Author: Christina Whitehorn Coriz

Social Work Professional Advisory Group of the commissioned corps of the uS Public health service

SWPAG NEWSLETTER SUB-COMMMITTEE CHAIRS

Volume VII, issue II

MAY 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Social Worker of the Year pg1
From the Chair pg2
Social Work Month pg3
Readiness Corner pg4
Outside Work Activities pg4
Clinical Corner pg5
Reflections pg6
Summer safety pg7

News letter created by Communications Committee:
LCDR Booker
LCDR Peglowski

SOCIAL WORKERS OF THE YEAR!
CDR DONALD SCHMIDT/2015 SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR - For His Outstanding Leadership and Initiative improving healthcare services for 12,000 Immigration Health Detainees and implementing effective strategies resulting in $3 million annually.
CDR Donald Schmidt currently serves as the Health Services Administrator, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Stewart Detention Center Lumpkin, GA where he has served since 2012. CDR Schmidt has over 20 year of experience in Clinical Social Work practice serving underserved populations and served proudly as a US Naval Officer. He is a graduate of Adelphi University where he received his MSW and has served as USPHS Health Services Officer since July 2005. CDR Schmidt is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Connecticut. CDR Donald Schmidt, USPHS SWPAG Senior Social of the Year 2015: SIR WE SALUTE YOU!!!
LCDR SONJIA HOWARD/ 2015 JUNIOR SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR - For her Exemplary Leadership in Improving Care for United States Army Service Men and Women in the Wounded Warrior Transition Unit.
LCDR Sonjia Howard now serves as the Chief of Social Work for the Department of Defense, Department of Emergency Medicine in Fort Bragg, NC as a result of a recent Permanent Change of Station. LCDR Howard was recognized for her leadership and contributions during her assignment at the Department of Defense Health Agency/Moncrief Army Community Hospital where she was the Chief of the Family Advocacy Program Warriors in Transition Unit. LCDR Howard has served in the USPHS since 2009 and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina where she received her MSW. She has 15 years of Social Work practice experience and served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. LCDR Sonjia Howard, USPHS SWPAG 2015 Junior Social Worker of the Year: MA’AM WE SALUTE YOU!!!

Volume VII, issue II

I was racking my brain trying to think of something to write for this
month's newsletter feeling the effects of brain fatigue on a Friday
afternoon. I got to thinking about observances and advocacy and realized
that there are many observances for special awareness so why "favor" just
one. So, in an effort at fairness, please note the observances for June
range from a variety of equal opportunity / social advocacy causes such as
LGBT awareness month to health awareness emphases such as Men's Health Week (second week of June) and National Cancer Survivors Day (first Sunday ofJune) and international awareness efforts like World Refugee Day.
Each of us have causes which are near and dear to our hearts. We, as social
workers, are advocates, but we all work hard and can't advocate for
everything all the time. We are also diverse and we may even find ourselves
on opposite ends of the socio-political spectrum on some issues; yet may
agree wholeheartedly on other issues with the same person or colleague, etc.
with whom we just disagreed. Just because we disagree doesn't mean we
"hate" the other person, but we can get along and value each other for our
humanity.
So, regardless of what cause you may support, I encourage you to find a worthy cause, be it social work, public health or something else entirely for which to advocate and advocate with passion. While doing so treat with deep care and respect all those with whom you agree and all those with whom you disagree without disparaging and encourage others to do the same. I think that meets the letter and spirit of what it means to advocate and respect diversity.
I also wanted to send out a heart felt congratulations to our Social Worker of the year recipients. Thank you CDR Schmidt and LCDR Howard for your hard work and dedication.
Thank you all for what you do each and every day. It is an honor to serve as your chair. Be a blessing to others!
Very Respectfully,
CDR Scott Eppler, LCSW-BCD
Irwin Army Community Hospital
OIC, Warrior Transition Battalion Social Work Service
600 Caisson Hill Rd, Fort Riley, KS 66442
Office: 785-240-7155 / 719-332-9631

