'Anything worth anything isn’t easy': Longtime social worker reflects on 45 years of service

Joe Albro, a Bozeman-based Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services employee for more than 45 years, was presented with the Outstanding Service Award by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Tuesday. Albro, who is retiring this week, spent his career in the state Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Child and Family Services Division, where his work focused on strengthening familial relationships across the state.

“I’m the son of a farmer, and I love to watch things grow,” Albro said at the ceremony, held in the Bozeman CFSD office. “If you like watching things grow, there’s no better place than Bozeman or Montana. I truly believe that if families are given the right tools, they will prosper beyond their wildest dreams.”

The Outstanding Service Award celebrates state employees who provide exemplary customer service to Montana citizens. Albro is the 36th recipient of the nomination-based award.

Albro’s career began in Anaconda in 1981, where he worked with child protective services, investigating child abuse and neglect reports, helping families establish case plans. Albro later moved to Dillon, where he worked with both child and adult protective services, before continuing his work in Bozeman.

Gianforte described Albro as the “cornerstone” of the DPHHS Child and Family Services Division, presenting him with a letter recognizing the impact he had on Montana families. Albro was also given a Montana state flag that was flown over the State Capitol in his honor.

“Throughout your many roles in the agency, you consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to engaging families with dignity, empathy, and respect,” Gianforte read from a letter of commendation.

“I appreciate being singled out for the award, but there are truly a lot of dedicated people out there who work hard every day,” Albro said. “It’s not always easy, but they keep coming back every day.”

Without collaboration with schools, law enforcement and family support, Albro said CPS’s work would not be nearly as effective.

“We’re just one aspect that really helps ensure children’s safety and helps them grow up into responsible adults,” Albro said.

Albro first considered becoming a social worker while studying at MSU, where he initially planned to become an engineer. Albro quickly found that while his engineering classes failed to hold his interest, his psychology and sociology electives drew him in.

“I had a mentor once who said social workers aren’t made, they’re born, and partway through college, I realized that instead of doing engineering and making things, I just wanted to help people,” Albro said.

While he found his career fulfilling, Albro said his line of work is far from a walk in the park.

“This isn’t all roses, and we have critics, but we’re doing a very important job,” Albro said. “Is it easy? No, but anything worth anything isn’t easy. The efforts we produce and the success we have are what’s gratifying.”

While he doesn’t know exactly what his future holds, Albro said he still plans to remain active in the Bozeman community.

“I’ve had a lifetime of helping people, and I will continue to find a way to help my community,” Albro said.