Angela M Chaparro-Arias
North Liberty
Summary
Experienced Clinical Social Worker with a strong background in medical social work, specializing in patient advocacy and care coordination. Successfully facilitated critical support services, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Demonstrated expertise in crisis intervention and resource management, ensuring patients have access to necessary services and support. Skilled in providing comprehensive support to patients navigating the healthcare system, utilizing crisis intervention skills to effectively manage urgent patient needs.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Home Based Primary Care Program Assistant Director – Social Work and Program Support Assistant Supervisor
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
04.2024 - Current
- Serve as a consultant to other VA professionals and administrators on program specific activities.
- Serve as a liaison to Veterans Integrated Service Network Program (VISN) HBPC Program and the VA Central Office (VACO) Program.
- Serve as the ICVAHCS POC for all inquiries and outreach requests regarding eligibility for admission to and administrative functioning of HBPC. This includes a wide variety of stakeholders (e.g., Veterans, their family members and caregivers, state and community agencies, Veterans Service Organizations [VSOs], military support programs).
- Identify unmet needs of the HBPC target population, their families/significant others and caregivers.
- Work collaboratively with facility, VISN, and VA Central Office
- Perform work related to the review, monitoring, analysis, planning and assessment of the HBPC Program.
- Oversee data collection and administrative record keeping, monitoring Veteran and/or program clinical indicators and performance measures.
- Establish, implement and maintain referral and screening procedures for HBPC Resources as well as other medical center and mental health services which the Veteran may require.
- Assist in coordinating the screening and admission criteria for the HBPC multi-disciplinary teams and provides input for program candidates based on high risk factors, acuity and need for services.
- Maintain advanced knowledge and understanding of the long-term care industry in general, including familiarity with federal, state and private sector resources. As an advanced practice level clinical social worker , work with multiple VA healthcare services and community agencies, leaders and organizations where he/she has no access to social work clinical supervision.
- Responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with community healthcare social service agencies.
- Conduct complex psychosocial assessments of a wide variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds.
- Implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
- Offered crisis intervention services to address urgent concerns related to mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence issues.
- Connected patients with community resources, ensuring access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
- Developed cultural competence through ongoing professional development opportunities, providing culturally sensitive services to diverse patient populations.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client progress, adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during critical health situations, promoting coping mechanisms and resilience.
- Supported ethical decision-making processes among healthcare teams by providing guidance on complex cases involving end-of-life care or medical ethics dilemmas.
- Strengthened relationships between the hospital and community partners by serving as a liaison on joint initiatives to improve patient care.
- Contributed to program development by identifying gaps in service provision and proposing new initiatives based on emerging best practices in medical social work.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing personalized care plans in collaboration with healthcare teams.
- Customized intervention strategies to meet unique cultural and personal needs of patients.
- Conducted training sessions for new social workers, enhancing team's overall competency and care quality.
- Implemented database for tracking patient cases and outcomes, significantly improving case management efficiency.
- Participated in clinical supervision to maintain professional development.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
- Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback to staff members.
Adjunct Professor
University of Iowa
08.2021 - Current
- Taught Social Work/Family Violence course, providing instruction to up to 180 undergraduate students and 20 graduate students.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Used exams, quizzes and assignments to assess student comprehension.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Contract Nursing Home Program SW/ Program Coordinator
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Develops policies and procedures for the local implementation of the CNH program in accordance with VHA directives and clinical guidelines. Additionally, the CNH Coordinator serves as the social worker for the CNH team, providing case management and coordination of care for veterans on CNH Placement.
- Participates in strategic planning for the CNH program at departmental and service line levels, including collaboration with the Contracting Office to maintain contracts with desirable CNH facilities and develop contract relationships with new nursing homes as needed throughout the Iowa City VA catchment area.
- Serves as the Chair of the Iowa City VA CNH Oversight Committee, leading local multidisciplinary team review and discussion of pertinent issues in the CNH program, including contracting, resource management, policy/procedure, quality improvement, adverse/sentinel events, and local programmatic needs.
- Maintain advanced knowledge and understanding of the long-term care industry in general, including familiarity with federal, state and private sector resources. As an advanced practice level clinical social worker , the incumbent will work with multiple VA healthcare services and community agencies, leaders and organizations where he/she has no access to social work clinical supervision. The incumbent is responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with community healthcare social service agencies.
