Alisha Gale Love-Bell
Meridianville,AL
Summary
Competent and compassionate social service professional with 34 years of experience as an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker). As a Social Worker, I continue to find joy in providing services to others, as I strive to maintain a very positive attitude regardless of the circumstances or challenges. I also have a reputation of working well with others on multiple levels and within multiple settings. I am proficient in providing: care coordination, case management, community resource, transition, and discharge planning aide to individuals and families. I also have extensive experience in multiple settings, including: foster care, children's rehabilitation, community health care, intellectual disabilities, mental health, transition planning, home health and in-home managed care. Currently seeking to expand my abilities within the workforce via the acquisition of additional knowledge, skills and experience within the Social Work profession or a related field.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Worker
Harris Home For Children
Huntsville, AL
10.2020 - 01.2023
- Was employed as a Social Worker/Care Coordinator at the Harris Home For Children, a residential facility for adolescents in foster care via the Alabama Dept. of Human Resources (DHR).
- Provided care coordination and case management aide to adolescent male residents, ages 12-20, who required a Moderate Level of care and supervision.
- Initially provided services, as noted above to residents in the Crisis program, as well.
- Completed Intake Evaluations and Psychosocial assessments upon Admission.
- Devised Treatment Plans, 90-Day Reviews, Monthly Reports and Basic Living Skills Summaries.
- Participated in DHR's Individualized Service Planning (ISP) process during Initial Enrollments, as well as quarterly.
- Aided in the coordination of Youth's visits with relatives, DHR Workers, others, in addition to aiding with special events/outings.
- Aided in networking with and helping to maintain good relations with Community agencies and Charitable donors.
- Accompanied assigned Youth to and from medical visits, advocating on their behalf, as needed during primary medical, urgent care, hospital and dental visits. Also assisted in insuring that Youth were seen by other Specialist, as needed.
- Provided brief counseling, behavioral education, conflict resolution, crisis intervention and daily living skills training, as needed.
- Accompanied youth to mental health consults with their assigned mental health Counselors/Psychiatrists, providing pertinent information, as needed, to aide in addressing their mental and behavioral health needs.
Medical Social Worker
North AL Community Care (NACC)
Huntsville, AL
10.2019 - 06.2020
- Was employed as a Social Worker by North AL Community Care (NACC), a division of the Alabama Coordinated Health Networks (ACHN) via Alabama Medicaid.
- My initial job title was: Children's With Medical Complexities Social Worker (CMC SW), however, primary job responsibilities were expanded, as case management aide was provided not only to children with medical complexities, but also to adults, of all ages who had various medical conditions and/or psychosocial needs. Actually worked more adults than children based upon the # of referrals received.
- Prior to Covid-19, initial enrollments, case management aide and subsequent follow-up took place primarily in EI's homes via face-to-face home visits, in addition to telephone contacts being made to EI's or other entities, as needed; post Covid-19, all task were completed telephonically.
- Managed a caseload of approximately 50 individuals, with the projected goal being to make up to 15 visits per week.
- Comprehensive Health Risk and Psychosocial Assessments on all individuals within caseload.
- Administered required Depression, as well as Alcohol and Drug Abuse screenings, as needed.
- Information and referrals, community resource planning, linkage to DME Providers, Housing, transportation aide, advocacy were provided, as needed.
- Sought to address various financial issues, including providing linkage to Community support programs to aide with rent and utilities when necessary.
- Addressed issues of abuse, neglect and/or domestic violence, as needed.
- Provided linkage to the various AL Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver Programs, as well as Home Health Agencies, as needed.
- Provided linkage to diagnosis specific resources and/or other support programs, such as: Mental Health Providers, Autism Support Programs, Disability Support Services, Guardianship Resources and Legal Support Services.
- Provided linkage to Primary Care Providers (PCPs), as well as other Specialist, as needed.
- Routinely collaborated with PCP's and other healthcare Providers regarding individual client needs, updating them on treatment plan goals met or additional problems identified
- Coordinated and/or participated in Multi-disciplinary Team (MCT) meetings with EI's, as well as NACC staff, as needed, consisting of: RNs, LPNs, Clinical Supervisors or Pharmacist.
Medical and Transition Services Social Worker
Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS)
Huntsville, AL
02.2002 - 08.2019
- Was employed for 18 years as a Medical and Transition Services Social Worker via Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS), a division of the AL Dept. of Rehabilitation Service (ADRS).
- Provided care coordination, case management, Medical Clinic services and transition planning aide to children and youth who have special healthcare needs, from birth to age 21.
- Was directly responsible for managing the individual cases of 180-210 youth, between ages 13-21 who had various special healthcare needs/diagnoses, including: Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Paraplegia, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Expressive Language Disorders, Autism, Genetic Disorders, Cleft Lip/Palate Disorders, Feeding Difficulties, Hearing Impairments, Seizure Disorders, as well as various other medical conditions.
