Social workers are trained professionals who help individuals and their families manage their medical needs by providing support, guidance, and advocacy.

In celebration of National Social Worker Month, we interviewed Eric Rosenbalm, Social Services Director at Grand Rapids Care Center, and Autumn Kiser, Social Services Director at Autumn Care of Statesville, about their backgrounds, careers, and experiences as social workers in the healthcare industry.

Tell us about yourself.

“I started in healthcare as a nurse aide in 2008. Then, a couple of years later, I was an LPN for 16 years,” Rosenbalm told us. “I am a dad. I have three boys, three girls, two dogs, and two cats. I enjoy doing stuff with my kids, going to Cedar Point, and being a Detroit Lions fan.”

“I have been working in long-term care since I was 17,” Kiser told us. “I became a CNA in high school and immediately started working in long-term care. I wanted to do long-term care because my grandmother had a massive stroke when I was 9, and we moved her in with us. I was using a Hoyer lift, sitting with her, and providing all of this at a young age. I have been at Autumn Care of Statesville for 22 years, and this is where I see myself forever.”

Pictured are Eric Rosenbalm and Autumn Kiser

What is your career background?

“I started out as a CNA working on the floor at Autumn Care of Statesville,” said Kiser. “When I had my daughter, I switched over to medical records for several years. Later on, the opportunity presented itself to move into the Director of Social Services position, and this is where I’ve been ever since.”

“Before coming to Grand Rapids, I was a floor nurse and a clinic coordinator at a Lutheran- based nursing home in Holland doing wound care,” said Rosenbalm. “After that, I was an Nursing Manager for 5 years at a skilled nursing facility in Toledo. Later on, I was an ADON at a skilled nursing facility in Westerville. Then in 2023, I was presented with the opportunity to become the Social Services Director at Grand Rapids, and I eagerly accepted the position.”

Why did you decide to work in the Social Work field?

“I was looking for a different opportunity in the long-term care field. The DON at Grand Rapids, whom I worked with previously, asked if I would be interested in social services and doing wound care for their community. I thought that that was a great opportunity and I excitedly accepted,” said Rosenbalm.

“To advocate for the residents. It’s important for me to be their voice, especially for the residents who can’t voice their needs. This job blesses my heart. Before my mama passed away, she told me that this is what the Lord had called me to do,” Kiser said.

Tell us about your day-to-day as a social worker.

“It changes every day, and it’s always different,” Kiser told us. “Every day I go in and meet the new admissions to learn about them and the hobbies they like. I begin to form a relationship with them, and their families as well. I always call the families for every new admission and let them know that I can be their contact. I like to also walk to the halls and interact with the residents. I provide snacks and a Pepsi and hang out with them. Spending one-on-one time with them is more fulfilling to me than anything.”

During most of my day, I am meeting with residents or their families, either over the phone or in person,” Rosenbalm told us. “I also have meetings and keep up with necessary paperwork. Mostly, I am talking with skilled residents to see where we are progressing and help them with anything they may need. When residents are about to return home, I meet with the interdisciplinary team to provide support.”

What education do you need to have to be a social worker?

You have to have a bachelor’s degree and do social work as a designee,” Rosenbalm said. “There are also different programs you can do if you’re not a licensed social worker. For example, some colleges and universities offer a BSW course including online programs.”

Kiser agreed and added, “It also depends on the building you work in and what the census is.”

What skills or qualities do you need to have to be a social worker?

“You need to be a good listener. You need to be compassionate, have a strong desire to advocate, and be their voice. Empathy is also something you need. You want to be a part of their success and have your heart involved in it to do a great job,” Kiser told us.

“You have to be social, outgoing, and engaging with your residents. It is a different level than nursing because you are their advocate. They come to you if they need to talk or if there is something they want to address. It takes a lot of patience,” Rosenbalm told us.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to get into the social work field?

“My piece of advice is always help the residents and be their voice. You have to come into work every day to be there for the residents and be willing to help them in any way you can,” Rosenbalm said.

My advice is to follow your heart and treat every resident as a loved one. At the end of the day, we’re their family. We spend more time with them than anyone, so treat everyone as your loved one,” Kiser said

Give us one positive experience you’ve had at your facility.

“We had a resident who was in long-term care for 3 years. Her wish was to go back to her home. We fought hard for her, got her in therapy, and got her as strong as we could. She finally got approved by her doctor to return back to her home. On the day that she got to leave this building, we lined the halls with staff members, balloons, and posters to celebrate her. It was the most enjoyable day to see how happy that she was and that made us feel accomplished. It was a long process, but it was very worth it and she thrived,” Kiser said.

“Our Christmas parties are an absolute blast. The community of Grand Rapids and our staff adopt our residents and buy them presents. It is so heartwarming to watch the residents open their gifts and be so excited to see what they get. They talk about our Christmas parties every day,” Rosenbalm said.