The Caring Force is pleased to announce that our June TCF Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree is Rodrigo Nascimento, an Employment Specialist II at Viability.
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
My background lies primarily in Retail Management. I decided to pursue a different career path in 2018, after being introduced to Human Services positions at North Shore Community College.
2. What is your favorite professional memory?
A recent professional memory that remains with me has been working with a dedicated, talented client for over a year on his job search, all throughout the pandemic. This client persisted through the toughest challenges of job development, including learning entirely new technology with my assistance. He successfully secured a job a few months ago and has expressed his gratitude for Viability and MRC’s assistance.
Following this clients’ journey as he regained his confidence and overcame his severe anxiety about returning to the workforce was motivating.
3. The pandemic has been ongoing for more than a year. How have you coped with its challenges?
I have developed the habit of being mindful of victories and celebrating successes, however minor they may be, both in my personal life and professional role. The environment we have cultivated at our Salem office also allows us to openly celebrate each others’ success stories, which has been gratifying.
4. This question is from our May 2022 TCF Workforce Hero Spotlight, Deon Shirley: How do you make quality time for each individual in your home or program, without anyone feeling left out?
I make time for each client by developing trust in the clients’ abilities to perform and succeed independently at their jobs. In our field, it is often said we should celebrate and highlight a persons’ abilities rather than focusing on their shortcomings and while I believe that is true, I have also learned that encouraging clients to develop a sense of independence has been crucial to building trusting relationships and a sense of purpose. For issues that go beyond a clients’ capabilities of problem solving, clients understand that they can always come to me with issues and that communication transparency and trust in each persons’ abilities in turn allows me to make quality time for each individual.
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
How can we, as human services workers, advocate for better working conditions, wages and job security?
Thank you so much to Rodrigo and all of our wonderful human services workers who bring joy and passion to work every day! We are so thankful for your efforts and for making the Commonwealth a better place.
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