- Completed comprehensive Psychosocial Assessments on all new enrollments and devised Plans of Care which were updated annually.
- Served on a Multi-disciplinary Team, along with Physicians and other professionals in five of the CRS Speciality Clinics.
- Interviewed clients and their parents during Clinic visits in order to assess individual client needs, collaborated with Clinic Physicians or other Specialist related to needs identified, provided follow-up in arranging consults and referrals and/or linkage to other support services.
- Aided client's in obtaining transportation reimbursement related to medical visits attended via the AL Medicaid NET program.
- Advocated for and linked individuals to financial support services within the CRS program, if there were needs not covered by insurances.
- Linked individuals to financial resources in the Community, including providing linkage to charitable organizations, as well as linkage to various support programs related to: food, clothing, shelter, medical expenses, medical supplies.
- Provided current and futures planning in addressing the transition needs of children who were chronically ill and/or had complex medical conditions.
- Provided aide in addressing youth with medical complexities personal care and medical needs in the home, as well as outside of home via linkage to Waivers, Home Health agencies or other support programs.
- Transition planning aide was provided to older youth who possessed the desire, as well as ability to attend college and/or work post high school. Linkage to the Adult Vocational Rehab. program, as well as linkage to other transition related programs, including: Project Search, the North AL Center for Educational Excellence, the Youth Leadership Forum, the Launch Program.
- Advocated on behalf of youth within the school system by attending IEP, 504 meetings or other meetings, upon request, in order to aide in the school based transition planning process. Also provided youth and their parents with useful information related to IEP's and 504 Plans, as needed.
- Coordinated the Huntsville CRS Teen Transition Clinic (TTC) which, via a Multi-disciplinary Team approach, provided Vocational evaluations and transition planning aide to youth who may have the potential to work, attend college and/or live independently. Various Rehabilitation Service Specialist, Therapist, Physicians and Social Workers made up the TTC, along with the youth and their parents.
- Educated youth and/or their parents in addressing SSI/SSDI issues, upon request.
- Linked individuals to the various AL Medicaid Waiver Programs, such as the E&D Waiver, Sail Waiver, Living At Home and Intellectual Disabilities Waivers. Also educated re: 310 services, respite care resources, and other Disability related supports programs.
- Provided linkage to organizations related to Wills, Trust, Disabilities Advocacy or other legal or financial support programs, as needed.
Psychiatric Screener (PRN Position)
Decatur General West
Huntsville, AL
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Was employed part-time on a PRN basis as a Psychiatric Screener by Decatur General West's (DGW) satellite office in Huntsville.
- Worked on-call several evenings per week after leaving full-time job or on week-ends.
- Psychiatric screenings were completed on individuals who were reportedly experiencing changes in their behavior related to acute issues and/or chronic mental health conditions.
- Individuals were screened in various settings, including hospital ER's, nursing or assisted living homes, group homes, and on occasion, in the DGW's Huntsville office.
- Provided clinical assessments to aide in determining appropriateness for in or outpatient treatment.
- Collaborated with DGW's Psychiatrist to obtain input and guidance as to the appropriateness of in or outpatient treatment of individuals screened.
- Collaborated with ER Physicians or other clinical staff, depending upon the setting, regarding treatment recommendations made.
- Engaged individuals, their relatives or other responsible parties, in the treatment planning process.
Health Services Social Worker
Central Health Care Clinic/Spectrum Home Health
Huntsville, AL
02.1995 - 10.2001
- Employed as a Health Services Social Worker within Central North AL Health Services Inc.'s Community Health Clinic: (formerly Central Health Care, now called: The Huntsville Family Clinic), and within their Home Health Agency: Spectrum Home Health.
- Provided medical social services to patients seen within the health clinic and home health agency settings.
- Services were provided to individuals from various backgrounds, ages, races based upon their specific medical and/or psychosocial needs.
- Worked mostly with elderly and disabled individuals via Spectrum Home Health, providing monitoring and case management services via weekly to bi-weekly home visits.
- Linked patients to resources/services based upon needs identified. Aided in identifying resources to address needs of indigent patients, including linking them to medication assistance programs, housing, food, transportation aide, etc.
- Made abuse/neglect/domestic violence reports to DHR/other social support agencies, when necessary.
- Conducted in-depth Psychosocial Assessments, as well as home safety assessments and mini-mental status exams, as needed.
- Engaged patients and their families in the treatment planning process.
MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER
The Lurleen B. Wallace Developmental Center
Decatur, AL
09.1989 - 02.1995
- Served as a Mental Health Social Worker II providing care coordination services to individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in an institutional, cottage-like setting.
