Aug 20, 2018 / Spotlight
Get to Know our SRH Staff: Jill Johnson, Family Resources Specialist
Meet Jill - a family resource specialist who has been working at our hospital for eight years. Learn more about her in our SRH staff spotlight below:
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy helping families navigate a difficult system or make a connection they weren’t aware of that results in improved access to services, increases quality of life, or maybe just makes things a bit easier for them during a hectic time.
What’s your favorite thing about the hospital?
Amazing colleagues who are so diverse in backgrounds and roles but share a common goal and commitment to serve children and families well. It is a privilege to be surrounded by passionate people who truly care.
I also appreciate that children have access to treatment regardless of financial circumstances that may be a barrier elsewhere.
Finally, I am inspired daily by incredible families and children that visit or contact the Family Resource Center.
Describe a typical day.
There is no typical day! Although I do have some appointments, I never know who may call or stop by to visit the Family Resource Center. Because of the hospital’s reputation of providing world-class care, there are sometimes families who seek treatment or resources that fall outside the scope of care provided. I try to help these families get connected to helpful resources and information. I also regularly receive calls and visits from former patients, Masons, and community agencies.
How long have you worked here?
Almost 8 years-it has gone by so quickly!
What skills do you need for your job?
I am trained as a clinical social worker and have been fortunate to have great professional role models and the benefit of learning from resilient and courageous clients. Empathy, compassion, patience, the willingness to actively listen, the ability to multi-task and navigate difficult systems, and interpersonal skills are all important in my role.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My first job was at a bookstore the summer before college. My undergraduate degree is in sociology and history and I have a master’s degree in social work. Before coming to Scottish Rite Hospital I worked with families who were homeless and provided crisis intervention services, play therapy, and counseling and facilitated parenting and support groups.
What is your favorite…
Hospital event: Spring to Health
Food in the cafeteria:Stephan’s specials including the stuffed pablanos and bell peppers
Place in the hospital:Shiver’s Park
What’s your favorite…
Place to travel: I love to travel. Some of my favorites have included St. John, South Korea, Turkey, and France. I try to visit Atlanta regularly to see grandparents and extended family.
Type of food:Too many to narrow it down to a favorite! I am a vegetarian so that limits some dishes.
TV show:I don’t own a television or keep up with current TV shows.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Time travel
What did you want to be when you grew up?
At various times I remember wanting to be a produce merchandiser, builder, missionary, attorney, volunteer director, and nursing home activity coordinator.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
One summer I moved in with roommates I didn’t know in a small rural town in Iowa. I commuted into Des Moines to staff a mobile outreach van and drop-in center for homeless youth. In the evenings we responded to calls in the outreach van and searched for youth in parks, abandoned buildings, local shelters, and encampments. I had the privilege of meeting a diverse group of exceptional individuals who made a life-long impact on me.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read in its entirety was Hiding Placeby Corrie ten Boom before visiting her home this summer.
How long is your commute? What do you do on the drive?
Only about 10 miles, but on average it takes about 45 minutes. I usually listen to the radio.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I enjoy woodworking…or learning woodworking is probably more appropriate. My grandfather left me his basement full of tools and supplies. I’ve taken classes over the last several years and am in the process of converting my garage into a workshop.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy helping families navigate a difficult system or make a connection they weren’t aware of that results in improved access to services, increases quality of life, or maybe just makes things a bit easier for them during a hectic time.
What’s your favorite thing about the hospital?
Amazing colleagues who are so diverse in backgrounds and roles but share a common goal and commitment to serve children and families well. It is a privilege to be surrounded by passionate people who truly care.
I also appreciate that children have access to treatment regardless of financial circumstances that may be a barrier elsewhere.
Finally, I am inspired daily by incredible families and children that visit or contact the Family Resource Center.
Describe a typical day.
There is no typical day! Although I do have some appointments, I never know who may call or stop by to visit the Family Resource Center. Because of the hospital’s reputation of providing world-class care, there are sometimes families who seek treatment or resources that fall outside the scope of care provided. I try to help these families get connected to helpful resources and information. I also regularly receive calls and visits from former patients, Masons, and community agencies.
How long have you worked here?
Almost 8 years-it has gone by so quickly!
What skills do you need for your job?
I am trained as a clinical social worker and have been fortunate to have great professional role models and the benefit of learning from resilient and courageous clients. Empathy, compassion, patience, the willingness to actively listen, the ability to multi-task and navigate difficult systems, and interpersonal skills are all important in my role.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My first job was at a bookstore the summer before college. My undergraduate degree is in sociology and history and I have a master’s degree in social work. Before coming to Scottish Rite Hospital I worked with families who were homeless and provided crisis intervention services, play therapy, and counseling and facilitated parenting and support groups.
What is your favorite…
Hospital event: Spring to Health
Food in the cafeteria:Stephan’s specials including the stuffed pablanos and bell peppers
Place in the hospital:Shiver’s Park
What’s your favorite…
Place to travel: I love to travel. Some of my favorites have included St. John, South Korea, Turkey, and France. I try to visit Atlanta regularly to see grandparents and extended family.
Type of food:Too many to narrow it down to a favorite! I am a vegetarian so that limits some dishes.
TV show:I don’t own a television or keep up with current TV shows.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Time travel
What did you want to be when you grew up?
At various times I remember wanting to be a produce merchandiser, builder, missionary, attorney, volunteer director, and nursing home activity coordinator.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
One summer I moved in with roommates I didn’t know in a small rural town in Iowa. I commuted into Des Moines to staff a mobile outreach van and drop-in center for homeless youth. In the evenings we responded to calls in the outreach van and searched for youth in parks, abandoned buildings, local shelters, and encampments. I had the privilege of meeting a diverse group of exceptional individuals who made a life-long impact on me.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read in its entirety was Hiding Placeby Corrie ten Boom before visiting her home this summer.
How long is your commute? What do you do on the drive?
Only about 10 miles, but on average it takes about 45 minutes. I usually listen to the radio.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I enjoy woodworking…or learning woodworking is probably more appropriate. My grandfather left me his basement full of tools and supplies. I’ve taken classes over the last several years and am in the process of converting my garage into a workshop.
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