15 Mar National Social Work Month Spotlight: Fatima Jobe

Meet Fatima Jobe, a social worker dedicated to the mission of serving people in need in every stage of life.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers have not received the national attention that some other healthcare professionals are given. That’s why we are spotlighting these champions for patients and their families during National Social Work month.

Fatima says what she loves most about her work is getting “to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Continue reading to learn more about what Fatima thinks it takes to be a social worker, the importance of self-care, how you can support families in need, and why she says she’s grateful for RMHCDC.

Q: How long have you been a social worker and why did you choose this profession?

A: I have been a Social Worker for three years now. I choose this profession because of its fundamental mission to serve people in need in every stage of life; from birth to old age; and its force for change and empowerment. For me, helping others is fundamental.

Q: What would you tell someone interested in becoming a social worker?

A: To be a social worker, you must have the calling to become one. This is a field you choose because you are compassionate and resilient. Being a social worker is challenging but rewarding. As a social worker, you cannot save everyone, and that is okay.

Q: How can the community support the families you work with?

A: The community can help support the families I work with by bridging the gap between families and community support/resources available. There aren’t enough resources available or made easily accessible for families in need.

Q: How do you prioritize self-care and what does it look like for you?

A: It is so easy to experience compassion fatigue and burn out as a social worker; therefore, self-care is especially important. Self-care to me is having work-life balance. I practice self-care by doing the things that make me happy like spending time with my family and friends, retail therapy, and practicing mindfulness.

Q: How do you describe Ronald McDonald House to families who have never heard of it?

A: I describe Ronald McDonald House as a “home-away-from-home.” Ronald McDonald House allows a family to be closer to their little one while the child is in the hospital.

From the moment I submit a referral, the RMH staff makes the rest of the process a breeze. I have never had a family complain or give negative feedback, and I am grateful to know that my families are in good hands. Thank you to the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia team for treating my families like your own.

Q: Why is it important for families to be nearby their hospitalized child?

A: It’s important for families to be nearby their hospitalized child because it gives them peace of mind knowing that they have a place to rest, shower, and not worry about the traffic to get to the hospital.

Thank you to Fatima and to all the social workers and other frontline workers going above and beyond to continue providing support to people in our community throughout the pandemic. We celebrate your compassionate work this month and always!

To learn more about how you can help families with a hospitalized child, visit: Ways to Give.