“Social workers have been woven into the fabric of this agency as the State Board of Health, DHEC and now the future Department of Public Health (DPH). For 80 years, our public health social workers have worked tirelessly to enhance the wellbeing of South Carolinians. We are proud of our history and future in public health.”

– Kacey Schmitt, Director of Social Work

Social workers enter the profession because they truly want to help others. They go through years of education, training, licensure, and supervision so they can do the delicate but important work of meeting people where they are and helping them achieve their goals.

Today, we have licensed social workers in the areas of TB, STD/HIV, Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Maternal Child Health (MCH), Immunizations, State Health Improvement Plan, Family Planning, Women’s Health, Community Engagement, Health Care Quality, Community Health Services, Children’s Health and Perinatal Services, and Public Health Preparedness.

However, social workers need support so they can fulfill their mission to enhance human well-being. That is why the 2024 Social Work Month theme is “Empowering Social Workers: Inspiring Action, Leading Change.” It is important that we empower and support our social workers so they can continue to help South Carolinians to thrive. When supported, our social workers can make a bigger impact with the clients and communities that we serve.

A few of our social workers shared their thoughts on the importance of their profession and the impact their work has on communities:

“The social workers at DHEC strive to produce change within each county of the state. These individuals work above and beyond in addressing social justice issues, health related conditions and behaviors and mental health. The social workers at DHEC continue to make a positive impact on individuals, families and communities who suffer from various health conditions and psychosocial issues. As an intern, the social work team has empowered me to follow in their footsteps and make every effort to be a changemaker within my community.” – Kaylee Aiken, MSW Intern 

“Since starting at DHEC as a recent graduate and newly licensed social worker I have grown exponentially with the help of my supervisor and the entire social work team. Starting a new job can be stressful but having the support and encouragement from my coworkers has made my transition easier. With their guidance I have been able to fully embrace my role and provide the best service to my clients. I am now able to help empower my clients just as my coworkers helped empower me. “- Kinsleigh Kirby, Upstate HIV/STD Social Worker

“Being a part of the social work team has empowered me to make change by advocating for ourselves and what we would like to see in the upcoming year at DHEC/DPH. Voicing concerns and how we can better provide services to our clients to leadership has helped us feel heard and allowed us to have a role in any upcoming changes, especially when they concern us.” – Brittaney Desjardins, Midlands Region Social Work Manager

“I’ve been empowered by the efforts led by Sonya Ehrhardt (Lowcountry MCH Program Coordinator) and Sheryl Gardner (Lowcountry MCH Team Lead) so that social work services can be provided to clients receiving Post Partum Newborn Home Visiting (PPNBHV)services! Lowcountry MCH has noticed the gap in connecting postpartum moms to essential community resources and mental health supports when they are discharged from the hospital after having their baby. The Lowcountry RNs [Registered Nurses] who conduct PPNBHVs have taken the lead to offer referrals to social work services in order to take action in addressing unmet needs and make a change for more positive outcomes for a vulnerable population.”  -Hannah Eaton, Lowcountry MCH Social Worker

“My supervisors, regional health director and the Upstate Leadership Team have been supportive from the beginning new ideas and initiatives, leading, guiding, encouraging and empowering our team with the motivation to succeed. They have certainly inspired our team to keep moving forward to be active in leading change to promote optimal health outcomes for citizens in our state.”  Lenora Talley, Upstate Regional Social Work Manager