- Managed a caseload of 52 individuals. Completed Psychosocial assessments, 6 month reviews, provided input in overall treatment plans.
- Helped to maintain on-going interaction between clients and their families by transporting clients on home visits to see their relatives or by coordinating visits between clients and their relatives within the facility.
- Also Supervised 3 Bachelors Level Social Workers who carried caseloads of approximately 90-100 clients.
- Trained and served as a QMRP (Qualified Mental Health Professional), responsible for monitoring client/staff interaction within the cottage settings on a rotating basis monthly, after hours.
- Note: This institution is now closed, for information contact AL State Personnel Dept.
TREATMENT COORDINATOR/GRADUATE SWK. INTERN
Georgia Mental Health Institute
Atlanta, GA
09.1988 - 07.1989
- Was a paid Intern at Georgia Mental Health Institute (GMH) on their Adult care unit for individuals with mental illness for 6 months and then was hired as a Treatment Coordinator for 4 months, until graduation.
- Assisted in providing individual counseling and group counseling.
- Completed in depth Psychosocial assessments, Individualized Service Plans and ISP reviews.
- Presented assessments to Team members weekly during ISP reviews.
- Assisted in developing discharge plans as a part of the Multi-disciplinary Team.
- Linked individuals to appropriate resources, including local community mental health centers upon discharge from the facility.
- Also worked with individuals on GMH's transitional unit.
- Note: This agency is now closed: for information contact GA Dept of Mental Health's Central Office.
SOCIAL WORK INTERN
Grady Memorial Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia
02.1988 - 05.1988
- Linked clients and their families to financial, social and community support services in an effort to reduce medical and psychosocial stressors impacting their overall health status.
- Attended clinical rounds daily.
- Assessed cases for evidence of abuse or neglect amd made Child Protective Services referrals, as needed.
- Collaborated with medical staff, including Physicians and other disciplines in developing Plans of Care.
UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL WORK INTERN
The Harris Home For Children
Huntsville, AL
09.1984 - 05.1985
- Provided social support services, including case management to pre-teens and adolescents in this Foster and Residential care facility.
- Developed Individualized Case histories.
- Coordinated family conferences.
- Assisted in arranging tutoring.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
Clark-Atlanta University
Atlanta, Georgia07.1989
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Alabama A & M University
Normal, AL05.1985
Skills
- Skilled at working independently and via a Multi-disciplinary Team approach
- Proficient in completing Psychosocial assessments, Plans of Care, Intake Evaluations, Treatment, Transition, Discharge and Individualized Service Plans
- Good oral and written skills
- Capable of utilizing a dictaphone, laptop and computer
- Skilled at establishing good Worker/Client rapport, while adhering to ethical standards
- Knowledgeable of medical terminology relevant to most positions
- Capable of interpreting medical/social implications related to various diagnoses/treatments
- Skilled at identifying needs, goals/interventions and problem-solving
- Skilled at providing holistic case management aide to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, races and socio-economic levels
- Skilled at providing care coordination aide to individuals with varying intellectual, mental and/or physical impairments
- LMSW with 34 yrs of experience, including 6 years Supervising BSW's
Certification
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) #0480G, Issued: 11/30/90
Affiliations
- Active member of The Alabama A&M University Graduate and Undergraduate Social Work Board
- Received several Employee Recognition Awards while working at Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS) and while employed at the Lurleen B. Wallace Developmental Center.
- Former member of the: Huntsville Youth Council, Children's Policy Council of Madison County, The Huntsville Interagency Council and Humanitarian Councils of Huntsville
- Was selected as a paid Social Work Intern via the State of Georgia's Governor's Intern Program during Graduate School in 1988
- Miss Social Work: 1985 at Alabama A&M
Timeline
Social Worker
Harris Home For Children
10.2020 - 01.2023
Medical Social Worker
North AL Community Care (NACC)
10.2019 - 06.2020
Psychiatric Screener (PRN Position)
Decatur General West
01.2012 - 12.2012
Medical and Transition Services Social Worker
Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS)
02.2002 - 08.2019
Health Services Social Worker
Central Health Care Clinic/Spectrum Home Health
02.1995 - 10.2001
MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER
The Lurleen B. Wallace Developmental Center
09.1989 - 02.1995
TREATMENT COORDINATOR/GRADUATE SWK. INTERN
Georgia Mental Health Institute
09.1988 - 07.1989
SOCIAL WORK INTERN
Grady Memorial Hospital
02.1988 - 05.1988
UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL WORK INTERN
The Harris Home For Children
09.1984 - 05.1985
Master of Arts - Social Work
Clark-Atlanta University
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Alabama A & M University