SOUTH CAROLINA — The South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Employee of the Month programs recognizes staff whose work exemplifies our core principles: Competence, Courage and Compassion. Carissa Gainey, interim director for Calhoun County DSS and Region Five performance coach, was recently selected as a September Employee of the Month. Region Five includes Abbeville, Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg and Saluda counties.

“I was really surprised and honored,” she said.

Her nomination described Gainey as “an excellent employee who is very dedicated to the mission of the agency as we work to empower and strength families and the community as a whole. … She goes above and beyond to provide support and intentional learning to the Region Five counties.”

A few of her duties include supporting the regional Intake hub, providing staff training and development, reviewing data and performance measures and supporting the regional director.

“So many times we hear negative things about DSS, but I work with a great group of people committed to positive outcomes for the children we serve,” Gainey said. “I also love that I learn something new almost every day.”

Staff selected as part of the Employee of the Month Program are awarded lunch with the acting State Director along with other honorees, a dedicated parking space, a photo and write-up displayed at State Office and a write-up sent to their community newspaper.

Other September winners included: Celena Crawford, Adult Protective Services Case Manager with Marion County DSS; Crystal Jenkins, Human Services Coordinator in the Florence Child Support Office; and Deborah Martin, Pee Dee Region Workforce Consultant.

Carissa Gainey, interim director for Calhoun County DSS and Region Five performance coach, was selected as a September Employee of the Month.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_Carissa-Gainey.jpgCarissa Gainey, interim director for Calhoun County DSS and Region Five performance coach, was selected as a September Employee of the Month. Courtesy photo

Staff Report