Butler Staff Spotlight - Vania Buck
What interested you in working for Butler?
Butler's research projects and their commitment to working with the community attracted me. Additionally, my research interests align well with the research that is being conducted here at Butler. I met the director, Robin Leake, while participating on a panel together discussing child welfare workforce challenges. There, I learned about the work being done at Butler, and I was immediately interested! It was an easy decision to apply for a position here where my research experience and interests could flourish.
What is your position at Butler? What do you enjoy most about your position?
I am a research associate at Butler and evaluate programs to address and improve the child welfare workforce. I enjoy being able to build relationships with both public and tribal child welfare agencies all around the United States. Having the privilege to be part of their journey motivates me to make a difference and continue to engage with communities.
What projects are you working on currently?
I am currently evaluating the Breakthrough Series Collaborative (BSC) with the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute. The BSC improves the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce and builds cultures that value justice, equity, diversity and belonging. Based on the Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Wellbeing, both public and tribal agencies test change strategies with their workforce to improve and support their well-being.
What are the outcomes you hope for with this project? How will this project impact the community?
I hope that child welfare agencies can learn and implement new strategies to continue to support their workforce and create sustainable change. The BSC has created a space for agencies throughout the United States to come together to share ideas. Supporting the well-being of the child welfare workforce also supports the services and outcomes of the families and communities they serve.