- Provide case management for veterans/families in CNH placement and monitoring the quality of care being provided in the nursing homes contracted with the Iowa City VA. Advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on contract nursing home issues. Provides education and in-service training to VA and community colleagues, veterans and families.
- Assists with the coordination of specialty medical care, mental health, and other programs/service needs for CNH veterans.
- Provides individual and/or group/family interventions and advanced level case management used in the treatment of Veterans with complex medical issues including (but not limited to) hospice/palliative care, polytrauma care, and Alzheimer/dementia disorders.
- Assists with discharge planning, including discharge from the CNH facility, the CNH program, and/or transfers to other CNH facilities, both within and outside of the Iowa City VA catchment area.
- Conduct complex psychosocial assessments of a wide variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds.
- Implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Inpatient Palliative-Hospice SW/ Program Coordinator
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Oversees the daily operation of the program, develops policies and procedures for program operation, and prepares reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and national use. The program coordinator provides analysis and evaluation of clinical program data and computerized programs to identify system-wide trends and needs to enhance the quality of service.
- Prepares reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and national use.
- Conduct complex psychosocial assessments of a wide variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds.
- Work with patients and families who are experiencing advanced emotional, medical, and social problems utilizing strong individual, group, and family counseling skills. Work with highly complex problems independently. Incumbent must possess strong ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the patient's problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed.
- Implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
- Advanced level knowledge of medical and mental diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures to include acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; specialty care medications and their effects/side effects; and basic medical terminology.
- Use of word processing, data management, and other computer software. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by the VHA.
- Facilitates referrals based upon veterans needs and eligibility.
- Serves as liaison to community agencies and networks with agency representatives.
- Works to address bereaved family survey and Promise scores staying at or above the national average.
- Completes rapid discharge planning for Veterans with Hospice Flags on inpatient units so they are able to end their life close to home with visits from family and friends, whenever possible.
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Behavioral Recovery Outreach SW/ Program Coordinator
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Provide psychosocial assessments, intervention, counseling and discharge planning to primarily Veterans and their families.
- Work with an interdisciplinary team to participate in the coordination of care and developing approaches to treatment. Facilitate process of benefits for services specifically for Veterans.
- Coordinates community agency resources needed for Veterans and families as appropriate in conjunction with the currents Veteran’s Benefits.
- Provide counseling and crisis intervention for Veterans and their families in all healthcare settings.
- Collaborate with Team creating Behavioral Modification Plans to engage with Veterans that are exhibiting Dementia related behaviors creating barriers to care and future placement.
- Follow Veteran after DC from hospital to optimize cares and services provided to Veteran and their families for 6 months or longer
- Develop Standard Procedures Operations for the program and Monthly Reports for the sustainability of the program.
- Dementia Care Education within Hospital and in the Community
- Coordinates the daily operations of the Behavioral recovery Outreach Team
- Promotion and Marketing of the program in the community creating partnerships and liaisons for future placements
- Completed all the enrollment and psychosocial assessments for potential Veterans to be enroll in the program
- Completes weekly and monthly reports for the sustainability of the program and productivity
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
10.2018 - 01.2020
- Provide psychosocial assessments, intervention, counseling and discharge planning to primarily Veterans and their families. Work with an interdisciplinary team to participate in the coordination of care and developing approaches to treatment. Facilitate process of benefits for services specifically for Veterans.
- Coordinates community agency resources needed for Veterans and families as appropriate in conjunction with the currents Veteran’s Benefits.
- Provide counseling and crisis intervention for Veterans and their families in all healthcare settings.
Licensed Medical Social Worker, 3RC Off Service teams
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
01.2016 - 09.2018
- Provide assessments, intervention, counseling and discharge planning to primarily adult patients and their families. Work with an interdisciplinary team to participate in the coordination of care and developing approaches to treatment.
- Coordinates community agency resources needed by patients and families as appropriate.
- Provide counseling and crisis intervention for patients of all ages and their families in all healthcare settings.
Spanish Interpreter, Social Services
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
01.2007 - 09.2018
- Inpatients, Outpatient Clinics, Emergency room and anywhere in the hospital where it was needed so serve the patients and their families. Document translations
- Delivered exceptional customer service to both English-and Spanish-speaking clients through skillful written and verbal communication abilities.
