The Caring Force is pleased to announce that our April TCF Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree is Naomi Rivera, a Bilingual Health Services Counselor at the Springfield and Holyoke locations of Tapestry Health.
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
I am a 27-year-old person that comes from two Puerto Rican parents. For more than 15 years, my mother worked in health care as a medical assistant. In most of my years growing up, I would see her come home and how excited and happy she would be after another successful day of helping others. I wanted to know that same feeling. Before I was even old enough to work, she would bring me to her office and I got to meet all her co-workers and it made me excited to someday have the same experience. My mind was made up after that that human services was it for me.
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization?
A typical day at my organization consists of many different things. I work in a sexual health office, so my office activities range anywhere from front desk duties to sometimes even having to assist clinicians in the exam rooms. Everyday I do pregnancy tests, STI screenings, birth control starts/removals, annuals/pap smears, and so much more.
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
I don’t believe that I have a specific professional memory because there are so many to choose from. Everyday there is a new memory to be made and something new to be proud of. If I had to choose one memory, I would say it is seeing the joy on our clients’ faces when we have succeeded in helping them. One of our main services that we started just a few months ago is gender-affirming care. We have many clients coming in that are seeking this care because they want to be their true selves. We are 100% respectful and supportive of any decision any client makes when helping a client become who they truly feel they were born to be could not be any more rewarding.
4. This question is from our March TCF Workforce Hero Spotlight, Tina Yarborough: what has been your experience working in human services?
There are many words to describe my experience in human services: exciting, rewarding, scary, stressful, but overall, it is what I feel like it’s what I’m meant to be doing. Not every day is a walk in the park. Some days are definitely harder than others, but I come into work every day with an open mind and a positive attitude. Following in my mother’s footsteps by helping others is something I am super proud of.
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
My question for the next person would be, what makes it worth it to you to work in human services?
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