Shout Out Sandra

The Department of Child Safety is very fortunate to have a lot of great leaders. Leaders like Sandra Afarin who earned the trust and respect of those she works with through her exceptional management skills, her support and outstanding guidance. Supervisor Aiza Huerta gives a Shout Out to Sandra, recognizing her for leadership and for quickly accepting more responsibility when it was needed.

Sandra took on the task quite suddenly herself and though it must have been very overwhelming to take on so many staff with so many needs, she did it with tact, professionalism and a much needed sense of urgency. The section was overwhelmed and had low morale, mostly due to higher than average caseloads, not enough case managers to balance the work, courts ordering impossible tasks of the case managers and many of the senior workers coming into their new role as supervisors. Sandra was highly committed to help the supervisors make the changes that needed to be made and supported us with ensuring accountability for all, while also listening to the needs of the workers and reaching out to other sections for help with caseloads. I am happy to say that our caseloads are down!

Sandra's leadership style is to always have a professional demeanor, while still being outgoing and approachable. She listened to supervisors and workers and did not wait to take action on things that needed to be addressed. In essence, she got the ball rolling in our section. She makes her availability to all known, her door is always open and she can be reached at any time and while she is a great listener, she also works as a team member to come up with a plan to address current issues and improve the work culture and morale. I always leave Sandra's presence with a sense of relief and contentment knowing that she is on my side and committed to the protection of children and betterment of the families we all work with. This motivates me to know that everything will be okay and that I can do this job and do it to the best of my ability at all times.

Sandra you are OUTSTANDING!!!!