Employee Spotlight – Vicki Schmidt

Interview conducted by: Aimee Linke, VP, Human Resources

Vicki started at Vital Decisions 5 years ago, transitioning from a career in Social Work to Human Resources. She’s the newest member of Vital Decisions’ Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

☀ What brought you to Vital Decisions?
I was hired in August 2014 as Clinical Recruiter. I have a Masters degree in Social Work and the majority of my clinical experience, prior to working at Vital Decisions was working in hospice and bereavement counseling. It’s there that I found a deep passion and love for serving clients and their family members navigating difficult medical situations. Then in 2014, I started looking into new career opportunities that would allow me to use my strengths and skills from social work, but in a new way that allowed for more growth opportunities, better work/life balance, and still allowed me to help others be their best selves. I decided to take Human Resources college courses and applied for HR jobs. The Clinical Recruiter role at Vital Decisions was a great combination of where I’ve been and where I wanted to go. I already had such a passion for this population. I have witnessed so many difficult and beautiful experiences in hospice, and this job allowed me to pursue my passion as well as give back in this new way.

☀ What makes Vital Decisions different than any other organization you’ve been a part of?
The people. At every level of the organization, Vital keeps the mission and values at the heart of everything we do. In HR, we’re constantly reminded of the reason we’re here, and the challenging times our clients are experiencing. Vital Decisions has a unique and wonderful culture that I haven’t experienced anywhere previously. I often tell candidates that I’ve never had a more challenging job in my life, nor have I had a job I’ve enjoyed coming to every day, more than at Vital. I’m constantly pushed to learn and grow, while at the same time receiving support and guidance. The appreciation and flexibility provided makes me happy to do the hard work. Getting unexpected positive feedback from our President or CEO, for example; that’s what makes Vital unique.

☀ Tell me about your progress in your career at Vital Decisions.
Three months after joining Vital, I was promoted to Recruitment Manager, overseeing recruitment for the entire organization. I also became responsible for recruitment strategy and in 2015, planned for hiring in our new offices in San Diego, CA and White Plains, NY. I partner with leaders on how to hire more objectively, and determine the measures that translate into successful hires. I have had the opportunity to participate in or take ownership of different areas of HR, such as Employee Relations, Leave Administration, Compensation and more. Broadening my scope has always been encouraged and supported and has led to being promoted to HR & Recruitment Manager, and now Sr. Human Resources Manager.

☀ What’s been your biggest accomplishment in your career?
Making a successful career transition from direct Social Work practice to a career in HR, which has allowed me to continue to learn and grow in meaningful ways; that’s what I’m proudest of. Earlier this year, I was promoted to Senior Manager of HR and asked to be a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). As a member of the SLT I have more opportunity to provide input at a more strategic level across the organization.

☀ What do you hope to achieve in your career?
I’m really enjoying what I’m doing now. I would like to continue to partner with the Executive Leadership Team and the SLT on strategic initiatives in the company, and would like to continue to grow as a leader within the organization.

☀ What keeps you at Vital Decisions?
I work with the best team ever! It’s a wonderful work environment. There’s a high level of empathy and respect, and management understands that people have full, busy lives outside of their full-time job. I’ve never worked for a company more mission-driven, which is very important to me personally. It keeps me passionate and wanting to give 110%, because if I’m helping employees be their best selves, that trickles down to the clients we are serving at the most challenging time in their lives.

☀ What attributes to your success at Vital Decisions?
The support I receive. I’ve been encouraged by management to express where I want to grow and the areas I want to learn more about. I am flexible to change, and adapt well, which has been critical to my success at Vital Decisions as the company has evolved.