BABE #356: CHELSEY WHILDING, Social Work Case Manager
Chelsey is working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as a case manager for a home health agency in Tacoma, Washington. There, she manages and coordinates caregivers for more than 70 clients with various needs (those who are bedridden, children with developmental disabilities, the elderly, etc.) Her heart for building relationships and serving others paired with her background in volunteering with at-risk youth have prepared her to manage and advocate for her clients—oftentimes in urgent, critical situations—with grace, purpose and passion at the forefront of her work.
The Basics:
Hometown: Born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, but I consider Birmingham, Alabama, my hometown
Current city: Tacoma, Washington
Alma mater: The University of Alabama at Birmingham (Go Blazers!)
Degree: B.S., Social Work
Very first job: Buckle (the clothing store; it was so cool back in the day)
Hustle: Social worker for a home healthcare agency
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
Too many to count, but right now, I have really enjoyed following singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves. She is unapologetically who she is, and she isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in (even if it’s against the status quo). She’s been a revolutionary force in music and for female musicians in general. I also really admire all the babes I know in real life. I’m surrounded by a lot of really amazing and strong women. Also, Brene Brown always and forever, because she’s the queen.
Current power anthem?
“Stupid Love,” by Lady Gaga. Such an upbeat, flawless pop song!
How do you take your coffee?
Usually black, preferably over ice.
Favorite way to unplug?
Sitting down at a piano for some zen time is my favorite.
Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Ireland. Easily one of the most beautiful places on earth, to me.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
I’m a case manager for a home health agency. I manage and coordinate caregivers for roughly 70 clients. A typical day is spent handling urgent client situations, managing conflicts, advocating for our clients, pairing our clients with caregivers, and everything in-between. We wear a lot of hats.
Have you always been passionate about social services? What led you to pursue work in the industry?
I think I've always valued people-centered activities, even if I didn’t realize that was the common denominator. Building relationships has always been important to me. I can always remember wanting to change the world, and this is the small way I can effect positive change in my community. I started volunteering with at-risk youth my freshman year of college and decided to change my major from marketing to social work. I was hooked! I realized then that I wanted to use my privilege and good fortune to empower vulnerable communities.
How has your job changed since the pandemic began?
I feel like I’m already a different case manager than I was before this began, and I know we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg. I am able to prioritize in a better way, and I make it a point to tell everyone I talk to that I am working hard for them, and—when appropriate—that I care about them. I make up a small piece of the puzzle in my clients’ lives, but sometimes I’m the only person they can get on the phone. I remind them I’m limited in what I can do, but I will always do everything that I can. That is always an important distinction to make, but especially now.
What are some notable experiences you’ve had on the job recently?
I called a client one day, and she didn’t even say hello first, she just said, “You fucked up.” Immediately I just was like, Whoa—you absolutely cannot talk to me that way. It was all a misunderstanding, but I was the first person she got on the phone. It felt like she wanted a punching bag, and I was it. This client and I have a really good rapport (typically), but this hard time we’re in right now really brings a side out of people—especially vulnerable, at-risk people—that isn’t pretty. I told her we both needed to take some time to calm down, and when we finally talked later, she apologized and we were cutting up by the end. She’s cried on the phone with me before; I know her pain. I am not anyone’s punching bag, but I also remember that a lot of the way people are reacting is their gut instinct of pain and fear, and I try to be compassionate to that as much as possible.
Marty Balencie
Have you had to make any professional decisions lately related to COVID-19?
We are facing an unprecedented situation with no playbook. We’re all doing the best we can. I try to remind everyone of that, and I try to remind myself of that constantly. Right now, we’re doing our best to safely provide necessary in-home care to vulnerable clients. The work we’re doing right now is threatened because of the nature of how this virus is spread. Our caregivers aren’t able to social distance, necessarily. Having to talk to clients and tell them that their much-needed care services are on hold until we receive a negative COVID-19 result is a pretty damn difficult conversation to have. (And we don’t take them lightly.) Thankfully, I work for a company with a really solid management team leading us through this.
