Abigail Benitez, LMSW
Carmel
Summary
Hospice care professional with experience in providing compassionate end-of-life support. Skilled in patient advocacy, crisis intervention, and emotional support for patients and families. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, with flexibility to adapt to changing needs. Known for empathy, reliability, and effective communication.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospice Social Worker (Bilingual Spanish)
MJHS Hospice & Palliative Care
New York, NY
01.2021 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine patient and family needs in hospice care
- Develop individualized care plans to support emotional and psychological well-being of patients
- Facilitate communication between multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and care continuity
- Provide crisis intervention support, ensuring patients received timely emotional assistance during challenging times
- Advocate for patient rights and preferences, ensuring alignment with ethical standards and organizational policies
- Mentor new social workers joining the organization—sharing best practices while fostering a supportive learning environment
Social Worker
WhiteCap Search Staffing Agency, Archcare at Mary Manning Walsh Home
New York, NY
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Assisted residents and their families in care planning and in enhancing their capabilities of coping with illness, disability and daily functioning
- Assisted residents and their families in care planning and in enhancing their capabilities of coping with illness, disability and daily functioning
- Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments, resident interviews, and complete all Social Work requirements for the Minimum Data Set
- Assessed patients for discharge potential and make appropriate referrals to coordinate the provision of services required upon discharge
- Facilitated communication with the interdisciplinary team on behalf of residents between medical, nursing, dietary, rehabilitation, and psychiatric services
Geriatric Care Manager
Self-Employed
Los Angeles, CA
04.2018 - 04.2020
- Planned and coordinated the care of elderly clients to improve their quality of life
- Provided crisis intervention and advocacy services
- Assisted with moving clients to different care settings as needed
- Reviewed financial, legal, or medical issues and referred clients to appropriate specialists
- Visited clients on a regular, routine basis to make sure they were safe, doing well, eating properly, and taking needed medications
- Made necessary medical appointments and assured clients arrived to their appointments
Medical Social Worker (Bilingual Spanish)
Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care
Glendale, CA
09.2017 - 03.2018
- Assessed the psychosocial functioning of patients and their families
- Mobilized and helped patients and their families utilize community resources by assessing eligibility and assisting in the referral process
- Assisted the physician and other members of the interdisciplinary team in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to patients’ health problems
- Provided bereavement services
Medical Social Worker (Bilingual Spanish)
Milestone Hospice
Torrance, CA
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Assessed the psychosocial functioning of patients and their families
- Mobilized and helped patients and their families utilize community resources by assessing eligibility and assisting in the referral process
- Assisted the physician and other members of the interdisciplinary team in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to patients’ health problems
Care Manager (Bilingual Spanish)
WISE & Healthy Aging – In-Home Services Care Management
Santa Monica, CA
03.2014 - 10.2014
- Conducted client intakes using the Area Agency on Aging Universal Intake Form with older adult clients and their families to identify needs and eligibility
- Conducted comprehensive in-home assessments including written biopsychosocial assessments of clients
- Developed written care plans with measurable outcomes in collaboration with clients and their families
- Identified, arranged, and coordinated appropriate resources to address client needs and resolve problems
- Maintained contact with clients and their families to monitor effectiveness of services arranged and assessed the need for additional services
Community Liaison (Bilingual Spanish)
Milestone Hospice
Torrance, CA
07.2013 - 03.2014
- Assisted with intake inquiries and referrals of patients to hospice services
- Explained Medicare/Medi-Cal hospice benefit to patients and their families
- Assisted with finding placement for patients being discharged or transferred from hospitals and skilled nursing facilities
- Assessed patients and their families for readiness for hospice program
- Provided consultation to patients and their families when formulating advance healthcare directives
- Coordinated patient discharges with hospital care managers and skilled nursing facility staff, including assisting with placement
- Provided in-service presentations to staff at skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly
Education
Master of Social Work -
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA05-2012
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA05-2008
Skills
- Bilingual and fluent in spoken and written Spanish
- Gifted communicator and listener with proven ability to interact and form meaningful relationships with, and gain trust of, patients/clients and colleagues at all levels
- Excellent ability to provide support and understanding to patients/clients faced with serious difficulties
- Excellent ability to work with external agencies
Certification
LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker # 111402
Timeline
Hospice Social Worker (Bilingual Spanish)
MJHS Hospice & Palliative Care
01.2021 - Current
Social Worker
WhiteCap Search Staffing Agency, Archcare at Mary Manning Walsh Home
06.2020 - 12.2020
Geriatric Care Manager
Self-Employed
04.2018 - 04.2020
Medical Social Worker (Bilingual Spanish)
Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care
09.2017 - 03.2018
Medical Social Worker (Bilingual Spanish)
Milestone Hospice
08.2015 - 05.2016
Care Manager (Bilingual Spanish)
WISE & Healthy Aging – In-Home Services Care Management
03.2014 - 10.2014
Community Liaison (Bilingual Spanish)
Milestone Hospice
07.2013 - 03.2014
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
California State University, Sacramento
Master of Social Work -
California State University, Sacramento