Interview Story - Accomplishment

I was newly assigned to lead the yearly inspections of Board & Care Homes that were Veteran’s Administration approved and California licensed. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I was to work with practitioners from four other disciplines who each assess these homes based on separate criteria. These were a nurse, dietician, fire chief, and safety officer.

Each discipline had its own worksheet, developed by other staff many years ago (10-15+). As we reached the first inspection deadline, I was surprised to discover, no reports were handed in on time. No one seemed interested in the task.

I decided to turn this situation around.

I met with each one individually to learn their experiences and how they saw their roles. I learned no supervisors had ever met with staff. The Fire Chief had done this job for 16 yrs, the Dietician (RD) 12 yrs, and a group of 6 RN's shared inspections for 12+ years.

They felt that the information on their worksheets did not provide useful information and that these worksheets were simply completed to check a box and be forgotten. I understood their frustration and told them I would help.

I then developed a worksheet for each discipline based on their feedback and that also addressed VA Central Office legal issues. I then met with these staff members again, and expressed appreciation for their efforts, and discussed changes to these inspections. I also discussed how VA Central would make use of these worksheets.

This "failure" became a success. Going forward, each report was turned in on or before due time. I was informed this was the first year any leader had handed in all reports on time!

I was rewarded with a pay and step increase and a Certificate placed in my Personnel folder!