Wearing multiple hats in a one-person office doesn’t mean more work. For Doreen Pardy, a child protection social worker with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, it means being able to help more families, working with more excellent and compassionate community members and experiencing more positive outcomes.

Pardy continues to exceed expectations when it comes to managing her responsibilities on behalf of vulnerable British Columbians in the Robson Valley.

“I’ve always been intrigued by the social work field,” Pardy says. “I feel a sense of fulfillment when I can help families in smaller, more remote communities where services may not be as varied or accessible.”

Based in McBride, Doreen also works with clients in Valemount and supports colleagues that service families in Prince George as well as two fly-in First Nations communities. “During my career, I’ve helped families in the United Kingdom, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon,” Pardy says. “And now I’m continuing to do what I do best in the small and rural communities of beautiful British Columbia.”

Kim Chartrand, Pardy’s supervisor, recalls their first meeting vividly. “What I remember most when first meeting Doreen is that before she was even hired, she took it upon herself to go out into the community – something that can be very daunting to some – and introduced herself to community members, community service providers, the Robson Valley Support Society and even the local RCMP. That really impressed me. It showed me the type of person and social worker she is.”

Although Pardy technically works in a one-person office, she will be the first to tell you it doesn’t feel that way. “With the number of amazing community service providers available in the Robson Valley, and with the support from my colleagues in Prince George and Raylene Bryce, my amazing team leader, I don’t ever have to worry about not having my ‘magic wand’.”

“Doreen is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise trying environment,” Chartrand says. “She brightens the days of each of her clients and co-workers and is the first to offer assistance, lend an ear to listen, or even just a shoulder to cry on, if that’s what is needed.”

Social Work Week (March 13-19) is an opportunity to honour outstanding social workers throughout the province, and to thank those who make it their life's work to truly make a difference in many British Columbians' lives. To read the proclamation, please visit: http://goo.gl/C0CRZM