Karen Laing first started working for Delaware County as a Dispatcher in the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center.  She joined the Department of Social Services as a Community Services Worker on November 5, 2001.  She continued to also serve as a part-time Dispatcher until May 12, 2005.  Karen’s position at Social Services was attached to the Adult Services Unit and provides a wide range of support functions. 

In 2003, Karen began a training and certification program to become a licensed security guard.  At the completion of her training she was promoted to the new title of Social Services Security and Safety Aide.  In this capacity, Karen is in charge of the reception desk at the County’s 99 Main Street Office Building where she greets the public for the Department’s Services Division, Public Health Department and Youth Bureau.

Karen splits her time at the reception desk with a part-time security guard assigned by the Sheriff’s Office.  When the security guard is on duty at the reception desk, Karen assists the Adult Services Unit with a variety of support functions which includes work with clients being served by the Office of Long Term Care.  In these capacities, Karen assists with caseworker support tasks that include helping clients complete various applications, coordinating transportation, assisting with agency communications and taking clients into the community to accomplish various tasks they are challenged to perform for themselves.

The daily work at Social Services is always changing with new clients and new challenges.  This versatile aspect of the work environment is most appealing to Karen; who observes that she never gets bored on the job!  She usually works with adults 18 and older.  One morning she can be helping an elderly person go on a medical or other important errand and in the afternoon offering advice to a recent correctional releasee on the rules at the Department’s homeless shelter.

Karen is married with two adult children, each pursuing professional careers of their own.  She also has a modest personal business she says is akin to a hobby—providing tables and chairs for rent for outdoor parties and other events.  She is a high profile exercise individual with a daily routine consisting of a standard 6:00 AM workout and at least two brisk walks per day during Department breaks.

The entire Adult Protective Unit and Services Administration Team join in nominating Karen for employee of the month.  She is a team player and is always supportive to the casework staff and treats our clients with genuineness and empathy.  She will drop whatever she is involved in to assist the staff.  When providing transportation to our needy and vulnerable clients, they at times can be unpleasant and demanding.  Karen never complains and has a great way of redirecting their attitudes and they are comforted by her approach and style.  When providing oversight during an adult’s medical appointment, she is able to share with the medical personnel issues that have been occurring with the client and often times the medical staff will provide her, along with the client, the treatment plan.  This is particularly valuable in helping the casework staff get a full understanding of the client’s needs and where the department can further assist the client.

She provides a warm and approachable demeanor with the clients and they often times will share with her some of their needs and in turn Karen becomes their advocate.  She not only looks out for the client but also is mindful of the Department’s role and responsibility to this adult population.

When she steps into the role of security at the front desk, she is vigilant and attentive to the environment.  She can assist in calming individuals as the first contact with the Department.  She is able to share what she has observed with the key DSS personnel so that the issues are remedied and tactfully addressed. 

Congratulations and thank you Karen for a job well done.