Jessi Potter joined the Department of Social Services as a Caseworker on October 16, 2006.  She holds a BA in Psychology and wanted to work in human services, preferably with children and families who were experiencing difficulties or were in crisis.  Jessie has done child protective investigations and has been the caseworker for children in foster care.  For several years, she was based at the Sidney School district, where she helped coordinate services between the school and the Department of Social Services, particularly with children experiencing acting out behavior problems or children showing signs of abuse or neglect.

In January, 2011, after mastering all the functional areas in which a Caseworker is judged, Jessi was promoted to Senior Caseworker I.  On July 11, 2011, she was again promoted to Senior Caseworker II, and now supervises the DSS foster and adoption programs and the preventive casework staff at the Sidney School District.  Because of her abilities to support others and be a strong influence in their lives, Jessie actually began assisting the Department with some elements of supervision even prior to her official appointment as a Senior Caseworker.  She was also recognized as a “go to” person by the Sidney School faculty and staff because of her ability to communicate effectively with both children and their parents.

Jessi likes to work with people and takes great pride in helping people work on the issues that challenge them.  She sees this as her life’s work and expects to continue in human service work as her vocation.  Seeing children, adults and families overcome obstacles and improve their lives is her vision of what work is all about.

Jessie brings a level of enthusiasm to the job that is instantly recognizable.  Her high personal energy level and her dedication to always trying to do the right thing doesn’t end until she get results.  Her co-workers, who nominated her to be recognized as Employee of the Month, see her as a force that is always focused on the positive. 

Jessi has two brothers and lives in her own home, near her parents.  She won a Division 1 scholarship for softball and excelled in the sport in college.  She now plays in an adult league in Oneonta.  She also loves to hunt and fish.

Congratulations, Jessi as Employee of the Month.