Longtime clinical social worker Nancy Smith received a lifetime achievement award Nov. 1 from the Montana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers at Choices for Change Counseling in Superior while surrounded by family and friends. 

Smith has been a social worker in Mineral County for more than 32 years. 

“It was a very special award, and I am very humbled by it to pick me out of the whole state," she said. "They said out of 30 social workers, they picked me.” 

Her arduous schedule was maintained over many decades, waking in the early morning hours to see clients via Zoom from her home. 

“I continue to see about 40 to 50 clients a week, plus a daily group at 6 a.m. of about 10 to 15 clients for intensive outpatient,” explained Smith. 

Consistency is very important when meeting on Zoom.

“You have to be there and on time all the time, and develop a close relationship with the clients," she said. "I have determined that my ‘spiritual gift’ is discernment.” 

Some of her clients have been in treatment, both inpatient and outpatient, several times, and many were not able to stay sober. 

“They say the treatment was more ‘shame-based.' This treatment is ‘love-based.' They respond,” she explained.

“I can see beyond the outward shield these people have to the inner goodness in their hearts and help them to see that, too," she added. "Many of them have suffered a lot of trauma and pain in their lives and have not been treated with kindness, whether it is addiction, mental health, or anger.”

Her patients included children, teens, adults and older adults, people she saw for parenting or couples counseling, grief and post traumatic stress. But a lot of it centered around addiction and anger, she said. 

Annual turnover for social workers is high, around 40%, according to the Child Welfare League of America. This line of work is not cut out for everyone, citing factors like high stress, emotional burnout and excessive workloads.

"This is a calling, not a job," she said. "Be honest, sincere, caring, respectful, but hold some boundaries and hold them accountable. They call me ‘spicy’ when I have to address something they are not doing right, but they listen and respect me. I do not allow swearing, and even the hard-core people who swear all the time respect me enough that they don’t swear around me.”

Smith believes that all other diseases are mind and body, and that is why they go see a doctor for treatment. 

She remarked, “Addiction is mind, body, and soul. You have to address the higher power, which many people call God. But it can be the power of the group. I have had a long-time atheist turn to God and can stay clean and sober, and many others find their higher power and turn their lives around.”  

With a personal account of what addiction and substance abuse can do to someone’s life, Smith’s own experience has made her relatable to her clients. 

“My own history of my ex-husband and two sons, who were addicted, and my ex and one son and one grandson, all killed someone while driving drunk. My push is to have people see how serious this is and that the consequences are horrible,” she said. 

Through years of stressful work and emotionally charged caseloads, Smith has remained true to her mission of helping others find a second chance. 

“I avoid burnout by seeing the miracles when these clients get the message and turn their lives around," she said.

After over 20 years at her current Choices for Change location, Smith is gradually working toward retirement.

“I have another therapist who has been with me for about eight months, and she is an intern who needs supervision, but is excellent with the clients, and the plan is to have her take over and hire another therapist with her,” she said.

Smith wanted to acknowledge her family and colleagues, Andi Kurpius, Stephanie Ford-Sanders, Teauna Holden, Joe Thompson and Charlee Thompson. 

She stated, “I could not have done this without you. They are the wind beneath my sails, and they keep us going with all the hard work and devotion and loyalty they have to the importance of this work. My heart is full of appreciation. I thank my husband for understanding how important this work is and supporting me in it.”

She also had a special message for her former clients: “You are awesome, and what a blessing it has been to work with you and watch the miracle of your recovery. I have a whole file of affirmations, emails, cards, letters, and phone calls from former clients thanking me for saving their lives. That means a lot to me and makes it all worthwhile.”  

Nathan Stahley, the Montana NASW President, and Lexi Laird, chair of the Membership and Outreach Committee for NASW Montana, were on the committee to choose the winner. 

Smith said, “I am very humbled and grateful for this recognition and will treasure the experience as a very special acknowledgement of the work I have done.”

For now, Smith will continue to serve clients through the transition period for Choices, then, as for what lies ahead, time spent with family is certain, with Smith’s eight children, 20 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren to help fill her days.