Social Work Alumni Spotlight: Angelina Barriga Christian, MSW '22
Graduation year: 2022
Current City: Pahrump, NV
Campus: Online
Employer: Nye Communities Coalition
Title: Community Health Worker - Deflection Team
What are you are currently doing, and why you are passionate about it?
My primary occupation is re-entry planning for soon to be released incarcerated individuals. Everyday is different but the clients have similar needs. My work is assessment driven, evidence based and client led. Identification, and Substance treatment, are needs. Peer associates and family support are challenges and identified criminogenic risk factors for my clients. I also live in a rural community so resources are scarce to non-existent. How do you find the resources or build the community partnerships and gain the trust of the client, local law enforcement, jail support services, and attorneys? I have been in this work for almost two years. I am seeing the difference in the repeat offenders who have started to build a new life. And I am seeing the offenders who are continuing in the jail and prison system. What I love about this is the difference the team makes from the sidelines that has community partners referring clients.
What does your typical day look like?
Twice a week we have a company meeting, twice a week we pull down referrals from the clients as they can self refer from the jail. Then it is planning jail visits either in town or the jail 3 hours away. Intakes, assessments client goals and incorporating those goals into the case plan and criminogenic risk factors the assessment has identified. A day is kept for groups as we use evidence based interactive journaling to reduce recidivism. A full day is used to ensure all the data and next steps for the client are well documented.
Is your work unique from what would be considered "typical" social work?
I believe the work is unique to social workers because it is a combination of micro and macro social work. I facilitate groups, but they can only be a max of three due to jail restrictions. I work with individuals on case planning and case management, and I reach out on the clients' behalf to community partners to try and build services or support for my clients. I talk to community partners about what we need and how can we support the clients with a criminal past. We have developed a list of employers who will hire without a background check or who will offer that second chance.
What made you choose the Garland School of Social Work?
The Baylor Social Work program was rated one of the best social work schools with an online program.
Tell us your favorite thing about your time at the Garland School of Social Work?
The best memory I had took place when school ended. Our online cohort arrived the night before graduation and we were finally able to see the campus, and build on the bonds we established taking the course together.
What advice would you give to those considering a career in social work?
Find your WHY for when the course gets tough and you want to scream, cry, laugh and throw your books away. Your why will hold you to the next task and the one after that until, you are asked will you be attending graduation?