Finding Meaning in Social Work: Miranda Emerson
For Miranda Emerson, her career began with a simple but powerful desire: to help others. Discovering social work sparked that passion, and getting started confirmed that this was exactly where she was meant to be.
Miranda spent more than ten years in the field before joining Bancroft, where she quickly felt at home surrounded by a team that truly cares. “Everyone shows up for each other and the youth. We can be so creative in the ways we support our individuals. It’s a really special place,” she shares, and that sense of connection is felt every day.
One unforgettable moment highlights just how impactful this work is for Miranda. After working with a young person over time, they experienced a breakthrough together. During a challenging transition, the individual was able to pause, hold hands, take deep breaths, and express what they needed – a huge step for them. It was a powerful reminder that patience, trust, and consistency matter, and that sometimes small moments can feel like miracles.
While the work can be challenging, she says it is deeply rewarding. Seeing progress, growth, and resilience in the individuals she supports makes every day worth it. That same sense of support extends to staff as well. Bancroft has been instrumental in Miranda’s professional growth, including earning her LCSW (license of clinical social work) this year—an exciting milestone she says was only possible with her team’s encouragement.
What makes Bancroft such a meaningful place to practice social work is its commitment to social workers themselves. “Practicing here gives you the foundation to really understand the field and work through the barriers our populations face. Working here truly prepares you for what it means to be a social worker,” says Miranda.
If you are considering a career in social work at Bancroft, her message is simple: trust that instinct. It may be exactly the fulfilling career you’re looking for.