Social Worker Spotlight: Rachel Salquist
Rachel Salquist
VHA Social Worker
Workplace & VISN
Fargo VAMC, VISN 23
How long have you been employed by the VA?
10 years
Branch of Service:
North Dakota Air National Guard
Why did you become a social worker? What do you like about working in VHA homeless programs?
I got lucky and landed an internship in the homeless program at the VA. I knew I wouldn’t enjoy medical social work/discharge planning but wasn’t sure what the right area of social work would be for me. The internship helped me determine that I really enjoy working with those struggling with mental health and substance use concerns and ultimately assisting with housing as well. I was happy to have the opportunity to join our HCHV team full-time a while after my internship ended.
I spent about 7 years between Outreach and HUD-VASH, then left for 2 years to join our VA Substance Use team. I learned a lot, honed my clinical skills further, and got to know some of the mental health staff and programs better.
Last year, I jumped at the opportunity to return to the homeless program as the GPD Liaison to further grow, but ultimately because we have the best and most collaborative team out there.
We are all completely committed and dedicated to helping homeless Veterans get housed and stay housed. We manage extremely difficult situations related to our clients every day and are the biggest advocates to receive the services and housing that they deserve within VA and our community.
Our co-workers bend over backwards to help each other and our Veterans to work towards the best possible outcome. I am extremely honored and proud to be a part of this team.
What else would you like to share about yourself?
I enjoy riding motorcycles, going to the lake, engaging in my children’s activities, and spending time outside when it is warm.
