What’s New

What’s New

Child and Family Services Social Worker – Rochester

Child and Family Services Social Worker

Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is seeking a full-time Licensed Social Worker in our Rochester, MN office. This position will work with new and expectant parents to provide pregnancy counseling, parenting education and planning or adoption planning and placement. The social worker completes assessments, provides baby items, and supports young families through case management. This position also completes home study assessment and education for families who are applying to adopt a child. Knowledge of adoption and pregnancy & parenting counseling is preferred. Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

Must be detail oriented, able to work independently, create strong networks in the community, and work some flexible, on-call hours. The position is based out of Rochester, MN with travel in a 10 county area. Current Minnesota social work license required.

Experience:

Candidate must be licensed as a social worker in the State of Minnesota and able to earn certification in child passenger safety within 3 months of hire. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in child welfare and development and aware of resources and support in the community. At least one year of experience working with children and families is preferred.

Benefits:

Salary ranges from $48,000 – 52,000 per year for full time employment.

Catholic Charities offers medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, health and dependent flex plans, and 403(b) retirement plan with matching. New employees earn 120 hours of vacation and 96 hours of sick leave, and 12.5 paid holidays per year.

Please email a cover letter and resume to svetter@ccsomn.org. Position open until filled.

March 5th, 2024|Categories: Employment|

Child and Family Services Case Manager – Unaccompanied Migrant Children

Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is seeking a bilingual (Spanish/English) Case Manager in our Mankato, MN office for the Unaccompanied Migrant Children program.

This position will work with individuals identified by the Office of Refugee Resettlement to be sponsors of unaccompanied minor children, typically family members. The Case Manager will assess the suitability and safety of the proposed sponsor and provide education to prepare the individual for a successful sponsorship. Once home studies are approved, this position will provide culturally appropriate case management and community referrals, continue to ensure safety and stability during immigration proceedings, empower sponsors to provide long-term care, and utilize a strengths-based approach in all interactions.

Experience:

Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree with previous experience working with children or families, highly proficient in Spanish, able to work independently, create strong networks in the community, and occasionally work flexible, on-call hours. Must be familiar with areas of support, resources, and able to provide psychoeducational assistance. MN Social Work license is preferred. The position serves the Mankato and Worthington area with the option to be based remotely. Travel to clients in a 100 mile radius required.

Benefits:

Salary ranges from $48,000 – 52,000 per year for full time employment.

Catholic Charities offers medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, health and dependent flex plans, and 403(b) retirement plan with matching. New employees earn 120 hours of vacation and 96 hours of sick leave, and 12.5 paid holidays per year.

Please email a cover letter and resume to svetter@ccsomn.org. Position open until filled.

January 4th, 2024|Categories: Employment|

Unpacking the Stigma: Why Counseling Matters Now More Than Ever

man talking to a counselor

Have you ever felt like modern life, with all its buzzing notifications and endless scrolling, is a bit… overwhelming? You’re not alone. Yet, there’s this pesky stigma around seeking counseling. Some see it as a sign of weakness or a last resort. Let’s dive into this and chat about why counseling is crucial in today’s world.

First off, Seeking Help = Strength

Guess what? Admitting you need a chat or some guidance isn’t a sign of defeat. It’s brave. It means you’re self-aware and ready to tackle challenges head-on.

Counseling’s Got Some Serious Perks

Beyond just having someone to vent to (which is super important, by the way), counseling equips you with tools. Tools to handle stress, mend relationships, and simply feel better about life. And yes, there’s research backing all this up (1).

Feeling Lonely in a Connected World?

It’s a modern paradox. We’re more connected than ever, thanks to tech. Yet, many of us feel isolated. It’s a lot. Counseling? It offers a genuine, heart-to-heart connection. No screens. No filters. Just real talk.

Think of Counseling as a Check-Up… For Your Mind

We don’t wait for a broken bone to see a doc, right? We go for regular check-ups. Why should our mental health be any different? Counseling is like a wellness check for the soul (2).

Let’s Chat About It!

The only way to crush this stigma? Talk. Share. Be open. The more we normalize mental health chats, the better off we’ll all be.

So here’s the deal: Counseling is a game-changer, especially in our fast-paced world. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s smart. It’s proactive. Let’s spread the word, support each other, and champion mental well-being.

(1) Lambert, M. J. (2013). The ins and outs of therapy’s impact. John Wiley & Sons.

(2) Druss, B. G., & Walker, E. R. (2011). The big link between mental and physical health. Synthesis snapshots.


