|
Why Are You Making Me Do This, I'm Not a Social Worker: Comparing and Contrasting Roles of Social Workers and Probation Officers
SESSION INFO
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Session Type: Workshop
This workshop will review overlap in the work of social workers and probation officers, with specific discussion on three elements of social work that probation professionals can learn from: De-escalating Situations, Self Care from Trauma, and Building Strong Families. Probation officers could benefit from incorporating these skills that far too often get associated with social work rather than criminal justice. These topics can easily be incorporated into probation work to better connect with probationers, stay safe, and create long lasting positive changes. If incarceration rates lower it will bring even more attention to the role of probation, and it is important we continue to grow, evolve, and follow best practice to keep up with an ever changing world. So if you have ever heard an employee, a co-worker, or an inside voice in your head say the phrase “I’m not a social worker” maybe this workshop can help.
|
|
|
SESSION PRESENTERS
Victor Berardi
Probation Officer, MA Probation Service/MA Trial Court/Office of Commissioner of Probation
Victor Berardi is a dedicated professional with extensive case management experience working with at-risk youth and families. Currently serving as a Probation Officer at the Massachusetts Trial Court in Lowell, MA, since April 2022, Victor Berardi focuses on reducing crime recidivism through compassionate case management and coordination with law enforcement and various support agencies. Before transitioning into probation, Victor Berardi spent over six years as a Social Worker with the Department of Children and Families promoting healthy family dynamics and ensuring safe home environments for children in foster and residential care. This experience honed their skills in crisis management, community referrals, and case supervision, which has been instrumental in tailoring support to individuals on probation. Earlier in their career, Victor Berardi served at Youth Villages as an Intercept Family Specialist and was quickly promoted to Program Supervisor. In this capacity, they led a team dedicated to in-home strength-based interventions for youth and families, a practice that now informs their holistic approach to probation supervision. Victor Berardi holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell where they also served as a Teaching Assistant while pursuing their postgraduate degree.
|
|
|
|
|
|