The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union has awarded Polk County’s own Jason Omdahl national recognition for his efforts in assisting Polk County residents who are dealing with homelessness and poverty.
The AFSCME is a union based in Washington, DC, that represents 1.4 million public service workers across the country. The union honors one or two public service employees each month with the ‘Never Quit Service Award.’ This award is given to workers who go above and beyond their job duties.
Last week, Polk County Government Center Eligibility Worker Jason Omdahl was awarded the ‘Never Quit Service Award.’ Jason helps administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and General Assistance (GA) program for Polk County residents experiencing homelessness and/or poverty. “Generally, I get applications for services,” said Omdahl, “I interview applicants for those services and determine if they’re eligible. I often meet with my clients in person, and sometimes over the phone, and determine if they qualify for the different programs we have to offer.”
Jason has only worked in the Polk County Eligibility Department for one year and has already made his mark. What sets him apart is that he has experienced many of the same traumas and challenges that his clients are facing, including bouts of homelessness. His empathy allows Jason to develop deep bonds with his clients, and he works with them to overcome the shame and barriers that may come with seeking help. He is proud to help families escape the cycle of poverty. And through his union, he inspires his coworkers each and every day to continue their mission to improve the lives of individuals across Polk County.
“This is something I never dreamt of. Because when I grew up, I was never aware of these services,” said Omdahl, “I began in the maintenance field, and I owned a few businesses, and I never thought I would be in this, and it fell in place. My wife works in social services and told me, ‘This is something I think you’d really like,’ so I applied and got hired, and I thoroughly enjoy helping someone. Having the experience that I have, being able to connect with a client, really makes a difference.”
Jason also commented that he finds this job extremely rewarding, and being able to help folks who are struggling is among many reasons he enjoys his line of work. “All I want is for their lives to get better,” said Omdahl, “I think that’s so rewarding, and everyone that does this job should be amended for the work they do because they make a big difference in people’s lives in this county, and I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have these programs for people that truly need help.”
When Jason was notified that he would receive the Never Quit Service Award, he explained that he was shocked initially and humbled. Now that the news has settled in, he believes the award will help shine a light on Polk County and his co-workers and the efforts that they display to help Polk County residents with their needs.