 

 

Socktober: The Month of Warm Feet and Warmer Hearts

When the air gets crisper and the leaves begin to change, we know that autumn is upon us. While October is traditionally associated with pumpkins, costumes, and the eerie fun of Halloween, another movement has been gaining traction in recent years aimed at helping others known as “Socktober.” It’s a simple way to make a big difference in the lives of people who are struggling.

What is Socktober?

Socktober is a month-long initiative that started as a grassroots movement to collect and donate socks to the homeless and those in need. As we transition into colder months, having warm socks becomes essential. Unfortunately, for many people without permanent housing, something as simple as a pair of socks can be hard to come by.

Why Socks?

While many of us take having warm socks for granted, they are among the most requested and least donated items at homeless shelters. Socks not only provide warmth but can also help prevent a host of medical issues. Wet or cold feet can lead to frostbite, trench foot, and an array of fungal infections, especially when there’s limited access to clean footwear.

Participating in Socktober is as easy as you’d like to make it! Here are some simple steps to get started:

  • Collect Socks: Start by setting up a donation box at your workplace, school, or community center. Encourage colleagues, friends, and family to contribute.
  • Spread the Word: Share about Socktober on your social media accounts. Use hashtags like #Socktober and #WarmFeetWarmHearts to connect with a wider community.
  • Make It Fun: Host a sock-themed party or event! Encourage attendees to bring socks as their ticket in. You could have a fashion show, sock puppet-making sessions, or even a sock hop dance!
  • Donate: At the end of the month, gather all the collected socks and fill up a Catholic Charities Socktober box in Winona or Rochester.

Beyond Socktober

While Socktober is a focused month-long initiative, the need for socks and other essentials exists year-round. Consider making this an ongoing project, perhaps rotating the focus to different items each month.

Moreover, while donating is a fantastic way to help, let’s remember to also advocate for systemic changes and solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and poverty.

Socktober is more than just a catchy name; it’s a testament to the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together.

So this October, while you’re enjoying your pumpkin-spiced everything and planning Halloween festivities, spare a thought (and a pair of socks) for those who might be facing cold nights on the streets. Let’s warm their feet and our hearts, one sock at a time!

Meet Our Team: Annette Krutsch, Clinical Psychologist

Annette Krutsch, Ph.D, LP
Annette is a clinical psychologist working in our Counseling Program.

She grew up in Roseville, Michigan, and her lifelong curiosity about human behavior led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Detroit. Furthering her education, she attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio for four years and completed a fifth-year clinical psychology internship at Long Island Jewish Medical Center/Hillside Hospital.

At home, Annette cherishes her moments with her devoted husband, Rich, and their elderly orange tabby cat, Harvey. Any time shared with their beloved daughters, even simple activities like grocery shopping, brings her immense joy.

Describe Your Job in 3 Words:

Compassion
Solutions
Healing


Favorites:

Color: many shades of blue
Pizza Toppings: extra cheese and black olives
Cats or Dogs? Both are great, and it is so unfair to choose between them, but honestly, cats are easier (and that is what I have now).
Quote: “It is what it is.”
What she likes about working for Catholic Charities: Excellent support staff and colleagues who share the mission, along with our Agency’s ability and willingness to meet the needs of clients who could not otherwise afford psychological services, are two of the best things about working at CCSOMN.


Annette’s “happy place”

Gentle walks alone, often listening to music or a podcast, in my neighborhood or around Lake Winona (okay, I admit that in the last year or two, it has been more like “part-way around the lake” ) are good for my heart-  and mental health.


What is something people don’t know about you?

People may not know that if I want them to know something, I’ll tell them. :)

September 29th, 2023|Categories: Counseling, News & Announcements, Staff Spotlight|

Meet the Staff: Taylor Williams, Shelter Advocate

Taylor grew up on a small organic farm outside of Rushford Minnesota. She moved to Winona about five years ago and began working for the Winona Community Warming Center in the winter of 2021. She transitioned over to the Day Center in the spring of 2022 and has been here ever since! She helps our guests with finding housing as well as connecting them to resources throughout the community. AND Taylor just started school to become a social worker. In her free time, Taylor likes to in nature, watch movies, spend time with friends, and take care of my many plants at home and at the Day Center.

Describe Your Job in 3 Words:

Humbling
Connecting
Empathy


Favorites:

Color: purple
Pizza Toppings: pepperoni
Cats or Dogs? Cats
What she likes about working for Catholic Charities: I have been given the opportunity to help people.


Taylor’s “happy place”

Our family farm outside of Rushford.


Fun Fact

My family runs a small honeybee farm, Spring Bee Honey.
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