Current Social Worker of the Year.
2007 Social Worker of the Year. John Kettley, LMSW
In the summer of 2002, Kathy Wade, Director of the UMHS Department of Social Work, envisioned an award intended to augment existing methods of staff recognition to be presented annually to one outstanding member. In early September 2002, Social Work’s longtime friend and beloved colleague, Beverly Howard, died and Dr. Wade decided to create an award in Mrs. Howard's honor. In the spirit of Mrs. Howard’s memory, John Kettley, LMSW, from the Psychiatric Emergency Room, has been named the 2007 Social Worker of the Year. It is in honor of Mrs. Howard’s attributes, myriad achievements, and unforgettable spirit that this award is named.
John is an important member of the Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES), a joint program, sponsored by the University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community Health Organization. Johm continuously models UMHS organizational values/mission for both Psychiatric Emergency Services and the Washtenaw County Health Organization. His leadership promotes growth and empowers staff, which results in exemplary service. In his tenure in the PES, John has moved the PES from a small minimally staffed unit to a unit that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emergency psychiatric evaluation and emergency phone consultation to the University of Michigan Hospital, the medical system at large, and the community. He works with PES staff to promote the success of its members, and encourages constructive feedback and innovative ideas. He is dedicated to providing the best care possible. John is responsible for the day-to-day clinical supervision of the PES staff, as well as the on-going administrative responsibilities. He works tirelessly to ensure that the clinical care that is delivered is appropriate and of the highest quality. He is always available and approachable. In addition, John is a role model for de-escalating patients to ensure everyone’s safety.
He serves as a mentor and educator for PES staff and is actively involved in the education of social work interns, medical students, psychiatric residents, and allied health students. His interest and support of faculty educational efforts is exemplary. He works diligently to foster and maintain the relationships between PES, the hospital and community providers. He is supportive of colleagues in the Department of Psychiatry, the Med ER, and the community mental health center, and always models a customer friendly manner for staff. John serves on a number of hospital committees, including the Disaster Preparedness Committee, Department of Psychiatry QI Committee, and the Department of Social Work Recognition committee. John also does various presentations in the community and within the hospital at large. John supports and facilitates collaboration with social workers, nursing staff and psychiatrists in various research studies conducted within the PES. Within the Washtenaw County Health Organization, he partners with Project Outreach to assist in crisis intervention as well.
He is an active member of the American Red Cross. He volunteered his services to families and victims who suffered tremendous loss during the Hurricane Katrina by assisting with counseling needs, distributions of goods, assisting in shelter, etc.
Families and patients first are always demonstrated by John. For the past 16 years John has been a member of the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department Hostage Negations Team. John is a member of the WCHO Senior Management Team, the Washtenaw County Intoxicated Persons Work Group, and the Washtenaw County Work Group on Homelessness. He is consistently seeking feedback and gathering data in an effort to improve services. He is someone who is willing to do what ever is required to aid the patient and his/her family in times of crisis. He is enthusiastic, empathetic, respectful and supportive of all patients and families.
