National Social Work Month Profile: Felicia Everett, Behavioral Health Coordinator

Always on her heart

I’ve always had it on my heart to help others from a very young age. I just had a deep desire to make the world better, to help people who needed it. In my teens, I worked in a daycare which only fueled my love of working with children and families and pushed me to seek out a career that would allow me to be connected to others in that way. From there, I interned with Eckerd C6 in 2015 for my last semester of undergraduate schooling with the licensing department. The rest is history from there, I have been working in child welfare in different roles and aspects ever since. It hasn’t always been easy but it has always been meaningful and important.

An Education Choice

Social work was the only major I ever explored. Once I decided on it in undergrad, that was it for me. I pursued my graduate degree and have worked in the child welfare realm ever since. In my teens and young adulthood, I had considered a lot of careers, but they were all centered on wanting to make a positive impact on others – teaching, speech pathology, psychology. Social work allowed for the kind of flexibility and versatility I would want in a career while also allowing me to help people.

Compassion + Action in work

As a Behavioral Health Coordinator, I am typically tasked with working with some of our most high needs children. Taking action is such a big part of my daily role as services and support are vital to mental health stabilization. In times of crisis, we are required to act swiftly to ensure safety and well-being is maintained. Compassion is a necessity for life as a person, most certainly in life as a social worker. It is my imperative as a person to operate out of a place of compassion and grace in my every day life. I seek to do everything in my power to make hard things and hard days a little easier for the children and families we serve. Compassion and empathy is at the heart of that effort.

Advice on the social work field

Social work has a home in all things as it is the work of people. People are a part of every field, background and career path so social workers can make their home almost anywhere. Find your niche, your passion and get involved. You may be surprised just how many opportunities are available for social workers. If you find yourself being drawn to a certain population or issue, seek out training opportunities and certifications to support your desire and then see where you can fit in to working with that community.

Making a difference

It takes less effort than you think to make a difference. You don’t need a whole bunch of letters behind your name. If you feel led to give of your time, energy, or advocacy, don’t let conflict over not being “qualified enough” stop you from making a change or raising your voice for someone who needs help. The little things can make a world of difference too.

March is National Social Work Month. The theme this year is “Compassion + Action.” Compassion is one of FSS’ core values. Click here to learn more about the FSS mission and how our core values, P.E.A.C.E., drives our culture.

Click here to see how you can be part of #TeamFSS.