Contact:
Rebecca Eliseo-Arras, MSW, Western Division Director
Voicemail: 1-800-724-6279 ext 35

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Western Division Social Worker Spotlight

Jesse Grossman NASW Spotlight

Jesse Grossman is a LCSW-R at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center. After working as a Kings County Hospital Care Investigator, Jesse decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work at the University at Buffalo. Jesse is proud to be a Social Worker and specializes in the chronically mentally ill.  In addition to working at the BPC, Jesse is a part time adjunct professor at Buffalo State College. 

As a member of the NASW, Jesse is active in meetings, has held several positions including Western Division Director, sat on various committees and is the current CNLI Western Division Representative. According to Jesse, all service and volunteering fall under the most important position of all: member.

Jesse describes herself as “blessed” to be a part of Social Work, a profession that others often find challenging or difficult. Yet, regardless of the challenging or difficult moments that Jesse encounters, she continues to find hope and worth even after 30 plus years in the helping profession.

In addition to a positive outlook on her life and work, Jesse is fortunate to come home and find support from family, including a loving ear that eases the stress of a long day at work, and two wonderful children, one of whom has also found a calling in Social Work.

When Jesse is not working, volunteering, or with her family, she may be found participating in one of her many hobbies including; piano lessons, Spanish classes, playing the guitar, writing children’s stories, cooking, reading, exercising, traveling, friends, and of course, helping others.

Some of Jesse’s future goals include traveling, and planning for retirement; however, a life without working and helping others is unfathomable. Improving preventive, and supportive services, and a person centered approach, are some of the strategies that Jesse hopes will someday put those in the helping profession out of service.

Jesse finds those who devalue people with mental health issues to be one of her biggest challenges. But she finds comfort in the Hebrew quote that roughly translates to “Justice Justice, thou shall pursue;” and, believes if you are doing this, then you are doing good.

It is not every day that someone requiring services from Jesse’s line of work finds someone as dedicated and passionate as her. But Jesse makes sure that every day those she encounters receive all of her attention and that their needs are met to the best of her ability.

While Jesse may consider herself fortunate to be in the Social Work profession, it is the Social Work profession that is fortunate enough to have her.