What is your job title?
Counselor at the Woods-Mullen Shelter

What is your job description?
Basically to maintain a safe environment. Duties include the following: screening all the clients, making proper referrals, case management, or nursing, mental health clinician, supplying clothing and other necessities, and general Counseling to everyday problems / issues.

Could you give some extra background on what you do at your workplace and your activities as an SEIU 888 member?
I try to get to know individuals on a more personal level in order to understand their specific circumstances. I find it easier to deal with clients, the more I know about them.

Dan Bunting has worked at Fitchburg Waste Water Treatment Facility for 11 years. Has been an 888 member since inception in August 2003. He and wife Lori have been married and living in Leominster for 30 years. They recently were recognized by the Governor as Foster Parents of the Year for the North Central region of MA. They have 7 children, 5 of whom live at home with them, and of that 5, 2 were recently adopted by them. They also have 3 other foster children. They had their first grandchild in July! Not surprisingly, much of their time outside of work is occupied with their children’s activities, such as karate, basketball, skateboarding, and, of course, homework. Dan has been on the Contract Negotiation Team for many years, and also has been a Steward for years. He is currently the Chief Steward for the bargaining unit.

Job Title:

Robert is a substance abuse clinician for Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Services for the Boston Public Health Commission. More specifically, he works in the methadone clinic and outpatient clinic doing counseling for both.


Background:
Job Description: Robert facilitates individual and group counseling to help people either stop using drugs and alcohol, keep from using, or avoid relapsing. He uses psychotherapy to help clients learn to modify their negative behaviors. Through his counseling sessions, Robert teaches “coping skills to the sick and suffering, giving them the tools they need to get acclimated back into society.” Clients using methadone must have a history of opiate dependence and are required to come in once a week for counseling.


Along with counseling, Robert helps with the case management of the patient. Many have legal problems, are homeless, have family troubles, or are looking for jobs. He works with them to set long and short-term goals in various areas of their lives.


Most of his clients come from halfway houses, off the street, or referrals from Boston Medical Center. His client base is about half young and half old and is a variety of races and ethnicities. The majority of them have Hepatitis-C and many have HIV/AIDS. Lately, the clinic has seen a sharp increase in the number of users in their early 20’s as a result of oxycontin.