CONGRATULATIONS Carlene Bennett! It is our pleasure to recognize Carlene Bennett, Transitional Youth Advocate with SCDSS! Thank you, Carlene, for outstanding service to children and families!
From a coworker, “Mrs. Carlene Bennett has worked for the SC Department of Social Services since 2007 and has made a huge impact on her clients and her coworkers during this time. Long before the Transitional Support Services Division was even a concept, Mrs. Bennett was supporting former foster youth in the Upstate. Carlene does not simply have clients with DSS—she welcomes her youth into her life and treats them like her family. Her former youth still contact her and keep her updated in their lives.”
Carlene does not judge—she accepts all young people for who they are and supports them regardless of their personal situations. She uses a trauma-informed approach to work with her youth that includes sensitivity and open-mindedness in all interactions. She always strives to help her youth meet their goals, and fiercely advocates for their best interest. Not only does Carlene put 100% effort into her own youth, but she will help any of her coworkers with their youth with no questions asked. Carlene goes above and beyond and is a true pioneer for the TSS Division.
Transitional Youth Advocate workers are only responsible for seeing a certain segment of their youth monthly, but Carlene sees all of her youth monthly. While this is not required, Carlene does this because she cares about her youth so strongly that she invests in them all equally. Mrs. Bennett does not treat her youth like children—she treats them like young adults with respect, honestly, and integrity.
From another coworker, “As a DSS employee, Mrs. Bennett’s work is always completed on time, her dictation is perfect, and she is always on top of her reports. Not only has Mrs. Bennett excelled as a DSS employee over the past 17 years, but she has also helped shape and mold new TSS staff to reflect the excellence she embodies. As for myself, Carlene has taught me so much about working with young people that I consider her a mentor in many ways. I can always count on Mrs. Bennett to give advice about any situation. One day Mrs. Bennett will retire, and while she deserves this fully, DSS will endure a great loss— a loss of knowledge, experience, connections, and heart.”
She continues, “Mrs. Bennett deserves to be recognized for her years of hard work and accomplishments. Mrs. Bennett’s legacy will influence the TSS Division for years to come, and we feel so incredibly lucky that we have her as a part of our team. She is a true trailblazer, and if you see her today, please thank her for her years of service to our young people!”
Carlene, we applaud you, we laud you and we are so thankful for you and the lives you impact every single day. It is an honor and a privilege to recognize you as Social Worker of the Month!
