Jordan Thomas, MSSW
Alumni Council Secretary
Jordan received their BBA in Marketing Management at East Tennessee State University and their MSSW from UT (Knoxville campus) in 2020. They currently work as a Case Manager at Sertoma in Knoxville.
Social Work Job Duties
I provide case management services to coordinate people’s healthcare needs, personal goals, and overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Other experience
Supported Employment Coach, Closet Designer, and dog parent
Why did you become a social worker?
I became a social worker because my own values and desire to create change to make the world a better place closely aligned with the values and mission of the profession at large.
What is the best part of being a social worker?
The best part of being a social worker is having the privilege to watch people change, grow, and achieve their own goals.
What is the biggest challenge?
I’ll be honest and vulnerable here. For me, the biggest challenge can be self-care. I feel myself going through the day and giving it my all and sometimes forget to take time for myself!
Who or what is your inspiration?
My inspiration came from a multitude of folks that dared to make a difference and pushed through to make the world a better place for their own people.
What is your self-care routine?
My self-care really focuses around organizing my space and sanctuary at home. I’ve found it’s important to me to have a place to rest and rejuvenate which then helps me to stay in the work.
What do you love about being a UTCSW alum?
This is an exciting time in the history of UTCSW. I have enjoyed witnessing the initiatives of the UTCSW to lean more into the heart of social work values and being a small part during this exceptional time.
If you had to choose one social work value as most important from the Code of Ethics, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose the value of helping those in need and addressing social problems. I feel that by our interactions and relationship building with others, we can dress those “big” social work problems that often seem too daunting to pursue. For me, it can be difficult to know what to do when faced with a huge challenge, but I’ve found that doing something and building those relationships with people can be the best first step to take.