Employee Spotlight: Shannon O’Malley

CHILDREN’S CHOICE HAS MANY INCREDIBLE EMPLOYEES, PEOPLE WHO MAKE CHILDREN’S CHOICE WHAT IT IS, NOT ONLY BY WHAT THEY DO BUT IN THE WAY THAT THEY DO IT.  EMPLOYEES SPOTLIGHT IS A WAY FOR THEM TO TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THEMSELVES. 

Shannon O’Malley IS A MEMBER OF THE Grandma’s House PROGRAM IN PA FOR CHILDREN’S CHOICE.

Why did you choose social Services as a career?

I chose a career in social services because growing up I was blessed with family that provided me structure. As I got older, I realized that not all families were the same and I wanted to be that support for those who needed it. I believe that having a strong support system makes a significant difference for an individual’s life.

Why did you choose to work for Children’s Choice? 

I applied to Children’s Choice fresh out of college because I was looking for an agency where I could grow in my career. Children’s Choice had a number of programs that interested me and I knew I would have the opportunity to grow while I help others.

At what point did you know that you wanted to become a supervisor at Children’s Choice?

I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to be a supervisor, and went back to school for my Master’s degree. Once I heard about Grandma’s House, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.

Has there been a defining moment (positive or negative) in your career to this point?

A defining moment in my career was when a birth parent and I were talking about how we were the same age but took two different roads. At that point I realized that my clients and I were similar and had I made a different choice at any point in my life our roles could have been reversed. This has stuck with me and reinforced again how important it is to have a positive support system in life.

What was your biggest challenge as a new employee and/or in your new position?

My biggest struggle was that I could not fix things for my clients. I quickly learned that they had to want my help, or it would be pointless to try. I could do a million things for my clients, but if they are not ready for help or change none of it matters.

Do you have any advice for new members of the Children’s Choice team?

As a new staff member, it is important to keep an open mind when working with clients and avoid trying to fix them and instead meet them where they are.

What advice would you give to a new staff member?

I would tell a new staff member to just be open to learning all you can from other staff members and trainings. The staff at Children’s Choice has years of experience and can be a great resource for new staff.

Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?

My favorite quote is “the only way out is through.” I tell my clients that they have to put in the work to move forward and reunify, and if not the situation will remain the same.