Sponsor: Social Services
Title
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National Association of Social Workers Minnesota Chapter - Social Worker of the Year Award
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Recommendation
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None. For information and discussion only.
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Background and Rationale
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The Social Worker of The Year Award honors a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) who exemplifies the best of the profession’s values and achievements through specific accomplishments. In honoring the Social Worker of the Year, NASW highlights superb accomplishments in the practice of social work. Only NASW Chapters may submit nominations for this category of award.
Sophia Thompson is the recipient of the National Association of Social Workers Minnesota Chapter - Social Worker of the Year Award.
Sophia Thompson is the Deputy Director of Social Services in Ramsey County and oversees the Mental Health division. Being tasked with mental health services for the county is a large undertaking that she does not shy away from and is always looking for the ways we can provide better services to our community members.
She has been a strong leader in building transformational work at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. This has included active involvement in the county's strategic priority of centering community and wellness in justice system transformation, working to address service gaps for the Rule 20 population, and leading her team in the development of Mental Health Urgent Cares.
Sophia is very accomplished in her work, but most impressive is the perspective she brings. She continues to remind people of the need for multidisciplinary work in solving complex problems. She supports her team in connecting with others by reminding them that we all have our different lens, and we need to all come together to see the full picture. Sophia is always looking to engage other's in solving complex challenges and finding ways to build and support partnerships with system partners and community. She is a phenomenal example of how to perform ethical social work that centers community and racial equity.
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Attachments
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