City social worker leaving to lead Somersworth welfare office

6:44 a.m.


City social worker leaving to lead Somersworth welfare office

Nancy Poulin (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - City Manager Blaine Cox announced on Friday that City Welfare social worker Nancy Poulin has departed for a new role in Somersworth.
Poulin, who has been named the Welfare Officer for the City of Somersworth, was hired as Social Worker by the City of Rochester after serving as director of the Homeless Center for Strafford County in Gonic. She served the City of Rochester for nearly 11 years.
As social worker, Poulin has been managed and trained by 16-year Rochester City Welfare Director Todd Marsh, who emphasizes a holistic collaborative case management approach, which has lowered recidivism back to the welfare office and helped lower general assistance spending.
Poulin will start her new role as Somersworth Welfare Officer today.
"Nancy's learned skills and experience will be used to the benefit of one of our neighboring cities," said Cox. "Her transition to supporting Somersworth is a great example of the strong relationship between our two communities."
Marsh believes Poulin will be as prepared as anyone could hope to be when she arrives for her first day on the job in Somersworth.
"Local Welfare is in frequent communication with and works collaboratively with many different agencies and organizations," said Marsh. "Nancy knows the region's resources and the people behind the resources. She understands the challenges of local welfare, the local welfare laws and the intent of the laws. She is already preparing to reach out to those resources unique to Somersworth, including the schools' homeless liaison, their local Share Fund, food pantry and faith community."
Poulin's transition is being described as a win-win-win-win for Poulin, Somersworth and the Tri City area, which now has welfare managers who share a combined 50 years of experience in the field.
"I'm grateful for the experience I've had working with my colleagues and residents in Rochester," said Poulin. "I'm looking forward to making meaningful contributions in Somersworth, while continuing to build upon the strong relationships I've built in Rochester, the Tri Cities and the Seacoast. I have no doubt that the Tri Cities will all benefit from our efforts."