- Facilitated clear communication between healthcare providers and patients, bridging language barriers for optimal care delivery.
- Strengthened relationships with clients by providing culturally sensitive interpretations that demonstrated respect and understanding.
- Contributed to increased client satisfaction by providing effective language support during important meetings.
- Maintained message content, tone, and emotion as closely as possible.
- Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail when translating sensitive documents such as contracts or legal agreements, ensuring the utmost accuracy and confidentiality at all times.
- Enhanced communication by accurately interpreting and translating complex legal documents for Spanish-speaking clients.
Research Assistant I/ Bilingual Interviewer, Part-time
University of Iowa
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Medical Record Abstraction. Survey data collection with subjects by telephone/mail in Spanish and English
- Tracing contact information for subjects. Perform procedures and techniques according to surveillance protocols for subjects recruitment, abstraction, tracing and data collection.
- Assist in the design of manuals, protocols and forms.
- Document translations from Spanish to English and English to Spanish
Licensed Medical Social worker
Mercy Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Provide assistance and consultation to patients, families, and staff specific to relevant emotional, psychosocial, financial identified needs of the individual consistent with the scope of practice of a Masters Social Worker in the medical unit, psychiatric unit, skilled nursing unit, Obstetric and gynecologic unit, Pediatric unit and Emergency Unit when need it. Provide information and referrals to community support services.
- Assists in the discharge planning process when appropriate in collaboration with the nurse manager, other staff members, community agencies and the responsible physician.
- Coordinates community agency resources needed by patients and families as appropriate.
- Evaluates and assists patients and families with the emotional, social, and economic stresses of Illness.
- Provide consultative social work services for the Hospitalist team. Provide counseling and crisis intervention for patients of all ages and their families in all healthcare settings.
- Provides written documentation of activity in each patient's medical record including problem identification, treatment plan, changes in psychosocial condition, and after-care recommendations.
Social Worker II , Part-time
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
10.2011 - 07.2014
- Enrollment Center for the Affordable Care Act. Promotion, Education and Facilitation with enrollment process for currents and new clients.
- Palliative Care Services.
Assistant Director
Melrose Daycare Center
01.1999 - 01.2010
- Responsible for communication with parents and community groups
- Acted as lead teacher for 2, 3 and 4 year old classrooms, planed and developed weekly lesson plans
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences
- Completed student enrollment process including orientation, Hiring and supervision of staff.
- Organized and conducted fund raising events
- Streamlined communication between teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a collaborative learning environment.
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new educators to maintain a high-quality teaching staff.
- Fostered a positive school culture by promoting open communication among staff members and celebrating successes together as a team.
- Assisted the Director in developing innovative programs to improve students'' academic performance and retention rate.
- Planned and executed successful special events, such as college fairs, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences.
Bilingual Family and Youth Counselor
United Action for Youth
01.2004 - 12.2007
- Conducted therapy and skill building activities for the Latino families with the Department and Human Services and the Juvenile Court Office in Muscatine and Johnson County
- Lead parent support group for Latino Parents with the Empowerment Program
- Acted as Coordinator of Drug and Violence Prevention Program for Latino Communities
- Completed Case Management for the Academic Mentoring Program with the Iowa City Community Schools
- Facilitated parent group with the 21st Century Program at Horace Mann Elementary
Bilingual Research Assistant Drug and Substance Abuse Program
University of Iowa Consortium
02.2004 - 10.2004
Professor: Mental Health
School of Medicine; Universidad Libre Cali
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Taught first year medical students psychological development
- Taught second year medical students to acknowledge and address personal feelings and reactions to patient situations to improve professional response
- Supervision and case review with medical residents
School Psychologist
Colegio María Auxiliadora
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Evaluation, counseling and sexual education for elementary school and kindergarten
- Created and instructed educators on implementation of development curriculum
- Developed and instructed age-specific parenting curriculum
- Coordinated professional development curriculum
Clinical Psychologist
Private practice
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Provided child-family therapy
- Conducted new employment evaluation
- Provided psychotherapy incorporating cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and play-therapy to treat wide range of psychological problems in patients.
- Formulated comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plans to facilitate and optimize follow-up by social workers by conducting thorough clinical interviews.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress, adhering to strict confidentiality policies while ensuring continuity of care across providers.
- Established a strong referral network within the local medical community that led to increased access to specialized resources for clients.
- Improved patient outcomes by utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches and individualized care plans.
