Careers

I have been a Geel staff member for almost 20 years and I appreciate the support and respect I receive from my colleagues and my supervisor. The environment fosters a sense of honesty, trust, integrity and accountability for the work we do. The agency was there when I went through a difficult period in my life and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work for such a caring company.

I have been employed with Geel Community Services, Inc. Since February 23rd, 2023. Working for the Geel agency has been rewarding and the best agency I have worked for in my 28 years of helping others rebuild their lives.  I feel the Geel agency has helped me to learn, grow, and become a better counselor. My position here as a visiting counselor with the apartment treatment program has been truly great. Working with and assisting vulnerable former homeless individuals who are dealing with co-occurrence disorders has been challenging however it is also rewarding to see them progress and become productive members of society., The Geel agency is all about team players and teamwork. I am truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to be part of Geel Community Services, Inc., This is not just a job for me, this is my career and I feel that I am working with the best of the best.  Thank you, Geel for trusting and believing in me.

I have always known that it was my passion to help others. When I applied to Geel two years and with it being my first employment opportunity as a case manager. I did not know I would receive such positive support, team work, and be able to utilize the skills to guide me on my journey of becoming a social worker. Geel has been an inspiration for me to continue my studies and has broadened my horizons in social services.

When people ask me why I stayed with the agency so long; I tell them a story about how, years ago we were having an issue with the medical insurance and I couldn’t get my medications through the insurance and the out-of-pocket cost for the medications was expensive. I called Marjorie the HR Director, and she called Maria Matias the Executive Director and Maria called me personally and assured me that if the issue with the medical insurance was not resolved the next day she would give me a check to pay for my medications. That meant a lot to me! (In for a penny; In for a pound), I felt supported and valued! So again, I thank you guys for the opportunity to have a long career at GEEL Community Services Inc.

Having obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Training/Business from CUNY Lehman College, I was looking for a place where my skills would directly impact clients in a unique positive way. I’ve had experience in the health care system, corporate environment, and the education system, but still felt my wishes had not been fulfilled. I was even considering to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Then when I saw the advertisement for my position at Geel, I was drawn to it and yet skipped over it a few times. Finally, I applied and interviewed and was offered the position. Since then I have been amazed at what I have learned from working at Geel, communicating and assisting the most vulnerable people in our society. I became aware that people with mental illness have value and can positively contribute in all facets of society. I have learned how people with a known or diagnosed mental illness are stigmatized, such as when they’re portrayed on TV in a very bad light. I have met and learned from so many Geel recipients on how individuals with mental illness can have self-determination and achieve meaningful goals and have purpose in their lives. I grew and became aware that people with psychiatric and other disabilities could work, and become a significant and inclusive member of society. Prior to working at Geel, I had no awareness of this fact.
The knowledge and awareness I have gained working at Geel empowered me to help a family member with a mental health condition to obtain her own apartment and to help her strive to take the steps toward becoming more independent. Geel is a diamond radiating among the whole human service system, truly making a positive difference in so many people’s lives, including their own employees. Thanks to a great leadership team at Geel. I always say if anyone has been at Geel and gotten the invaluable trainings there, then that person would become a superior case manager anywhere they go.

Geel has been a true vessel for my journey as a student and eventually as a professional. As an intern, I was given the opportunity to grow by learning from professionals and also learning from mistakes I made as a student’s looking to build real world experience. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to work full time and I must admit that was a big transition but I felt supported by coworkers and management every step of the way. No day seems to be the same at Geel as I constantly learn new methods of the social work field and also learn to adapt to the rapid changes of the work force.

Case Management is such a rewarding feeling for me. It allows me to do what I love -work with clients, assist them in building their self-esteem, guide them towards self-advocacy and independence. Establishing relationships with clients is essential in building trust, and in this field trust is necessary.
I have worked for Geel Community Services for over a year, and your hard work does not go unnoticed by upper management. Geel’s leadership team continuously shows their appreciation to their employees. I couldn't have found a better agency to work for.
Thank you Geel for making me a part of your team.

Having worked at Geel Prospect Studios as a case manager when it opened in 2003, I have seen that this is not just a building of residents, but a community where the tenants know each other by name and have assisted each other on several occasions. The staff has been very responsive to the needs of the residents and there has been a spirit of cooperation that permeates the interactions between staff and residents. This housing program has also seen its residents move toward educational and vocational goals that have empowered them to greater independence. I, myself, have received a strong sense of personal satisfaction having served at Geel Prospect Studios in different roles for the past twenty years.