MAY 2015

Social Workers gather to celebrate National Social Work Month Author: LCDR Monique Richards
On March 25th the Social Worker Networking Group at the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) convened a panel discussion on How Social Workers Help to Meet HRSA’s Mission. This event featured a diverse panel of social workers from different Bureaus/Offices that was moderated by Ms. Molly Wirick, ACSW. The featured panelists included Rita Vandivort-Warren, LCDR Monique Richards, LT Israel Garcia and Anne Stahl. The panel discussion mainly focused on ways HRSA systems could be improved through social work values/ethics. In addition, each panelist shared their social work career progression and how their social work training prepared them to serve in their current position.
This event was well attended with over 30 PHS and civilian social workers in attendance. Per audience initial feedback, many expressed an interest in attending future events that would continue to foster networking and mentorship opportunities for agency social workers. In response, the event organizer LT Sheila Antonucci is looking forward to planning future events through HRSA’s Social Workers Networking Group which she is co-chair with CDR Tracey Pace.
To find out more information about HRSA’s Social Workers Networking Group please contact
LT Sheila Antonucci SAntonucci@hrsa.gov

2015 Meeting Schedule
9 September 2015
9 December 2015
Meeting time: 1430

For more information about our PAG, visit the SWPAG website at
http://usphs-hso.org/?q=pags/swpag

MAY 2015

Readiness Corner

Corps Social Workers, the summer is quickly approaching and it’s a good time to keep up with our physical fitness. Remember, the President’s Fitness Challenge will be eliminated on July 1, 2015. Starting July 1, 2015, all officers must complete the APFT annually to maintain basic readiness.
Also, even if you haven’t deployed as a USPHS officer, it’s never too early to begin the required modules for the Field Medical Readiness Badge. Make sure to satisfy the fitness and deployment requirements within a three year period to be eligible for the FMRB. For more information on Deployment and Readiness Awards, go to: http://ccmis.usphs.gov/ccmis/ReDDOG/REDDOG_awards_m.aspx
Brought to you by SWPAG-Readiness Subcommittee

“Outside Work Activity”
Submitted by the SWPAG Policy Subcommittee
As a Commissioned Corps Officer, did you know that any outside activity needs to be approved prior to participation?
Types of “outside work activities” that need approval:
Generally activities such as teaching, speaking, writing, professional and consultative services, outside private practice, service on boards, or committees, or other activities which specifically employ the general professional expertise related to your responsibilities require advance approval….
Types of “outside work activities” that do not need approval:
Memberships in charitable, religious, social, fraternal, recreational, public service, or civic organizations – but it doesn’t hurt to check in advance.
As a federal employee when considering outside employment or activities you are required to:
Inform your supervisor of your plans
Contact your assigned agency’s ethics office for further guidance on the approval process
Maintain a copy of the approval letter
Upload the approval in your eOPF
The following website provides detailed information on types of employment and activities, referencing government regulations governing this activity.
http://www.oge.gov/Topics/Outside-Employment-and-Activities/Outside-Employme
You can locate HHS-520 (Request for Approval) and HHS-521 (Annual Report) at the following link:
http://dcp.psc.gov/ccmis/forms/FORMS_non_phs_m.aspx

Volume V1I, issue II

Clinical Corner: Self-Care for Social Work Professionals
By
LT Robert E. Van Meir, MSW, LCSW, BCD, CCHP
Co-Chair of the SWPAG Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee
Recently I was talking with several of my colleagues and noticed the beginning signs of burnout/compassion fatigue rearing its unwelcome head. It got me thinking about how this profession… that we chose to make our lives work is very stressful and difficult. We often are talking to people about some of the most stressful and awful events that have occurred to them (or anyone for that matter). It is hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. As I wrote that last sentence I could feel the weight of an almost 25 year career in clinical social work setting into my bones.
Burnout is often mentioned in our training and we have no doubt attended at least one training on the subject during our careers. Most experts view burnout as a gradually intensifying pattern of physical, psychological, and behavioral responses to a continual flow of stressors in which the person becomes physically and emotionally exhausted. The chief characteristics of burnout include: apathy, fatigue, anger, and conflict. These symptoms can bled over into our personal lives and add increased stress into our relationships with those that we love so much so that these personal relationships that we often look to help recharge our clinical batteries becomes another source of stress.
Compassion fatigue also known as secondary traumatization is where we start to develop stress-related symptoms due to our prolonged exposure to clients who have experienced tragedy or significant trauma. These clinical phenomena’s do not hit us out of the blue. They are insidious symptoms that slowly invade our minds and body. They are very adept at disabling our effective coping mechanisms that we do not notice the damage until it has started to show in our attitudes and behaviors.
Most professionals that I have talked with over the years admit to being burnout at least once during their career. Being new to the profession is not a protective factor. We need to closely monitor ourselves and understand how burnout can manifest itself in how we work and behave. Over the years each professional social worker develops their work habits. They know if they like to work late or early. They know what appropriate boundaries are for them. When we start to feel burnout we might start to work outside of our established work patterns .
The following examples might signal that a helper is entering into burnout.
“Tuning out” during a session, and ending it early when the social worker is unsure of where it should go next.
Missing work, because of increased sickness or the need to another “take a mental health day” off from work.
Starting your appointments late or ending them early.
Judgmental thoughts, feelings, or reactions to clients. More than a normal Countertransference reaction..
Daydreaming about other people, places, situations, lives, and wishing you had pick a different career.
Not enjoying free or leisure time and instead spending that time doing, or thinking about, work.
Increased/excessive drinking, drug use, or eating to relieve or cope with stress.
Feeling overwhelmed by the client’s stories of trauma.
Continued on page 6