Clinical Psychologist
The Children’s Hospital Club Noel
01.1995 - 01.1999
- Provided child-family therapy . Rehabilitated patients with Harelip/Cleft Palette operations
- Educate families and children about the pre-operative process. Utilized play and art therapy with children
- Coordinated early stimulation program for children from birth to 3years of age
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05.2014
Dialysis Social Work Foundation Practicum - undefined
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Iowa City, IA05.2014
Associates Degree - Psychology/Social Work
Stratford Career Institute
01.2004
College Degree - Licensed Psychologist
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
09.1995
Skills
- Grief support counseling
- Stress management strategies
- Patient care coordination
- Compassionate care for dementia patients
- Compassionate listening
- Accurate clinical documentation
- Crisis management for self-harm
- Family support visits
- Understanding of trafficking prevention
- Mental health support
- Family advocacy
- Compassionate Alzheimer's support
- Analyzing client needs
- Measurable goal planning
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of 15 in the development of critical interventions
- Collaborated with team of Social Workers in the development of the guardianship standard operating procedure.
- Supervised team of 10 staff members.
- Managed a caseload of between 120 and 140 individuals and families.
- Demonstrated outstanding case management and dedication to clients as evidenced by repeated promotions throughout tenure.
Certification
- October 2023 ACR Nationally Approved Family Law Mediator and conflict resolution
- July 2020 Certified Dementia Care Specialist valid until 2024
- Jan 2014 Certified Mental Health First Aid
- Dec 2013 Certified Application Counselor under the Affordable Care Act
- Jun 1998 Teaching Certificate University Libre Cali, Colombia
- May 1997 Instructor Certification in Parenting Groups Colegio María Auxiliadora Cali, Colombia
- CPR/First Aid
Affiliations
- Oct 2013-2016 Johnson County Empowerment Board- Acted as a Board president Early Education Committee and Parent Education and Family Support Committee
- Oct 2013-2019 League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Board Chapter 308-Co-Founder- Health and Education Committee
- Aug 2018 Board President at Melrose Daycare Center
- Aug 2020 Co-Hispanic Employment Coordinator, Special Emphasis Program Manager at the Iowa City VA’s Diversity Council
- June 2020 Participant with the Johnson County elderly Consortium
- August 2021 Adjunct Professor at the University of Iowa School of Social Work
- September 2020 Neighborhood Ambassador in North Liberty, IA
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Interests
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Music
- Baking
- Volunteering for community initiatives to give back to local communities and make a positive impact
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
- Youth Development Programs
Timeline
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Home Based Primary Care Program Assistant Director – Social Work and Program Support Assistant Supervisor
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
04.2024 - Current
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Contract Nursing Home Program SW/ Program Coordinator
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
02.2023 - 04.2024
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Inpatient Palliative-Hospice SW/ Program Coordinator
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
01.2022 - 02.2023
Adjunct Professor
University of Iowa
08.2021 - Current
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Behavioral Recovery Outreach SW/ Program Coordinator
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
01.2020 - 01.2022
Licensed Medical Social Worker, Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospital
10.2018 - 01.2020
Licensed Medical Social Worker, 3RC Off Service teams
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
01.2016 - 09.2018
Licensed Medical Social worker
Mercy Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2016
Social Worker II , Part-time
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
10.2011 - 07.2014
Research Assistant I/ Bilingual Interviewer, Part-time
University of Iowa
01.2010 - 01.2018
Spanish Interpreter, Social Services
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
01.2007 - 09.2018
Bilingual Research Assistant Drug and Substance Abuse Program
University of Iowa Consortium
02.2004 - 10.2004
Bilingual Family and Youth Counselor
United Action for Youth
01.2004 - 12.2007
Assistant Director
Melrose Daycare Center
01.1999 - 01.2010
Professor: Mental Health
School of Medicine; Universidad Libre Cali
01.1998 - 01.1999
School Psychologist
Colegio María Auxiliadora
01.1997 - 01.1999
Clinical Psychologist
Private practice
01.1996 - 01.1999
Clinical Psychologist
The Children’s Hospital Club Noel
01.1995 - 01.1999
Dialysis Social Work Foundation Practicum - undefined
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Associates Degree - Psychology/Social Work
Stratford Career Institute
College Degree - Licensed Psychologist
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Master of Social Work -
University of Iowa
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