National Social Work Month

Social Workers are key members of On Lok's all inclusive care model who go above and beyond every day meeting the diverse needs of our participants and their families.

The 2026 National Social Work Month theme is “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform,” designated by the National Association of Social Workers. This theme highlights the essential role our social workers play in strengthening our participants, their families, and our communities.

This month, we asked Jessica Siao (On Lok PACE San Jose Center) to answer a few questions about her role as a Social Worker at On Lok.

What is one misconception people have about what social workers do?

• Everything! There's so many different ways we make an impact.

What makes being a social worker at On Lok unique compared to other healthcare or clinical settings?

• We are very involved with our patients and their families. On Lok is a tight, wrap-a-round program for seniors, and social workers are the central point in coordinating care between participants, their family, and our IDT.

Social work is heavy, important work! What is your favorite way to decompress or recharge after a busy week at the center?

• Hiking! I recently started trail running, but enjoy the challenge of summiting mountain peaks. I finished hiking all the national parks in California and my goal in life is to complete hiking all 63 National Parks of the United States.

This is me summiting the peak of Mount Eddy at 9,035 ft., it's the highest peak of California's Klamath Mountains, located in Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Go Jessica!

Be sure to check out the March Voice to hear from the On Lok PACE Powell Center Social Work Team.

Many, many thanks to our dedicated, resourceful, best-of-the-best On Lok Social Workers!