are great

Job security and advancement
In terms of job security at Department Of Social Services (DSS), I think it would be good as long as probation is passed.

Management
In general, managers at Department Of Social Services (DSS) aren’t always as kind and helpful they seem to be. I was surprised to believe they were good people.

Overall
My experience working at Department Of Social Services (DSS) was good until COVID when I would be the only one in the office at times and didn’t have the support I needed.

You MUST have thick skin to work here! Pre-Covid, working at the reception desks in the Economic Services Department were the worst. I didn't feel protected as an employee, in the sense that I was required to provide professional service even in the midst of being yelled at, cussed out, & called every name under the sun (multiple times DAILY). Approximately 85% of customer interactions were negative. It was draining! There's such a sense of entitlement from many customers that were seeking our assistance & no consequence for mistreatment towards us.  

Working here was awesome for my first few months. I felt like I was doing important work and people wanted to see me succeed. As it went on, I realized they only really treat you that way when you start. You get no raises, no incentives, and no support. Most supervisors here are extremely condescending and assume you should know everything because THEY have been there for years. Many clients get angry and yell at you like everything is your fault when in reality, someone who has nothing to do with you dropped the ball. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Social worker 5 salaries reported	$61,376 per year
Office technician 1 salary reported	$41,000 per year

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