Seneca employee Saskia shares the meaning of Unconditional Care
What is the most rewarding part about working with families? Saskia Salm can’t pick just one: “There are so many treasured moments and they keep on coming!” Saskia, a bilingual Child and Family Clinician, has devoted her career to serving children and families at Seneca Family of Agencies (Seneca).
A new voice
Saskia shares the story of a boy named Robbie, whose journey epitomizes the profound impact of Seneca’s Santa Clara Connections Wraparound program. At age six, Robbie was removed from his mother’s care to be placed in a group home. When Saskia’s team began working with Robbie’s family, his mother was distrustful and wary of social workers, due to the trauma of having her son removed from her care. Over time, Saskia showed Robbie’s family exactly what differentiates Seneca from other service providers: Saskia placed Robbie’s family’s needs, whatever they might be, front and center. Recognizing that Robbie’s wheelchair-bound mother struggled with the physical limitations of tasks such as shopping, Saskia brought Robbie’s mother groceries.
A new direction
Seeing her genuine dedication, Robbie’s mother began to trust Saskia and eventually allowed her into their home and lives. In turn, Saskia learned what Robbie’s mother needed in order to support her son: “We needed to include her voice in the process. When you create space for kids to envision what they need and really want and you are open and nonjudgmental, that can create great things.”
After Robbie repeatedly ran away from group homes to rejoin his family, Saskia advocated for him to have overnight visits with his sister and his mother. With her intervention, Robbie and his mother were empowered to improve their communication and strengthen their relationship.
Saskia is thrilled to report that during his two years with Seneca’s Wraparound team, Robbie acquired a job, graduated from high school and now lives independently in a transitional housing program for young adults. In September, he will enroll in community college.
A lifelong passion to give back
Saskia radiates energy and enthusiasm for Seneca’s mission: supporting children and families through the most difficult times of their lives. Located throughout California and Washington, Seneca offers school, community-based, and family-focused mental health treatment services. Seneca’s promise to children and families is simple but profound: you will be supported every step of the way, no matter what challenges you face.
As the daughter of an immigrant, Saskia feels a deep connection with her community in San Jose and is compelled to give back. “My own family struggled with trauma and mental health, and I moved out at a very young age. The youth who I serve today resemble me and my very best friends from that period of my life. I always wanted to be a part of the help that we could have received but didn’t receive back then, because we fell through the cracks.”
Seneca provides employees with the tools they need to provide Unconditional Care. “This job is really hard, but I love it with my full heart, and I trust my coworkers and supervisors with getting me through it all.” After working at Seneca as a bachelor’s level counselor, Saskia applied for and was awarded a scholarship to complete her Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) through Seneca’s collaboration with the University of Southern California. This scholarship allowed her to complete her degree while also earning full wages and having access to benefits for the duration of the program.
A lasting impact
Saskia’s passion to give back is clear: “My favorite part of my job is cultivating moments of joy and hope for my clients and their families. It is amazing when teams of diverse people and family members work together to make a difference in a child’s life.”
If like Saskia, you are looking for an opportunity to make a lasting difference for youth and families in your community, consider a position at Seneca. As an employee, you’ll be surrounded by people who share your desire to learn and grow. With a nationally-recognized training center, Seneca hosts some of the most innovative and progressive trainers in the fields of trauma, attachment and children’s mental health. Seneca’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion focuses on making the workplace one that welcomes all. We are seeking Spanish-English bilingual and bicultural staff to work alongside Saskia in Santa Clara as well as in our other Bay Area counties.