MAY 2015

(continued from page 5)
The key here is that the social worker is working different from their usual way of practice. The psychoanalyst Robert Langs coined the term “frame” to mean the setting of boundaries or ground rules for the contractual aspects of therapy. If we deviate from our frame then that is a good indication that we should do an internal check with ourselves and see if burnout may be a concern.
We need to take care of ourselves because if we don’t do it then no one will. I will finish this article with some tips on how prevent or manage the stress of burnout.
Engage in things that bring you joy and relieve stress. I like to do something every day that brings me a smile. Maybe that is a quick game of candy crunch or a 4 mile run.
Decide on a time of the day when you will not engage in helping-related work and, instead, will focus on leisure. This is my Netflix time.
Engage in, develop, explore, or take up a new hobby, or revisit one from your past that you enjoyed.
Take time each day to relax, even if it is only for half an hour.
Always have something on your personal calendar every month that you can look forward too. Maybe it is going to see the new Avengers movies or a concert.
Avoid taking on extra work-related responsibilities if you are feeling overwhelmed or spread too thin.
Learn to say “no” to yourself. Avoid starting a new article, book chapter, or presentation, taking on a new trainee, etc. if you do not feel ready to do so yet.
Keep your supervision appointments and receive supervision regularly, discussing your concerns. This is where our colleagues and mentors can shed light on our situation. If you don’t get supervision consider having a consultation. This is a senior clinician who you can consult with periodically regarding all kinds of clinical matters.
Read non-professional literature. Read or learn for fun. Maybe it is a new spy thriller or a mindless zombie novel.
Self-Check often and assess where you stand in regard to your personal state. Reflect on your personal well-being and your families. I like having a buddy who knows me and can call me out when they notice a change in my attitude or work performance.

Volume V1I, issue II

Reflections of True Humility and Simple Gratitude: One Officer’s Thoughts
LCDR Sonjia Howard – SWPAG Junior Social Worker of the Year 2015
Having the opportunity to not only be a member of our great USPHS, but also to attend and be a part of COA /USPHS Training and Symposium 2015 has inspired me, ,as I’m sure is the case with many others. As we take in all that this experience affords us; take some time to reflect and realize the vast and sheer amazement of it all. Think about what fills and energizes your mind, heart, and soul as you network, meet new people, and even get photo ops with inspiring Leaders. For me, true humility and simple gratitude my purest and fondest reflections thus far.
As the SWPAG Junior Social Worker of the Year 2-15 I am truly humbled and honored but I also feel it is my responsibility to continue growing and evolving as a Leader. Therefore, if allowed, I would like to share my thoughts.
In keeping with your own prelude as we "pursue the PHS Core Values of Leadership, Excellence, Service, and Integrity; let us not forget that these values are all integral parts of Officership. The undertaking of “Officership” should not be taken lightly but imagine that it may entail camaraderie, synergy, mutual trust, cooperation, good fellowship and what is in the best interest of the whole rather than the individual". I would like to say the following:
It is an honor and a privilege to serve in the USPHS as a Commissioned Officer. Commitment to visibility as Officers is a time-honored tradition. Be a reliable and dependable Commissioned Corp Officer who remains enthusiastic, steady, dedicated, and committed to the mission of the Corps through service as a team player and leader. Remain physically fit and mentally balanced; wear the PHS uniforms proudly and in proper, professional manner through every and all official and unofficial interactions. As a member of the Corps, navigate through utilizing every opportunity available - choosing to seek out leaders, mentors, administrators, and fellow officers who will prove to serve as catalysts of professional growth, development, and leadership. Through your journey, be patient as you evolve into a Leader, Teacher, and Scholar.
As a PHS Officer, be proud, humbled, and honored to continue promoting, fostering, advancing, and enriching the mission of the Corps and beyond by establishing and accomplishing personal and professional goals through growth, development, training, education, and experience. Use every opportunity and situation to learn from not only your peers and leaders, but also yourself. Inspect what you expect and exceed your own expectations; believe in yourself, realize that your time, failures, flaws, and accomplishments are a Journey NOT a destination. This thought process may enable you to excel at all levels. Remember your past is not only your future but also the future of PHS. Pledge to be dependable throughout and be a representative of the Corps by displaying excellence, persistence, loyalty, honor, and truth.

