By S. Jolene Hui, MSW, NASW-CA Membership Coordinator
Kimberly Cox is a social worker, teacher, supervisor, wife, mother, and leader. She’s not simply busy; she’s a passionate NASW-CA member who created the high desert unit in Victorville that is part of NASW-CA’s Region F.
Because of the distance from the other units in her region, it was difficult for her to be involved locally with NASW until, with help from her regional director, in September 2011 she created the high desert unit for the social workers in her area.
Cox believes that NASW is important for professional development and says, “I enjoy the positive feedback from those who have been part of our success and for the opportunities to network with other social workers, receive CEUs and give service to our community while promoting the social work profession in a positive manner.”
Her involvement with NASW began when she was in graduate school when she volunteered for annual conferences. She’s also been elected to serve on committees for NASW-CA and enjoys serving as a leader for the organization and hopes to be involved for as long as possible.
In regards to her clinical work, Cox has been a social worker since 2003 when she graduated with her MSW from California State University, San Bernardino. Prior to that, she earned her bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology in 2000, subsequently working in a variety of positions serving her community. These positions included being a volunteer crisis counselor for sexual assault survivors, an employee in community education and sexual assault awareness, an entry-level counselor, and a support to military and their families. Directly after graduating with her MSW she worked in public child welfare in San Bernardino County.
For the past four years Cox has been a mediator (child custody recommending counselor) in the Superior Court. She says her greatest professional achievement has been the impact her actions have had on individuals and families as a social worker.
“The greatest enjoyment is the knowledge that some of the people I have encountered have turned out successful. I am grateful for the opportunity on this Earth to have been able to facilitate positive outcomes in the lives of others.”
In addition she provides clinical supervision and is adjunct faculty for two universities. She hopes to return to law school someday to complete her JD, “so that I can maximize the opportunities within forensic social work practice.”
Her greatest personal achievement is her family. She says, “I am proud to be married to a man who served our great country for eight years in the Marine Corps and supports all of my goals and a beautiful four-year-old who amazes us every day!”
Her advice to new social workers: “Burnout is a reality. Make time to take care of yourself every day and spend quality time with your loved ones.”
S. Jolene Hui, MSW, is NASW-CA’s membership coordinator and can be reached at jhui@naswca.org.
