DHS employees receive student awards for the University Of Oklahoma School Of Social Work
News Release
Several Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) employees received various awards for the University of Oklahoma Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work program. The DHS students won four of the seven graduate awards. These employees were currently working for DHS in some capacity prior to completing their degree.
“The Child Welfare Professional Enhancement program is a critical component of our comprehensive workforce development plan, and DHS has a longstanding partnership with the University Of Oklahoma School Of Social Work to administer this program. We take tremendous pride in our staff and in seeing them be successful. It is an honor to have each of these individuals represent DHS child welfare services,” said Jami Ledoux, DHS Child Welfare Director.
Among the winners were:
Rachel Dorsett-Burrell, Community Partnerships, received the “Advanced Standing Student of the Year” award. This award is for the student who already holds an undergraduate Social Work degree and completes 33 hours for the MSW Advanced Standing Program. The faculty chose Dorsett-Burrell for embodying excellence in academics and class-room leadership.
Irving Baccus, a Child Welfare Specialist III in Oklahoma County, received the “Administration and Community Practice Student of the Year” award. This award is given to the student who completes 60 hours for the MSW program and focused on Administrative and Community Practice. The faculty chose Baccus for embodying excellence in academics and class-room leadership.
Kalla Jones, Child Welfare Specialist III in Oklahoma County, received the “Nadine Roach Award for Outstanding Practicum Performance”. This award is given to the undergraduate student who exemplifies excellence in the field practicum. Jones was nominated by her practicum instructor and chosen by a faculty committee.
Takeisa Sims, a Child Welfare Specialist II in Cleveland County, received the “Direct Practice Student of the Year” award. Sims has accepted a position with permanency planning in Cleveland County upon graduation. This award is for the student who completes 60 hours for the MSW program focused on Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups. The faculty chose Sims for embodying excellence in academics and classroom leadership.
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