Employee Spot Light

The purpose of an employee spotlight is to celebrate the great staff at Lower Shore America Job Center and showcase firsthand stories about our workplace. This month, we would like to introduce an employee, Juleanna Willis, employed with Wicomico Health Department within the American Job Center. Read her inspiring story here!

1.What do you like most about the work you do here?

I love interacting with customers. I am a people person who loves to talk, so this position fits me very well.

2. What is the most exciting/interesting/challenging project you’ve worked on here?

One interesting project that I have done is customer satisfaction surveys. I engaged my limited English-speaking customers so that they feel like they have a voice and that their opinion is needed and wanted.

3. How long have you been with the Wicomico County Health Department?

I started working for the health department on January 26th, which was my birthday. Despite not usually working that day, I'm glad I did because my colleagues celebrated with me. Although technically a health department employee, I'm part of the DHS (DSS) team and am accepted and appreciated by everyone. The AJC staff, particularly those I interact with regularly, like Mrs. Tammy, Ms. Patti, and Jo, are amicable and welcoming, which makes my workdays more pleasant.

How did you get started in the industry?

I stumbled into my current career by accident. Initially, I aimed to work as a social worker in a school setting. However, my interest was piqued after taking Dr. M's Chemical Dependency course at Wor-Wic. I was captivated by the subject matter (I was hooked).

5. What drew you to apply for this position and why?

I had worked with Ms. Duncan, who was my predecessor, at my former job, and I had a good experience with servicing the referrals we would get, and it seemed like an ideal position. Once the work became available, I was encouraged to apply. I was nervous because I was eight months pregnant by the time I did my interview, so I was unsure if they would hold a position long enough for me to have my baby and then start work. Thankfully they offered me the job, and I could begin after my maternity leave.

6.What do you enjoy most about working with your customers within the American Job Center?

I enjoy hearing other people's stories, especially those new to this country. We all go through different struggles, and sometimes the customers I see need someone to truly listen and encourage them to hold their heads high and keep moving forward.

7. What is one that you wish people knew about your job?

I wish people knew how rewarding working in this field can be. There is a considerable stigma attached to substance use and mental health which is probably why it is hard for many to ask for help. I want people to know that there is help out there and there are people who genuinely care and are willing to help.

8. What was your dream job as a kid?

When my family and I moved here from Baltimore (Go-Os), I was not used to thunderstorms, so every time there was one, I was convinced that a tornado would come; it inspired me to want to be a meteorologist.