Today, those of us in training learned our assigned units. I was assigned to the GEMS unit. GEMS doesn’t stand for anything. They just wanted a name that was appropriate for the value of the workers who manage the ongoing cases once the Intake unit determines someone is eligible. GEMS is better than Ongoing Cases unit. That’s so dismal sounding.
It’s pretty much sink or swim at this case worker job. The turn-over is unbelievable. I have a friend from high school, JoAnn, who worked at the York office for 25 years. That is amazing. I was told most people do five years or much less. She left while I was in Harrisburg for training. There were people in our training class who left during or shortly after the training in Harrisburg. In fact, Harrisburg has a 100% turn-over rate. No one ever wants to remain a case worker in Harrisburg. There are so many opportunities for positions that pay more and are less stressful.
I’d never go back to Harrisburg. Not with my husband working at the York City Schools. I like that we’re in the same city and hope to eventually have similar enough schedules that we can ride together. So I’m excited to have a job that is challenging to the point no one wants it. Seems like job security to me. I’ve been handling cases for about two or three weeks. My supervisor said I’m doing well. I follow the golden rule: don’t let work carry over to home. Once I walk out that door at work, I don’t think about it again until I walk back in.
That keeps me sane.
Hope everyone is doing well!
~P.
girlboxer1970 
Well, I think you should focus on what you can bring to the work in helping people. Know your limits. I’m certain results take time, so this is not a job for those who expect instant satisfaction. I would think the best thing you can do is not promise anything that isn’t true. I wish you longevity in this new career. I think with your sense of humor you will be ok.
Thank you Ellen. You are so kind. I look forward to helping people as those in this office did for me. I am where I am because of the help I received during my divorce. Hope you are well! ~P.