Jill Valgora has been selected as the Community Health Foundation’s February Healthcare Professional of the Month. Jill is Director of Social Services at Ponca City Nursing and Rehab (PCNR). She has worked at PCNR for four years. Jill’s responsibilities include completing admission paperwork for new residents, conducting regular assessments of residents’ cognitive functioning, conducting weekly care plan meetings with residents and family members, coordinating mental health services for residents including psychiatric medication management and counseling services, guiding residents and family members in decision making regarding returning home or staying in long term care, communicating with insurance companies, connecting residents with eligible services and benefits, and even going shopping for residents who are unable to do so.

Jill grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. Her love for and career in social services began when she volunteered at the age of sixteen for a psychiatric day program. After she completed her volunteer hours, she was hired as a housekeeper, then receptionist, van driver and then a recreational assistant where she led recreational groups independently. Jill obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grambling State University. Jill has worked in many capacities within social services including as a Psychiatric Social Worker in Omaha, a Medical Social Worker and Mental Health Counselor in Louisiana, a Bereavement Coordinator for Hospice in Texas, and a Youth and Family Counselor for Northern Oklahoma Youth Services in Ponca City.

Jill says that working with the residents is her favorite part of working at Ponca City Nursing and Rehab. She said that many of them have very interesting stories to tell about their lives and moments in history that they have witnessed. She also said that transitioning to long term care can be a very difficult era for most people and she strives to provide emotional comfort as much as she can. She loves to make people smile and brighten their day. Jill also commented that she has an amazing team of coworkers who share the same commitment to the residents that she does.

Jill is a single mother to two very busy daughters so she says she does not have a lot of free time, but when she does, she enjoys reading, spending time with her dog and two cats, and watching TV.

Congratulations to Jill Valgora! If you are interested in nominating an outstanding healthcare professional in Kay County from any healthcare specialty, the Community Health Foundation would love to hear about your nominee. A nomination form is available on the Foundation website at chfkayco.com and each monthly winner will be awarded with $100 in Ponca City Chamber Bucks.