Social workers support Yukoners in many ways. They offer guidance during challenging times and help people access financial assistance.
In the Government of Yukon, income support social workers do part of this work. They help individuals and families meet basic needs, such as food and housing, by connecting them to programs and services.
These social workers play a vital role in helping clients move toward stability, independence and overall well-being.
Today we’re introducing Monique, an income support social worker based in Whitehorse.
Monique is a supervisor in the Income Support unit. Her team works with people who need social assistance and helps them understand what supports they may be eligible for. She also works with clients on other parts of their lives, including their health and housing, and helps them navigate systems.
Monique grew up in the Yukon. Her grandparents had a welding business in Ross River, and the family later lived in Whitehorse. After high school, Monique moved to B.C. for a decade, where she started her family.
Monique learned a lot about herself when her second daughter was born at home with the support of a midwife. The experience helped her realize her own strength and played a part in her decision to go back to school.
She returned to Yukon with her 2 young daughters and considered nursing. Instead, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work program at Yukon University (then Yukon College). With support from her parents, she completed 4 years of full-time study and graduated in 2017.
Monique valued that the Bachelor of Social Work program at Yukon University prepared students for social work in the North. She completed her practicum in Watson Lake and later worked in the Regional Services unit of Family and Children’s Services.
After returning to Whitehorse, she joined Continuing Care at Copper Ridge Place. Monique is grateful for her time in the dementia care unit, which changed how she lives her life and sees the world.
For the past few years, Monique has worked at Income Support. She says she loves her work, which includes managing caseloads and visiting communities.
Now, a decade after graduating, Monique helps host practicum students from Yukon University’s Bachelor of Social Work program in her workplace. “When you teach, it gives you a chance to reflect on your own practice,” says Monique.
As her daughters explore their interests, one is attending Yukon University and considering social work.
Bachelor of Social Work students work alongside social workers to build their skills and learn what the role involves. Many graduates of the program go on to work in Yukon.