Influential Woman · Social work

Candice Clark

School Social Worker, Knox County Schools

Memphis, TN

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree University of Memphis - Accounting degree Degree Surgical tech Degree Medical assistance Degree Social work

Her Story

About Candice

I am a Family Service Worker, essentially a case manager in the social work field, and I've been in this role for 4 years. My mother was a social worker when I was a kid, and watching her inspired me to find a way to help people and give back to the community. My day-to-day looks very different - some days are quieter than others. I help work with families, and even though I mainly work with the children, our goal is always to reunify families together. I do a lot of services with the guardians, whether they may be parents or a grandmother, and I do a lot of field work where I'm out actually in the field trying to help give the balance and resources in order for them to reunite. One of my most notable professional achievements so far is having a forever home for a child, helping them feel safe, be in a safe environment, and just kind of like a new fresh start with their forever family. Working for the state means tracking and adjusting to policy and laws that change on a daily basis. Your job may entitle one thing, but you may have to sometimes do above and beyond what's just in writing to get the job done.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Candice

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

One piece of advice I received is that every day would not be easy. But always do your best, and put your best foot forward, and make sure you're doing the best you can. You really have to enjoy or like what you do, or love what you do. That's something that has really stuck with me throughout my career.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Make sure it's something that you really have a passion for. Make sure it's something that you enjoy doing. It's not always easy, but when you enjoy doing any kind of work in that field, it's a joy. Take the little things, take one win at a time, and find a way to pace yourself. Also, find a specialty in that field that you enjoy doing, so it doesn't become just a job, but it's actually a passion.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenges in my field right now are tracking and adjusting to policy and laws that change on a daily basis. Working for the state, you have to be able to track and adjust constantly. Your job may entitle one thing, but you may have to sometimes do above and beyond what's just in writing. You might have to do other things to get the job done.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Honesty is one of my most important values. Another value that has stuck with me is finishing anything that I start - it's more of a core value that guides me. Being honest with myself, both on the professional side and personal side, and making sure I'm doing the best I can at what I'm supposed to be doing. These values help me stay grounded in both my work and personal life.

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