Clovis, NM — April 19, 2024 — The 4-County Behavioral Health Partnership is pleased to announce its upcoming Social Work Career Presentation, aimed at introducing high school students to the diverse and vital field of social work. The event will take place on April 24, 2024 during the first period at Clovis High School.
The purpose of the presentation is to enlighten students about the possibilities within social work, particularly those with interests in health professions who may not have considered social work as a rewarding career option. As the demand for social workers continues to rise, with a projected 16% job growth nationwide between 2016 and 2026, according to SocialWork.org, events like these become crucial for career exploration. Local agencies face challenges in recruiting and retaining social workers, which in turn limits the number of individuals who can access critical services.
The presentation will feature a distinguished panel of four local social work professionals, bringing real-world experiences and insights to the forefront:
– Constance Williams, LMSW, SE Field Representative, Office of U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (N.M.), Portales, NM
– Tanea Murrell, LBSW, Individual Planning Process Specialist, CYFD, Clovis, NM
– James Abelar, LMSW, Therapist, Nurstead Consulting Services, Clovis, NM
– Mindy Sena, LCSW, Senior Guidance Counselor, Clovis Schools, Clovis, NM
The esteemed moderator for the event is Raymond Mondragon, representing the Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG). The presentation will include a lively Q&A session where students can ask panelists about their experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring social workers.
The 4-County Behavioral Health Partnership, spearheaded by EPCOG and the United Way of Eastern New Mexico, consists of various organizations across healthcare, social services, education, and justice system agencies actively working to address these needs. Celia Kirkland, Program Director for the 4-County Behavioral Health Partnership, emphasized the significance of this opportunity, stating, “Inspiring young people to pursue social work and connecting them with local institutions will help us answer the growing need for this workforce here in Clovis and regionally.”
Kate Bailey, Partner at Initium Health, a consulting firm supporting the 4-County Behavioral Health Partnership, shared her enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts, stating, “Our partnership with Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University ensures that students have a clear path from high school to a rewarding career in social work.”
The Social Work Career Presentation promises to be an enlightening and informative event, offering students a glimpse into a fulfilling and impactful career path. For more information on the 4-County Behavioral Health Partnership or to get involved, please contact Celia Kirkland at 575-762-7714 or ckirkland@epcog.org.
## About Clovis High School: Clovis High School is committed to providing a safe environment conducive to learning by preparing all students for a lifetime of success. For more information about Clovis High School, visit clovis-schools.org.
## About the Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG): The Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments to establish a federally recognized economic development and planning district. The region is located within eastern New Mexico and includes seven counties, twenty-one municipalities, and two unique districts. EPCOG operates with the intent to catalyze the success of its local government communities. For more information, visit epcog.org.
## About Initium Health: Initium Health is a technology-enabled consulting firm specializing in public health strategies; behavioral health feasibility studies; community health assessments; and community health improvement plans.As a public benefit corporation (PBC), Initium Health is committed to innovating to improve human health. For more information, visit initiumhealth.org.
## About the United Way of Eastern New Mexico: The United Way of Eastern New Mexico unites neighbors and changes lives in Curry, Roosevelt, Quay, and De Baca counties by seeking partners who give, advocate, and volunteer to benefit our local community especially through work that promotes child well-being and youth success.
