As we observe Social Work Month, Suffolk AME takes this opportunity to spotlight some of the remarkable Social Workers within our ranks, professionals whose dedication and skill enrich our community in often unseen yet profoundly impactful ways. We had the privilege to speak with members working in two very distinct environments: the Jail Medical Unit and the Department of Health Services’ Division of Services for Children with Special Needs. These conversations revealed just how expansive the field of Social Work is and how these members, while sharing the title of Social Worker, serve in vastly different roles tailored to the needs of the populations they assist.

In the Suffolk County Jail Medical Unit, Monique Montgomery and Mary De Simone offer a compelling look at the unique challenges and essential functions of Social Work behind bars. Monique, a Psychiatric Social Worker, explained that her role centers on providing clinical mental health and substance use services to incarcerated individuals. This work is not only about managing psychiatric conditions but also about helping inmates navigate the difficult transition from incarceration back into the community. One of the most striking aspects Monique highlighted was the complexity of practicing Social Work within a highly secure correctional environment. Strict security protocols can challenge the delivery of mental health services, yet she strives to build trust by approaching inmates with compassion and consistent support. For many who are incarcerated, the care they receive in jail may be the only mental health or addiction treatment they ever experience, underscoring the immense importance of this role.

Mary De Simone’s role complements Monique’s clinical focus with a dedicated medical Social Work perspective. Mary assists inmates with a wide range of medical concerns, including managing care for individuals who are HIV positive, pregnant, or living with chronic conditions like Hepatitis C or diabetes. Working within the jails, Mary faces her own set of operational hurdles, including the dependence on Correctional Officers to facilitate inmate appointments and strict limitations on access. Despite these challenges, she treats inmates with the same respect and dedication she would offer any patient, advocating for their medical needs and discharge planning to ensure continuity of care after release. Mary also coordinates closely with HIV specialists and the Behavioral Health Unit to support patients comprehensively. She particularly finds fulfillment in assisting pregnant inmates and their newborns, helping navigate the delicate balance of care in the jail nursery setting. Both Monique and Mary emphasize that Social Work in correctional settings demands resilience, firm professional boundaries, and vigilant self-care to prevent burnout. Their work shows that Social Work is inherently a social career—rooted in building human connections, listening actively, and offering genuine support to often marginalized individuals.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Social Workers in the Division of Services for Children with Special Needs serve in Suffolk County’s Early Intervention Program, which supports infants and toddlers facing developmental delays or at risk of delays. We spoke with a dedicated team including Wilson Montoya, Allison Connor, Michelle Klinkowize, Catherine Bonta-Roskos, and Dawn Thurston. Their work revolves around evaluating young children and coordinating necessary services, often delivered in the child’s natural home environment. Early intervention services have proven invaluable in minimizing developmental challenges and empowering families to nurture their children’s growth effectively.

This team’s role involves much more than coordinating therapies. They often serve as a crucial support system for families, navigating complex family dynamics to foster collaboration and consistency, which are essential to the program’s success. Wilson Montoya, who specializes in serving Spanish-speaking families, highlighted an especially acute challenge: the limited availability of bilingual agencies to partner with, which narrows options for many families. The shift toward virtual or phone-based assessments amid technology-driven changes has also affected how Social Workers observe children in their most comfortable settings. Members recalled that in-person visits offer insights into a child’s behavior and environment that remote communication cannot fully capture. Although the transition to an advanced state data system, known as “the Hub,” was designed to improve documentation in theory, our members described it as cumbersome and not user-friendly, often slowing case work and adding to the daily strain. Moreover, many Social Workers are equipped with older technology and deal with poor call quality, yet they continue to provide steadfast support.

Many of these professionals have a personal connection to the program, having had their own children participate in Early Intervention, which affords them unique empathy and understanding not just of the children’s developmental journey but also of the support families require throughout. Their stories are filled with moments of triumph when children’s developmental trajectories improve or when the families feel genuinely supported and hopeful. Such successes are tangible proof of how Social Work in this field transforms lives.

What stands out across both these very different spheres is that each Social Worker is deeply engaged in direct, human-centered work. They are advocates, listeners, coordinators, and, above all, helpers responding to the specific needs of the individuals, families, and communities they serve. From the inmates overcoming mental health challenges behind bars to the youngest children taking their first developmental steps with their families’ support, our Social Workers embody the essence of their profession: Social Work is, first and foremost, about people.

At Suffolk AME, we are proud to represent these unsung heroes who tirelessly use their knowledge and experience to observe, evaluate, and connect vulnerable populations to critical resources. Their work is essential and often done without fanfare, but its impact resonates deeply throughout our county.

As we honor Social Work Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude not only to those members who shared their stories with us but to every Social Worker within our membership. Your dedication, compassion, and professionalism sustain and strengthen the fabric of Suffolk County. Thank you for being steadfast voices and champions for those who most need a helping hand.