Real Perspectives from the People Behind the Work
When we talk about Case Aide Services, we often focus on the numbers: time saved, reduced burnout, better retention. But what really matters is how it feels for the people living it every day—both those providing the service and those receiving it.
This month, we’re sharing firsthand insights from two voices who know the impact of managed services inside and out: Jan Welsh, one of our own Case Aide Generalists here at Northwoods, and Maya Zoulek, M.A., a Family Services Caseworker at Athens County Children Services.
Meet Jan: Case Aide Generalist, Northwoods
For Jan Welsh, supporting caseworkers through Case Aide Services isn’t just a job—it’s personal.
With 27 years of experience in community social work, Jan knows the emotional weight frontline workers carry. Now, in her role as a Case Aide, she helps lift some of that weight by managing the behind-the-scenes work that so often pulls caseworkers away from what matters most: the families they serve.
“Caseworkers don’t have enough time to do everything they’re required to do or want to do for the families they serve. Case Aide Services gives them some of that time back so they can focus on face-to-face visits and better coordinate services.”
Jan’s days are filled with everything from handling record requests to troubleshooting new challenges that come in from the field. But what drives her is knowing the difference that support makes.
“Most workers say they never want to go back to how things were before Case Aide Services.”
It’s not always easy—the work can be intense, fast-paced, and deadline-driven. But Jan understands the stakes. She’s lived it herself.
“Burnout is real. Getting support from Case Aide Services can help caseworkers feel like they have someone there to back them up. When workers feel supported, they not only continue the work—they do it at a higher level.”
Meet Maya: Family Services Caseworker, Athens County Children Services
For Maya Zoulek, the biggest challenge before Case Aide Services was time. There simply wasn’t enough of it.
“I didn’t have the capacity as one person to complete all the tasks involved in providing effective case management.”
Since adopting Case Aide Services, Maya’s been able to shift her focus back to what matters most—her clients.
“Case Aide Services has given me time back to focus on direct service with the families I serve. I can spend more time completing home visits and building stronger, more collaborative relationships.”
The difference shows up in the details: help with records requests, referrals, typing handwritten notes, and making important follow-up calls—tasks that may seem small, but pile up fast.
“As new challenges arise, Case Aide Services has been there to tackle them with me. The more I’ve used it, the more consistent and helpful the support has become.”
Maya admits she was initially unsure about how it would feel to work with people outside her immediate agency. But those concerns quickly disappeared.
“I was surprised by how natural it feels. The Case Aides feel like an extension of my agency coworkers because of how communicative and collaborative they are.”
The Bottom Line: It’s About People, Not Just Paperwork
The common thread in both Jan’s and Maya’s stories is simple: support matters.
It’s not just about managing paperwork. It’s about making space for caseworkers to connect, to breathe, and to do the work they signed up for in the first place. It’s about creating a work environment where people feel seen, valued, and equipped to succeed.
As Jan puts it:
“Case Aide Services helps those special people who want to serve others, with little regard for recognition, to keep going. It’s worth the investment so they have what they need to do their very difficult job well.”
Curious how Case Aide Services could help your team?
