Meet Zach – he began working for the CSU as a crisis technician when it went by another name.
Today, he continues putting his heart into his work for Coleman clients while he studies for his Master’s Degree in Counseling.
We asked Zach about his experience working for Coleman.
1. What first led you to work at CIRC (now Coleman)?
I was looking for work in [Psychology] and I wanted to gain experience in the mental health field, too. I was in my second year of my bachelors in Psych with the ambition of going on to master’s school to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I wanted to know for sure that I was cut out for this line of work, or at the very least had to resiliency for it!
2. Describe the similarities and differences between CIRC and Coleman.
Transparency. I saw first-hand how CIRC collapsed due to its inability to adapt and innovate – especially when it came to digital charging. Digital charting was poorly implemented and caused sweeping problems that were hidden from the CIRC staff. I actually learned about the true financial state of CIRC and some of their failings through an article in the Canton Repository! Within two weeks of Coleman stepping in they were sharing benchmarks, client feedback, Medicare reimbursement details, etc. It was a huge change.
3. Explain how Coleman has influenced your decision to seek your Master’s degree in psychology/counseling?
My time at Coleman proved to me that I had the resiliency to be in this field. I feel intuitively that I am where I should be – there is something powerful, and deeply motivating about such a feeling!
4. What have you learned about yourself personally – and your career – from the people you serve at Coleman?
My time at Coleman has taught me much about the mental health system. There are things I have learned as a crisis Technician that have had a great impact on my education and work towards my Master’s. Going into classes already having experiences with people afflicted with mental illness gives me a strong foundation that I would not have otherwise.
At first, I cynically disregarded Coleman’s employee health initiatives, especially their promotion of self care. After one very tough day at work, I had a change of perspective. It hit me that the CSU deals with literal life and death matters every day. This is a tremendous responsibility placed upon Coleman and then on to ALL its employees. These responsibilities can carry an emotional, cognitive, and physical demand. I started observing how the company, and each individual, works to manage the effects of these demands to protect their own mental health and deliver the quality care our clients need.
5. What experiences, skills and knowledge that you have acquired from your current job – do you believe will stay with you for your entire career?
The experience I gained while working for Coleman has set me up for success in my field. This position has taught me a lot and helped me mature into a confident mental health care professional. It has also made me appreciate things as they are, even if they are not perfect. Stability, and living a good life is hard – I have come to deeply appreciate what I have.
6. Parting thoughts or words of wisdom?
Sometimes, all an individual may need is one person to care about them – then their whole world changes for the better. Perhaps this is the true business of Colman?
“I am proud to have Zach Jones on my team,” states Ashley Fuller, Director of Coleman Crisis Stabilization Unit of Stark County. “Zach goes above and beyond for the patients. His compassion shines in everything he does.”