Episode 150: Keeping the Human in Human Services with Julie Fong

How do you keep the human in human services when your work is shaped by policy, bureaucracy, and complex systems?In this episode, Carl and Tiffany welcome Julie Fong for a conversation spanning more than two decades of experience in social services, public policy, and Tribal TANF. Julie reflects on her journey from civil rights work to a 26-year federal career working alongside Tribal governments, and her transition to state-level eligibility policy with the California Department of Social Services.The conversation explores how social work values can guide leadership and policy decisions, the importance of supporting and professionalizing frontline eligibility and case management staff, and why trauma-informed approaches and plain language matter when serving people in crisis. Julie also shares strategies for breaking down organizational silos, strengthening partnerships across government systems, and balancing administrative responsibilities with meaningful human connection.Ultimately, the discussion challenges human services leaders to think beyond individual programs and perspectives—to build relationships intentionally, approach conflict with curiosity, and create systems that are both effective and compassionate. Julie's Bio is below:Julie Fong, is a social services and public policy leader with more than 28 years of experience working with state, territory, and Tribal governments in social services, government relations, public policy, and social justice. She brings nearly 25 years of experience with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, first as a Tribal TANF Program Specialist and later as Region IX TANF Program Manager, overseeing more than 30 programs with funding exceeding $4.3 billion.