MAY 2015

SWPAG has started at FACEBOOK Page. Please go and request to join. The plan is to keep it updated with information that pertains to our SWPAG. We want to know all the good stuff that happens to you or if you
if have something important to share with the group.
If you want to post something, please send to:
tricia.h.booker.mil@mail.mil or justin.peglowski@ihs.gov
As usual, keep the articles coming for the newsletter!!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK !!
Under USPHS SWPAG

Volume V1I, issue II

Summer Health and Safety Tips
From the CDC Website
Summer is a great time to build up your fitness program, enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, take a vacation, and have fun. It’s also a time to pay attention to your health and safety. Below are tips to help you stay safe and healthy this summer and all year long.
Be water-savvy.
Alcohol use is involved in up to half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation.
Learn how to swim. Never swim alone.
Wear your life jacket while boating.
Avoid alcoholic beverages while boating.
Watch children in and around water.
If you have a swimming pool at your home, install a four-sided isolation pool fence
Keep your cool in the sun.
Sun protection is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. Take steps to help prevent skin cancer and other conditions.
Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet many people succumb to extreme heat each year. Take steps to lower your risk for heat-related illness.
When possible, avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun's rays are strongest.
Cover up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect exposed skin.
Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic fluids.
Seek shade.
Wear sunscreen and lip screen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Remember to reapply it as needed.
Leave fireworks to the professionals.
Males are injured by fireworks about three times as often as females. About 47% (nearly half) of persons injured from fireworks are young people under twenty years of age. Injuries are most commonly associated with fire-crackers, sparklers, and bottle rockets.
Leave firework displays to trained professionals.
Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
If using fireworks, have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks
Continued page 10

Volume V1I, issue II

Continued from page 9
Eat healthy and safe foods.
Whether you plan to grill on the patio or picnic in the park, be sure to eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have important vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from some chronic diseases.
Foodborne disease is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. An estimated 76 million cases of foodborne disease occur each year in the United States. Most of these cases are mild and cause symptoms for a day or two, but some cases are more serious and require hospitalization.
Eat plenty fruits and vegetables daily.
Wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
Cook all foods to the proper temperatures.
Refrigerate foods promptly.
Be physically active.
The summer is a great time to play outdoor games, garden, or walk. Start a new routine that combines fun and physical activity. Active people are less likely than inactive people to be obese or to have high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and stroke, depression, colon cancer, and premature death.
Adults should get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most, preferably all, days of the week.
Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most, preferably all, days of the week.
Start at an easy pace and increase time and distance gradually.
Be prepared.
Take steps to prepare yourself and your family for severe weather and natural disasters before they happen. Learn how to cope and recover when disaster strikes.
Make an emergency plan and stock supplies ahead of time. Review your options.
Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
Identify potential home hazards, and know how to secure or protect them before a disaster strikes.
Know beforehand what common reactions may occur to help your ability to cope. Accept your own reactions and those of people around you.
Locate and secure your important papers, including insurance policies, wills, licenses, passports, and birth certificates.

SAMHSA Hosts Service Members, Veterans, and
Their Families Policy Academies
Submitted by LT Holly Berilla, MSW
...Continued on page 6

Congressional Briefing Focuses on Social Work with Military and Families
Submitted from http://socialworkcaucus-towns.house.gov/press-release/congressional-briefing- focuses-social-work-military-and-families by CDR Todd Lennon, LCSW

SWPAG members attending the WRNMC Ethics Symposium L-R:
LCDR Malaysia Gresham (DoD), CDR Todd Lennon (HRSA), CAPT Laura Aponte (HRSA), LT Cara Alexander (DoD), LT Israel Garcia (HRSA). Missing: CDR Dwayne Buckingham (DoD), LCDR Tracy Pace (HRSA),
CAPT (ret) Rebecca Ashery, CAT (ret) Amy Barkin

SPOTLIGHT On a Social Worker Making a Difference
Submitted by LT Stephanie Felder, MSW, LCSW

CONGRATULATIONS!

Way to Go!