Margarita Roldán Wins 2022 ESPRIT Award!

“A navigator of systems for her clients and colleagues.”

As a full-time field social worker, Margarita visits the homes of some 20 clients per week, then provides all related followup to address their psychosocial needs. Her service area, the Bronx, is marked by high social determinant of health-related needs, driven by significant health care disparities. At times, during severe staffing shortages, she’s covered the entire region on her own, never hesitating to take on the extra workload. Margarita excels at managing complex cases, coordinating with the rest of the interdisciplinary team, and connecting clients to the internal and external resources they need in order to optimize their quality of life as they cope with illness and recovery.

“I have worked very closely with various departments within VNS Health, including Volunteer Services, Behavioral Health, the Long-Term Care Navigation Team, the Gender Affirmation Program, and Pediatric Palliative Care,” says Margarita. “Many of our clients are extremely vulnerable after being suddenly impacted by an unexpected medical situation. By identifying clients in need, and by collaborating with internal resources, like the Volunteer Council Benefit Fund, and resources in the community, we have helped these clients meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Our being present as an emotional support and coordinator of services has been very meaningful and impactful in their lives.”

As a social worker, Margarita sees herself as a navigator of systems for her clients and colleagues. “I think I make a difference in the lives of my clients by empowering them through education around the systems and services available to them,” she says. “Oftentimes our clients feel defeated by their medical or social situations. When you provide people with moral support and concrete resources to address their needs, they become empowered and begin to feel hopeful. Collaboratively, we have kept individuals from facing eviction or missing a meal. These same collaborative efforts have helped patients and their families feel cared for and supported through their darkest moments.”