Jane Robertson

MSSA Class of 1995

Program: Intensive Weekend

Concentration: Direct Practice, Child Welfare

Preferred Population: Children

Why Social Work?

I originally wanted to be a nurse and was a candy striper (hospital volunteer). However when I learned that math was a requirement, I decided to look elsewhere. My mother, a social worker with a masters degree from Boston College, encouraged me to consider social work as a profession, which I eventually found was the perfect fit for me.

Background

Hometown: Michigan and Lorain, OH

Undergraduate Institution: University of Akron, BSW; Associates Degree in Criminal Justice

Life at MSASS

Activities: Alumni Board

Favorite thing about Cleveland: Cultural Diversity, Arts and the Cleveland Orchestra

Favorite thing about campus: Meeting other weekend warriors from around the country in the Intensive Weekend Program

Key lessons learned while earning the MSSA:

1. Research is important, especially evidence-based practices for child welfare.
2. Family systems are very complicated. Just because you have gained the knowledge does not make you better or wiser than them. It is what you do with a family that is most important.
3. Practice what you learn daily. Continue your learning by making an effort to use the knowledge in your work.

Why MSASS? I had considered the masters programs at the University of Cincinnati and Ohio State University; however, since I was married and working full-time, these programs would require relocation. I wanted a program that I could pursue while working. I attended the information session at MSASS and learned of the Intensive Weekend Program, which met all my needs as a working professional.

Words of Wisdom: Just enjoy the experience, embrace the knowledge and question it along with your own practice. Challenge yourself, ask why things are done a certain way and take your lessons back to the agency where you work. Work hard in the program and you will find it rewarding as I did.

Field Placements

First Year Field Placement: Lorain County Children Services, Elyria, Ohio

Second Year Field Placement: Project Parent Aide Program

Employment/Career

Current Employment: Manager, Family Based Care Department, Lorain County Children Services, Elyria, Ohio

Current Organization: Lorain County Children Services, Elyria, Ohio

Nature of Work: The Family Based Care Department combines foster care and adoption. In this job, I conduct training of incoming foster and adoptive parents and anything that impacts the protection and safety of kids that are in our custody. I also manage the department and a staff that includes two supervisors and 14 social workers. We see ourselves as a resource to each child and parent working in the system. My work involves a lot of team-building and innovative problem solving.

Future Plans: Continue in the field of children services until retirement, return to Romania and help spread the word about MSASS and social work internationally.