Katja Gertje studied social work at the Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences with a focus on social work as work with mental crises and successfully completed her studies in 2015. While still a student, Katja Gertje worked at the social psychiatric service of the Bad Dürkheim district administration, and since graduating she has worked as a social worker at the care authority of the Frankenthal city administration. Since May 2020, Gertje has now been working as a victim protection officer for the Rheinpfalz police headquarters.
Do you have fond memories of your time at the university in Ludwigshafen?
K. Gertje: I experienced my time at the university as good preparation for my work as a social worker. In addition, I found the "framework" of the program very pleasant in terms of lectures, elective options, flexibility and student involvement.
What made you decide to study at the University of Applied Sciences in Ludwigshafen at that time?
At that time, the proximity to my place of residence was decisive for me. I was also attracted to the university by the exchange with graduates of the course and the positive reports from students.
What are your responsibilities at the Rheinpfalz Police Headquarters?
As a victim protection officer at the Rheinpfalz Police Headquarters, I am available as a contact person for victims of crimes and accidents, for example traffic accidents, for witnesses of such situations as well as for relatives and surviving dependents, but also for employees of the police headquarters as well as for employees of non-police institutions on the subject of "victim protection". My duties also include networking and public relations.
What skills from your studies do you particularly benefit from?
During my studies, I learned to always reflect on supposedly individual problem situations in a social context in order to be able to develop sustainable and meaningful solutions or approaches to solutions in the interest of those affected. This approach not only shapes my view of the concerns of the people seeking advice, but also my way of working.
Are there any major differences in your current role as a victim protection officer compared to your previous professional activities?
The topics as well as the occasions within the scope of my current activities are indeed enormously different from my previous activities. However, as far as my working approaches and methods are concerned, I always recognize overlaps: In my consulting, the person seeking advice and his or her concerns are in the foreground. The situations and wishes of those affected are very individual and therefore require a great deal of empathy and a broad knowledge of various support services - from benefits under the Victim Compensation Act to the services offered by self-help groups, for example for grieving relatives. Fortunately, I have access to a good local network, which means that networking is also an important part of my work.
There are certainly stressful moments in your job. How do you cope with these moments and what do you use to compensate?
In stressful situations or difficult contacts, it often helps me to reflect together, for example with colleagues from other police headquarters. As soon as I can see why the situation is having a stressful effect on me, I can usually pinpoint the source of the stress - sometimes it's the general conditions, such as a high workload overall, or the case constellation. The professional exchange is enormously important here and I'm glad that the employer also sees it that way.
Have you been in contact with your "old" university since you graduated?
I am still in contact with a few students from my year at the moment. In addition, from the time I graduated in 2015 until the start of the Corona pandemic, I also visited the university library a few times, which also has very helpful and useful literature for the time after graduation. In addition, I also follow with great interest the events offered by the Department of Social and Health Services.
What offers might entice you in terms of the university?
The master's program in social work :-)
Is there anything else you would like to take away from your former course of study or department?
As a student, I very much appreciated the openness and development opportunities of the department and very much hope that current students will also find these conditions.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Interview: Elena Wassmann
