Sheevangi, or, Sheev, as she’s fondly known, is a caseworker with HCSA Highpoint’s in-care team. Being part of the in-care team, Sheev works with ex-offenders who are currently residing in Highpoint’s halfway house. Part of her role entails supporting the residents to achieve their most immediate needs, such as gainful employment and long-term housing. Watching Sheev in action — navigating her day-to-day, responding to residents’ needs, offering a listening ear, and managing the ebb and flow of life at Highpoint — it’s clear she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
But what does it really mean to be a caseworker at Highpoint? And what drew Sheev to this in the first place?
What is HCSA Highpoint’s role in an ex-offender’s journey?
Highpoint provides a safe and substance-free shelter for male ex-offenders to restart their lives. At Highpoint’s Community-Based Programme (CBP), men serving the final stretch of their prison sentence join us as halfway house residents. They typically stay an average of 6 months, with support from both Highpoint’s caseworkers and prison rehabilitation officers. Hence, Highpoint’s in-care team works tirelessly to ensure that these immediate needs are fulfilled, and they are prepared for the next stage of their Long Home Leave.
However, the support doesn’t just end when the residents leave Highpoint. We also provide sustained social support to renew their purpose within the community. Further assistance is also extended in the form of after-care to ex-offenders who have “graduated” and are now part of the alumni peer support group, AIMS. Our alumni have access to longer-term after care needs, such as networking opportunities, career-ready workshops for upskilling, and sustained support by alumni members in their reintegration journey. Alongside AIMS, we have WISDOM, a pro-social support network by their partners.
Recidivism refers to the tendency of a former offender to reoffend. As of 2024, the two-year recidivism rate in Singapore is 21.3%.¹ Gainful employment and strong family ties are factors that are key in preventing the chances of reoffending.² That’s why Highpoint’s care team focuses its efforts on strengthening these pillars of strengths for our Highpoint residents.
What does a day in Sheev’s shoes look like?
As a caseworker, Sheev helps residents secure employment and financial assistance. She also ensures their housing arrangements are in place before their Long Home Leave. Occasionally, she encounters residents with strained family relationships. When this happens, Sheev works closely with them and their families to facilitate conversations and reconciliation, offering emotional support throughout the journey.
For these men at the tail end of their prison sentence, reintegrating into society can feel daunting, but with caseworkers like Sheev walking with them through the setbacks and small victories, their recovery and reconciliation journey becomes one of hope.
So, what motivated Sheev to jump into the social service sector?
Sheev’s passion for social work began early. Growing up, she was acutely aware of how deeply a person’s circumstances and challenges can affect their ability to grow and thrive. She also recognises the stigma and harsh judgements that can hold someone back from reaching their potential.
Sheev shares that she’s grown up hearing judgemental remarks and assumptions about how former offenders have ruined their future with their mistakes. Sheev disagrees. She believes that people can change if they just had access to the right support system.
While she acknowledges that relapse is part of the recovery and reintegration journey, she’s also seen powerful stories of transformation when there is ample support and motivation given to them. Her goal is to be part of that transformation — to be a steady, compassionate presence as individuals find their way back.
Why HCSA Highpoint?
Sheev felt a strong pull towards Highpoint’s work in supporting ex-offenders in their reintegration journey. The belief that everyone deserves second chances resonated deeply with her, and so began her career with HCSA.
She began her journey with Highpoint working with the after-care team, checking in on former residents to ensure they continued receiving support. Later, she transitioned to the in-care team, where she now supports current residents.
Before joining HCSA, Sheev worked in community hospitals and family service centres. Fun fact about Sheev: She was once a flight attendant! It was during her time in the skies that she realised her heart belonged to social work, prompting her to make the move to the social service sector.
So, what does Sheev love about working with HCSA Highpoint?
What Sheev loves most about her job is witnessing change — even the smallest signs of it. Seeing any one of the Highpoint residents motivated to change is deeply heartening, even if it means having constant knocks on her door from a resident needing her assistance.
Sheev understands it takes effort and courage to ask for help. So, seeing residents take initiative, whether applying for jobs or making small positive changes over time, is profoundly rewarding.
“It actually reflects their motivation and the efforts they are taking to improve their lives. These things fulfil me in a big way.”
What are the intrinsic challenges of being in social work/case work?
As much as Sheev finds fulfilment in her work, it isn’t always smooth sailing. There are challenges that come with working with people who have been through the wringer. One of the biggest challenges she sees is sustaining motivation among residents. Setbacks are inevitable, whether it’s struggling to find employment or falling back into old patterns, and each one can chip away at a person’s morale.
Through her work with Highpoint residents, she has learnt that motivation doesn’t just come in a day, a week, or a month. It’s a gradual build that can’t be forced. That’s why she takes time to sit with residents during their toughest moments, offering support without judgement.
She highlights the fact that patience is key. Over time, the residents come to understand and accept her support. It is a learning journey for them and for her as well.
She reiterates that this is the side of social work most people do not see — a deep, purposeful journey with service-users through life’s hardest moments.
What is the role of a social worker/caseworker at HCSA Highpoint?
Sheev is quick to clarify: her role is far more than just paperwork or applying for financial aid. “It’s intentional, purposeful, compassionate work,” she explains. She walks alongside the residents through their setbacks and progress, doing everything she can to help them meet their rehabilitation and reintegration goals.
From employment and housing to emotional support, caseworkers are involved in nearly every aspect of a resident’s journey. It’s a hands-on role that demands unwavering empathy and immaculate behind-the-scenes coordination.
Who is Sheev outside of HCSA Highpoint?
Being so passionate about her work means Sheev has had to learn how to compartmentalise. She admits switching off isn’t always easy. Even on weekends, she sometimes finds herself worrying about whether her residents are doing okay. But she’s learning to set boundaries and prioritise self-care.
She finds peace at the temple, where she goes to recharge and let go of her worries. Family is also a big part of her life. She cherishes weekends with her loved ones, especially bonding with her niece and nephew.
What is her vision for the future?
Looking ahead, Sheev sees great potential in alumni mentorship — where former residents who’ve successfully reintegrated return to support those just beginning the journey. Hearing from someone with a shared background who has overcome similar challenges can offer hope and perspective to ex-offenders. Indeed, peer support can be a powerful motivator, and she hopes to strengthen this aspect of Highpoint’s work.
Her advice for anyone considering this path?
“If you have a heart for second chances and a passion to serve marginalised communities, HCSA Highpoint is a meaningful place to be. Come with a willingness to learn — there is a lot you will learn from the service users.”
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