How are you balancing your demanding role, a global crisis, and your own personal wellbeing?
I try not to take my work home with me, and generally I am pretty good at setting boundaries, but it’s pretty hard to leave work at work right now. It’s hard to leave work at work in this field anyway, let alone in a time of crisis. I value my time outside of work, but I also recognize we are in a crisis currently, and it is honestly constantly looming over me and over all of us. If this is what I have to carry right now, I am happy to do it because I value the work that I do, and it’s worth it. I am giving myself a lot of grace and compassion. I am not beating myself up if I have a hard time turning it off, because of course I would, and I know I am doing my best in a difficult situation. I have a wonderful therapist who is doing virtual appointments. I have an Ativan prescription on hand in the event I am having a panic attack, as well as some “Goodbye Stress” vitamins that help. I try to move my body as much as I can, and get a good night’s sleep as much as possible. I try to eat nourishing food but also not punish myself when I’m reaching for comforting food right now. I’m listening to music that soothes me. Watching shows that make me laugh (“The Office,” “Modern Family,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Portlandia” are on heavy rotation right now). And vegging out and staring at the wall when I need to. I’ve never leaned so hard on my friends; we call each other constantly right now.
How have your past professional experiences prepared you for the work you do today?
I worked in the service industry for a long time, and my last stint was in one of the most popular high-volume bars in my hometown. That shit show will prepare you for just about anything, because at least I’m not in a small space with all of my clients drunk out of their minds. Any service job (retail, bar, or restaurant) can better prepare you for a job in the social services field (maybe even better than school can—sue me.) Also, it can always, always be worse. I try to remember that.
Do you imagine your job will be different after COVID-19?
I know that we will likely all be changed by this forever, although none of us can know yet just what that will look like. I know I will forever be a better social worker, case manager, friend, and leader because of this collective trauma we’re living through.
How can readers support people in your industry right now?
Listen to the experts and do your part. It’s really tough trying to educate your clients or point them in the right direction when there is so much misinformation out there. Check your sources. Don’t fear-monger. Find ways you can safely help and do those things. Donate food to shelters, sew masks, donate money. And ultimately, stay home and social distance.
What’s been your biggest career milestone to date?
It’s not necessarily related to my current job, but I coordinated a music festival fundraiser in my hometown to raise money for a nonprofit that teaches girls how to play music. That was definitely a highlight. I felt like I was Leslie Knope, and it was my Harvest Festival.
How has being a woman affected your professional experience?
There are definitely times where I feel like I wasn’t given credit I earned, and I have often felt like I’ve fought harder to gain respect that men seem to be owed automatically. That’s so frustrating. I think we’re finally starting to see a real shift, but we have to keep pushing, together. I think it’s also really important to recognize that women of color are always the most impacted and vulnerable group, and white women have to do more to recognize their privilege and support women of color. Call it out when you see it. Use your voice.
What’s one thing you wish the general public knew (or put into action) with regards to COVID-19?
I just wish everyone would take the time to get informed by disease and health experts. If everyone took the time to listen to certified experts about projected numbers, it would be very sobering for everyone. We have a terrifying lack of leadership right now that is taking us through this crisis, and I long for a leader that embodies courage and steadfastness instead of an egomaniacal fear-monger. We have to take an honest look at ourselves in this crisis and pay attention. This will be, and already is, very eye-opening. We have to recognize what we lack (preparedness, access to healthcare coverage, true leadership, the fact that we seem to care more about corporations than we do our citizens) and be willing to stand up for change.
Career and/or life advice for other babes?
Learning what you don’t want to do and what you absolutely will not do is just as important, if not more important, than finding out what you do want to do. The sooner you learn what you will. not. put. up with, the sooner you’ll find a place you are meant to be and a place that is worth having you. Take the time to find out what your values actually are, not what the media or your family or whatever other peer pressure tells you they are. Once you know what your values are, you’ll strive to always work and live within them. And on that note: Your value and worth as a person is not determined by your job, credit score, savings account balance, car you drive, status in life, etc. Do not let those things define your value.
Connect with Chelsey:
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