Community Care staff form the bridge between hospitals and homes, ensuring that patients continue receiving care after discharge and that seniors live well and age gracefully in their communities. They work in community hospitals, nursing homes, eldercare centres, hospices, and even in patients’ homes, supporting both those who need care and their caregivers.

Recognising the importance of these roles, the Community Care Manpower Development Awards (CCMDA) empowers aspiring and in-service professionals to pursue higher studies and grow their careers in this meaningful sector. In the field of Medical Social Work, this is further supported through the Healthcare Merit Award and Community Care Scholarship, offered by MOH Holdings (MOHH) in partnership with the Agency for Integrated Care.

One such award recipient is Tay Jia Sen, a Senior Medical Social Worker at HCA Hospice, Singapore’s largest home hospice care provider. Through his work, he embodies how compassion and continuous learning can transform lives.

Discovering His Calling

Before finding his path in the Community Care sector, Jia Sen studied digital media design in polytechnic. “After graduation, I worked briefly in print design but soon began questioning what would truly fulfil me as a lifelong career,” he recalled.

That reflection led him to a pivotal encounter. “By chance, I was introduced to a role as a Social Work Assistant at a hospital. During my time there, I was deeply inspired by the medical social workers I worked alongside, particularly their ability to connect with patients and families and bring calm amidst crisis,” he shared. “I also found healthcare meaningful because it shapes so much of a person’s overall well-being. That experience confirmed that this was the path I wanted to take, and I decided to pursue social work studies.”

A personal experience later shaped his decision to focus on hospice care. “In my final undergraduate year, my dog of 15 years was diagnosed with kidney failure,” he said. “Caring for him through the final months of his life taught me something profound, that even when medical interventions no longer change outcomes, there are still countless ways to offer love, comfort, and dignity.” That experience became a turning point for him and inspired his decision to enter hospice care, where presence and compassion matter as much as medical interventions.

Finding Purpose in Presence

At HCA Hospice, Jia Sen brings care to patients and their families in the comfort of home. His work spans psychosocial assessment, counselling, and grief support. He also assists with advance care planning and advocates for patients’ rights and dignity.

Each day brings something different for Jia Sen, from team discussions and home visits to case documentation and project work. What remains constant, however, is his appreciation for the depth and diversity of hospice care, where every encounter offers a new lesson in empathy and connection.

One patient encounter affirmed his purpose. “There was a patient I once visited who had very few family connections left. Despite his physical frailty, he would always greet me with a smile and ask about my day,” he said. “One afternoon, he told me, ‘I may not have much time left, but it helps to know someone still cares.’ It struck me that in hospice work, what we offer is not just service, but also humanity.”

He added, “Sometimes, the simplest acts can bring comfort and meaning in ways we may never fully see, yet deeply feel.”

Learning Without Limits

The CCMDA became a key milestone in Jia Sen’s professional growth. “I first heard about the CCMDA through a conversation with my supervisor about career development,” he said. “At that point, I had been in the Community Care sector for about ten years and was ready to deepen my practice and leadership skills. With HCA Hospice’s encouragement, I decided to apply for the Master of Social Work programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS). My motivation came from a desire to keep growing, both for myself and for the people I serve.”

Being conferred the CCMDA opened new horizons for Jia Sen, providing him with funding support to pursue further education. “My master’s degree allowed me to expand my perspective beyond direct practice into areas like management, policy, and research,” he explained. “One of my most memorable experiences was completing a practice-based research project, which was later selected to be presented at the Grief and Bereavement Conference Singapore.”

“Earlier in my career, I would never have imagined myself presenting research as it used to feel intimidating,” he admitted. “But pursuing further studies gave me both the confidence and the platform to explore new aspects of social work. It not only strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas to a wider audience, but also deepened my appreciation of how research can shape everyday practice.” This milestone opened doors for Jia Sen, leading to more public speaking opportunities and collaborative research projects within his organisation.

The award reaffirmed that learning is lifelong. “Learning never stops, no matter how many years we’ve been in practice,” he emphasised.

Leading With Compassion and Balance

Now a senior member of the team, Jia Sen finds fulfilment in guiding others. “When mentoring others, I see myself more as a peer than an expert,” he reflected. “Every social worker brings their own unique strengths and perspectives, and I try to draw those out through reflective dialogue rather than directive instruction. My goal is to help my colleagues find their own voice and confidence in practice.”

Despite the emotional intensity of his work, he keeps a healthy balance. “I draw a lot of strength from my loved ones and my pet dog. They remind me of the importance of unconditional presence,” he highlighted. “Nature is also my spiritual anchor. I often take time to meditate by the sea. The sound of waves helps me find clarity and stillness.”

Making Every Connection Count

Reflecting on his journey, Jia Sen has learned to embrace uncertainty, “One lesson that has stayed with me is to learn to enjoy the process, even when the outcome is uncertain,” he mused. “Every stage of life has taught me something about patience, growth, and the importance of staying open to new experiences. Life is not about rushing to reach the next destination, but about being fully present.”

For those considering a career in the Community Care sector, he advised: “Stay curious and compassionate, both towards others and yourselves. The work can be intense at times, and there will be times when things do not go as planned. However, if you can hold on to your sense of purpose and remember why you started, the work will be sustainable.”

He also highlighted that social work goes beyond textbooks, requiring an understanding of what shapes people’s lives and collaboration across professions. “When we listen to one another and appreciate our shared goals, care becomes more holistic and truly person-centred,” he said.