Social Worker Profile - Kelly Monge

March was Social Worker month, and to help celebrate, SEIU Local 221  featured the social worker members of our union to highlight the important work they perform for our community.

Kelly Monge

Kelly Monge is a San Diego County Senior Protective Services Worker in the Court Intervention Unit. Monge has been a Protective Services Worker for eight years, although she has been a social worker for much longer. Before working for the county, Monge worked with teenagers as a substance abuse therapist and in a group home for teens with mental health issues. In addition to her work with teens, Monge has also worked as a domestic violence counselor and a batterer’s intervention counselor.

In her current position, Monge helps protect children in our community. After a child has been removed from their home because of suspected abuse, Monge works with judges and lawyers to legally determine if the court can take action in the alleged abuse case.

“The law is black and white,” Monge said. “You either cross the line [of abuse] or you don’t. If that line has been crossed, my job is to show it.”

Monge’s job is important for victims of abuse because during her investigation she is able to clear up the details of the case and make a determination easier for the judges and lawyers.

“I am able to color in the details for the court and put a face on the victim,” Monge said.

Although confronting child abuse would be tough for anyone, Monge says that she wouldn’t do anything else.

“I love my job,” Monge said. “I am able to help the children I get involved with and although I can’t save the world, each case on my desk is my little piece of saving the world.”

Monge also said that being a member of her union has helped her by giving her and her fellow social workers a voice on the job and by helping them fight in Sacramento for the issues they care about.

“The union helps me fight for my clients and the services they need,” Monge said.