Behind Every Case Is a Story: Challenges, Rewards and Dedicated Professionals

Behind Every Case Is a Story: Challenges, Rewards and Dedicated Professionals

Author: NCSEA April 23, 2025 Duration: 36:27

On today’s program, Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) continues talking with dedicated professionals who navigate complex cases, balance legal and emotional challenges and make a real difference in families lives every day.  Listen as Scott hosts an engaging conversation with Gretchen Smith (Deputy Director of Establishment for Westmoreland County Domestic Relations in Pennsylvania).  Gretchen shares how she got started in child support, and worked her way up the ranks from caseworker, to Deputy Director of Establishment.  She talks about making a difference in the lives of individuals, and the appreciation and gratitude received from parents when they receive payments; and also some challenges and rewards of the job.


Ever wonder what happens when you pull a microphone out at a conference or a community meeting? That's the spirit of NCSEA On Location. Instead of polished studio sessions, this podcast captures conversations where they naturally happen-in hallways after a panel, at international gatherings, or in quiet corners of bustling events. You'll hear directly from Human Services professionals, from caseworkers to policy architects, along with advocates and community stakeholders who are deeply involved in the system. The discussions are immediate and grounded, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges and innovations in public service. Each episode feels like you’ve stepped into a meaningful, spontaneous dialogue, one that continues long after the formal agenda ends. The authentic atmosphere is even complemented by original music from Joe Mamlin, whose granted compositions frame these real-world recordings. Brought to you by NCSEA, this series is for anyone curious about the human stories behind government services, preferring the sound of genuine exchange over a rehearsed script. Tune in to a podcast that truly travels, bringing you voices from the field exactly as they were heard on the ground.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

NCSEA On Location
Podcast Episodes
Implementing Former Assistance Arrears Pass-Through in California [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:04
Today’s program comes to you from Virginia and California. Join Emily Jernigan (Regional Administrator for the California Department of Child Support Services) and Mariellen Keely (Grants and Initiatives Consultant Senio…
A Conversation About Michigan’s Navigator Program to Guide Parents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:04
This week’s episode of On Location comes to you from Michigan and Virginia. Join Mariellen Keely (Grants & Initiatives Consultant Senior, Division of Child Support, Virginia Department of Social Services) as she hosts to…
NCSEA Membership Has Its Privileges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:27
“Membership has its privileges” is an advertising slogan made famous by American Express. The implication, of course, was that rewards and other things were available only through membership. So, if you wanted to get in…