Enhancing my communication skills

This era of quarantine has certainly pushed me to enhance my communication skills!

Normally, around this time of year, I would start making visits to the PEERsuaders’ Saturday work sessions. In my role as a case manager, I meet one-on-one with each PEERsuader in a confidential setting to conduct a needs assessment. We have a chance to honestly talk about how they are doing physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and academically. We also talk about their future goals and discuss any needs or concerns they may have.

My job is to listen, support, provide resources, and respond, especially in the event of a serious need.

Because of social distancing, needs assessment have been taking place over the phone. I miss seeing their faces and expressions, which help me gain a better picture of who they are and what they are going through.

Now, I must listen even harder to what’s being said and what’s not being said. I’m also sure to ask clarifying questions.

I hope that they can feel my warmth and concern even though we are not meeting in person. I want each one of them to know that I care and that MTCI cares about them, especially in these strange and uncertain times.

Sydney Harvey, LMSW, SRAS Case Manager