Public Service Spotlight: Rachel Amick

Rachel Amick 

Rachel Amick, a Program Review Specialist at the Department of Social Services, has spent 24 years making a difference in her community. Over the past two decades, she has shaped lives, made meaningful connections, and embodied the core mission of her department.

She began her career in childcare but sought to work with children in a more impactful way. After learning that a career in child welfare required becoming an Employment Resource Specialist (ERS), she took the necessary steps, passing a challenging test and multiple interviews. She started her journey as an ERS and later became a trainer, teaching new employees about Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs benefits. This experience gave her a deep understanding of how social services support the public.

Seven years later, Rachel transitioned into department-wide training and eventually Child Welfare, where she found her calling as a Program Review Specialist working with the KinFirst and Family Finding programs. KinFirst prioritizes placing children with relatives for stability, while Family Finding reconnects children in foster care with long-lost family members. These programs deeply resonated with her, as she witnessed firsthand how vital family connections are to a child’s sense of belonging.

Rachel and her children 

Her professional work became personal when she became a foster parent to a relative whom she later adopted. She went on to adopt a non-related child through the department. Watching her children grow, especially as her daughter connects with biological half-siblings, has emphasized for her the importance of family ties—a theme central to both her career and personal life.

In her role, Rachel often helps locate family members who believed their loved ones were lost forever. She recalls one particular moment when a grandmother, who thought her granddaughter had died, was overjoyed to learn she was still alive. “It’s the happier side of child welfare,” Rachel says, highlighting the positive impact of these reconnections.

Despite the emotional challenges of her work, she finds immense satisfaction in making a difference. "Knowing that my role, though small, makes a difference for a child and their family is what matters most," she reflects. Over her 24 years, she has witnessed many changes in social services, but her commitment to helping families find stability remains unwavering.

Rachel and her daughter on the picket line during the 2018 SLOCEA Strike. 

Having lived on the Central Coast since she was a toddler, Rachel is proud of the connections she’s built within her department and community. Many of her closest friends, including her daughters’ godmothers, are colleagues she met through the Department of Social Services. This sense of belonging, both personally and professionally, has kept her grounded throughout her career.

After more than two decades at Social Services, she encourages anyone considering a career with the County to pursue their passion. "Find what makes you happy or find a way to make your position happy to work in," she advises. She also emphasizes the importance of starting deferred compensation early, as it provides financial stability in the long term.

Though Rachel has trained many people who have since moved on to higher roles, she finds joy in her current position, where she continues to mentor new hires and make a positive impact in her community. For her, it’s not about climbing the ladder but about making a meaningful difference every day.

When she's not working, Rachel enjoys spending time with her children, whether it’s bug-hunting or attending local reptile shows with her daughter. Although her free time is limited as a parent, she hopes to return to her passion for photography in the future.

Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and a profound commitment to helping others, reminding us all of the power of family and community in the world of social services.

Rachel, thank you for all you do for the children and families you serve. Your dedication and commitment truly make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those you help. Your work doesn't just change their present—it shapes their future.

Briana Dickey

Administrative Assistant