Emmanuel Charles: The Journey of an Accidental Social Worker

Emmanuel Charles describes himself as an “accidental social worker,” a title rooted in an unexpected, yet transformative journey. It was during a graduate course in Marxist philosophy at the University of Washington that he first encountered the field of social work. A classmate, who happened to be a social work major, shared her experiences, introducing him to a profession that would shape the rest of his life. At the time, Emmanuel was navigating dual graduate programs in law and philosophy in Washington State. But when he moved to New York, he needed a job—and it was there, at the Human Resources Administration of New York City, that he found himself deeply engaged in work that felt meaningful.

Soon after, he enrolled at Hunter College to pursue his Master’s in Social Work, a decision that would lay the foundation for a long and impactful career. He completed his internship by working with various agencies across New York City, serving individuals, couples, and families. He even led groups as a home care supervisor, dedicating himself to a vision of compassionate care. Recognizing a gap in understanding among healthcare providers, he authored a manual to train physicians and nurses in home care services. This manual became a critical resource for healthcare professionals working with families in need, bridging communication and service gaps.

While still working for the city, Emmanuel committed to advanced training at the Harlem Family Institute, studying family therapy for three years. Although he maintained a grueling schedule—holding down two full-time jobs while completing his master’s—he remained focused, determined, and devoted. Reflecting on those years, he often wonders how he managed to balance it all.

From the beginning, Emmanuel felt drawn toward social work policy, seeing it as a way to create systemic change. He believed that if he could influence policies—shaping them to better serve the underserved—he would fulfill his calling. Driven by this purpose, he decided to pursue a doctorate, initially considering clinical psychology. However, he ultimately returned to his roots in social work, knowing it was the best way to serve his community.

With a scholarship, he enrolled at Stony Brook University, balancing his studies with his work commitments. For seven long years, he worked tirelessly, often on only two or three hours of sleep a night. He completed his dissertation on the difficult subject of male-on-male sexual violence during incarceration—a topic he felt compelled to shed light on. But just as he began his dissertation, he received an ultimatum from his program director: finish in one semester, or face dismissal due to extended enrollment. Forced to make a difficult decision, he left the program. Yet, Emmanuel’s journey was far from over.

After decades of service in the public sector, he retired from the Kirby Forensic State Hospital in 2018, concluding over thirty years of civil service between city and state positions. He continued working as a mental health clinician at Rikers Island, dedicated to serving a marginalized population. Then COVID-19 struck. Amid the uncertainty and his family’s concerns, he stepped back from his work at Rikers Island.

Retirement left a void—one that was unexpectedly filled by the SWEET Institute. Curious and eager to stay engaged, he began taking courses with the institute daily, immersing himself in knowledge and discovering a supportive community that felt like family. SWEET reignited his passion for social work, and it was here that he found himself considering a return to his academic pursuits.

With newfound support and encouragement from the SWEET community, he enrolled in a doctoral program at Southern Connecticut State University. This time, he knew the parameters—three years, no extensions. Fully committed, he completed the program and graduated on May 12, 2024. His dissertation addressed the impact of New York State’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies on ancillary staff within psychiatric hospitals, shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of housekeepers, food service workers, safety officers, and drivers—the backbone of any hospital. His research revealed that 68% of these workers felt the policies affected them negatively. Emmanuel gave voice to a group that had been largely ignored, honoring their essential contributions to the healthcare system.

Throughout his career, Emmanuel has been a fierce advocate for equity. In meetings, he would insist on the right of every team member to be heard, whether they were a physician or a housekeeper. When a nurse or a housekeeper spoke up, he ensured they had the floor, gently but firmly reminding others of the importance of respect and inclusion. As one of his supervisors once asked, “How do you reconcile your differences with those who believe in hierarchy?” His response was clear: “I am the person in charge, and I have an obligation to treat everyone equally. If my actions cause discomfort, I am willing to have a conversation to explain my position, but my commitment to equity will not waiver.”

Emmanuel also recognized the importance of mentorship and actively sought to support employees’ growth and development. He would arrive at work as early as 5 a.m., speaking with staff, asking, “What do you need?” He would carefully document their responses and bring them to management meetings, advocating on behalf of his colleagues. He encouraged training and education, recognizing that real equity meant providing people with the tools and opportunities necessary for success. Once, when cautioned by a supervisor that his advocacy could jeopardize his chances for promotion, Emmanuel replied, “I’m not seeking a promotion; I’m seeking fairness.”

Now, reflecting on his career, Emmanuel is inspired to help form the next generation of social workers. He is especially passionate about engaging students in social work policy, a topic often met with ambivalence. His goal is to show them that policy work can be just as powerful as clinical practice, if not more so. He wants them to enter the field not for its material benefits, but out of love for humanity and a genuine desire to empower others.

Having witnessed profound suffering, violence, and systemic inequities, Emmanuel has always approached his work with empathy. From his time working with sexual offenders to his advocacy for underserved communities, he has remained steadfast in his belief that every person deserves compassion and respect. “My job is to instill hope and provide people with the tools they need to change,” he says. “I’m not here to judge.”

Emmanuel’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to justice. He believes that even if he can only ease the suffering of one individual, his work will have been worthwhile.

Emmanuel Charles was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He is the oldest of four children and his father was a professional musician and music instructor, and his mother was a housewife. Emmanuel immigrated to the US when he was 20 years old. He and his wife were married in 1979 and had 3 children. Emmanuel served in the US Army, after which, he worked in Seattle, Washington as a sales representative.  He then moved to New York and started his career in the social work field which lasted more than thirty years. Emmanuel was employed by the City of New York for fifteen years as a case worker, social worker, fair hearing representative, field supervisor, and rehabilitation director. In 2003, he was hired to be a program facilitator and treatment team leader by the New York Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS), a division of the Office of Mental Health (OMH) where he was assigned to a forensic psychiatric hospital. While being employed as a civil servant, he simultaneously worked in the private sector as a social worker, mental health clinician, and clinical supervisor.  He is also a clinical member of the Association for the Prevention and Treatment of Sexual Abuse (ATSA).