Hope for the Hurting
Erin De Jong recently completed her time in Dordt’s Master of Social Work program (MSW) and now serves as a Child Protective Services Ongoing worker in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Originally a nursing major at Dordt University, Erin De Jong quickly realized her passion and calling were not in this field. “After exploring new courses, I realized social work aligned more closely with my calling,” she reflects. “It excites me how broad the field of social work is and the way the skills apply not only to professional practice but also to everyday relationships.”
After completing her undergraduate studies in social work at Dordt, De Jong knew a graduate program would enrich her knowledge and broaden her opportunities in the field of social work. Committed to finding a faith-based program, De Jong found herself once again drawn to the place she felt most at home, even through an online program.
The online format was both incredibly valuable and challenging for De Jong. “The flexibility was invaluable,” she says. “I was able to work part-time during much of the program, and even rearrange my schedule when I wanted to increase my hours at work. In my final semester, I transitioned into full-time work at the agency where I was completing my internship—something I couldn’t have done without Dordt’s flexibility.”
On the other hand, online course work challenged De Jong to be more intentional in building relationships with classmates and seeking support when needed. “At times, I missed face-to-face conversations, but I’m grateful that the professors were consistently responsive. There were also a few experiences that helped bridge the challenge of online learning: a book group in my first semester allowed me to build close relationships with two other MSW students who became strong supports throughout the program, and our field experience seminar created space to debrief, share experiences, and talk about ‘soul care’ as we processed the challenges of social work.”
“Through Dordt’s MSW program, I was able to explore what it means to provide hope for those I serve through the grace given to me."
“I am so grateful for those connections to bookend my MSW experience so meaningfully,” De Jong adds.
According to De Jong, Dordt’s MSW program proves that an online program can be both rigorous and practical. “Going in, I had been concerned about the quality of online learning, but I found the courses both challenging and practical, which equipped me with tools I use every day,” she says.
Between courses like Trauma Theory and Practice, Clinical Practice with Adolescents, and Motivational Interviewing, De Jong felt equipped with deep, evidence-based knowledge from experienced, passionate faculty. “What we learned in the Clinical Practice with Adolescents class allows me to go into interactions with much more grace and appreciation for where they are at.”
“The Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Practice class has been essential to my interactions with clients,” De Jong continues. “It equipped me with the tools to approach conversations with curiosity and a listening ear.”
One of the most personally impactful classes for De Jong was the Field Experience Seminar. “The concept of ‘soul care’ came at the perfect time—when we were trying new things, stepping out of comfort zones, and wondering what the future would be like, we were reminded that our hope and strength ultimately comes from Christ.”
“Many of the assignments encouraged us to practice skills in real-life contexts. We practiced different counseling skills, met face to face with people, and learned of different organizations in our communities. I especially appreciated how paper and project pushed us to take the concepts we were learning and consider how they can be practiced in real life.”
While her faith was also shaped during her undergraduate studies at Dordt, De Jong is grateful for how the MSW program stretched her understanding of her calling. “Being a Christian and a biblical view of humanity—made in God’s image yet fallen—is so valuable in this field,” she explains. “Through Dordt’s MSW program, I was able to explore what it means to provide hope for those I serve through the grace given to me. I also grew in recognizing clients’ strengths, which helps balance relationship dynamics and combats a ‘savior’ mentality. This perspective keeps me grounded, grateful, and humbled by the privilege of serving others.”
This perspective carried her through her field placement during the program and in her work today. During her time interning with her county’s Child Protective Services (CPS) Ongoing unit, De Jong was challenged to confront the stereotypes and stigma surrounding that work. “I learned the full process families go through when involved in CPS, including the legal aspects, and I was able to see firsthand how many of the stereotypes about CPS workers and families aren’t accurate,” she says.
“I enjoyed attending home visits with foster children and parents, supporting biological parents and grandparents, and eventually leading family visits on my own. I was able to be a part of hard conversations surrounding mental health, substance use, and placement decisions.”
“The experience was challenging and deeply formative, preparing me well for the work I do now,” she adds.
Today, she serves as a Child Protective Services Ongoing worker within the same agency. Drawing directly on the skills and perspective she gained through Dordt’s MSW program, she works with families to build healthy habits and connects them with therapy, housing, jobs, and other resources so they can make safe decisions for their families.
“I truly cannot imagine entering the field of social work without the added depth of Dordt’s MSW program,” says De Jong. “It has shaped not only the way I practice but also my entire perspective on what it means to be a Christian social worker.”
