Nicole Hager came to work at Pulaski County Department of Social Services in March 1999.  She was hired in the Benefit Program Unit as a generic elibibility worker learning program policy for all three of the major benefit programs:  SNAP (formerly Food Stamps); Medicaid; and TANF (temporary assistance for needy families).  She handles all aspects of the programs, intake and ongoing, including interviewing clients, completing eligibility determinations, accessing on-line automated verification systems, providing program information and explaining specific program policy.  Ms. Hager has to meet multiple deadlines in maintaining her caseload in addition to covering for other workers when they are absent.

     A native of Wythe County, Ms. Hager is a graduate of Fort Chiswell High High School.  She received an Associates degree in General Studies from Wytheville Community College and went to Radford University where she received a BS in Psychology with a minor in Social Work.  She and her husband, Tommy, and their two daughters live in Max Meadows.  She spends a lot of her time involved with her children's activities.  She coaches recreational cheerleading and chauffeurs her children to AAU basketball games.  Ms. Hager is a member of Pioneer Baptist Church in Max Meadows where she teaches Sunday School and volunteers for community outreach activities.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading.

     Pulaski County Department of Social Services is fortunate to have Ms. Hager as an employee and is proud to recognize her as Employee of the Month for her commitment and years of service to the Agency.