Pictured: Jennifer Gaston (right) receiving the award from Kristine Hilton, SA Manager (left), and joined virtually by Jodi Mizerka (tv screen left) and Bobbi Clawdus (tv screen right) and staff team (tv screen inset).

I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Employee Satisfaction! Congratulations to Jennifer Gaston, Visitation Supervisor with Community Services. 

At Service Alternatives, Employee Satisfaction means we each feel valued for our work and supported in advancing our own potential.

The nomination for Jennifer Gatson stood out to the committee as it demonstrated how Jennifer reaches out to her co-workers and clients consistently and positively.  She received some incredible feedback from co-workers, customers, and clients alike.

The nomination states:

Jennifer always goes out of her way to make sure that every person she interacts with feels welcome in our building. This ranges from her co-workers to visitation clients (children and parents) to visiting social workers, to employees from other offices. Jennifer always has a smile on her face, an ear to listen to people, and is one of the most non-judgmental people I know. Jennifer works closely with her visitation team to make sure that their needs are met – not only in terms of are they getting enough hours, the shifts they want, etc., but by checking in with them – ‘How are you doing?’ ‘What is on your mind today?’ ‘You look like you need to talk’ – are things I have heard her say to co-workers. And she truly listens to them with full attention. She does not judge or try to give unsolicited advice; she just listens and helps them solve their problems. Jen does this with her visitation clients as well. She helps them learn to problem solve and advocate for themselves.

The nomination shares excerpts of feedback about Jennifer received from peers, social workers, and clients and how they demonstrate employee satisfaction.  It states:

Feedback includes:  “Jennifer is always a pleasure to talk with.” “She communicates in a timely manner.” “Jennifer is helpful and goes out of her way for others.” In my opinion, these comments reflect that Jennifer displays the value of Employee Satisfaction to the very core. She is genuinely connected to her work and to those she works with. She helps others find their strengths and builds upon those in their time of need to help them find individual successes. Jennifer never hesitates to come to me when she needs something. She always has something positive to say about a co-worker, even when she may have an issue that needs correcting. She looks for the best in others, which is something I appreciate. Even when she has a difficult day, she keeps an upbeat demeanor and is professional with her co-workers and clients alike. She exudes this value to the fullest and exemplifies Employee Satisfaction.

Jennifer, thank you for embedding employee satisfaction into your work, bringing welcoming, genuine, and intentional interactions to those around you every day. Congratulations Jennifer!