Audra Phalen
Arlington,VA
Summary
Experienced social worker specializing in compassionate in-home care for aging adults. Skilled in case management, treatment planning, and discharge planning for individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Demonstrates extensive knowledge of community-based mental health services and community resources, including the criminal justice system. Exceptional at collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and efficiently coordinating care. Possesses strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Care Professional
Home Instead
02.2022 - Current
- Demonstrate patience, empathy, and understanding when dealing with individuals and their family members experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss
- Engage clients in meaningful activities such as reading, puzzles, crafts, or outings to promote mental stimulation
- Provide companionship and emotional support to alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Document daily observations including changes in behavior or health conditions
- Provide respite care for family caregivers, allowing them time for self-care and personal responsibilities
- Advocate for clients' rights and ensured they received respectful treatment from others
Desk/Play Lounge Provider
Barre3 Clarendon (closed due to COVID)
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Greeted and checked-in clients, ensuring a positive first impression and providing exceptional customer service
- Assisted with client inquiries, resolving issues promptly and efficiently to ensure guest satisfaction
- Cared for children (typically aged 6 months- 3 years old) in nurturing and age-appropriate ways and used positive reinforcement techniques to promote patience and other healthy behaviors in children.
Social Work Supervisor
Fairfax County Community Services Board
09.2010 - 08.2014
- Supervised a team of case managers, nurse, discharge planner and a peer support specialist for Jail Diversion Program and Intensive Community Treatment Teams
- Led daily team meetings to discuss cases, provide guidance and support, share best practices, and address any challenges or concerns and provided weekly supervision
- Provided crisis intervention, guidance and supportive counseling
- Ensured compliance with all relevant agency, state and federal laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines
- Cultivated positive, trusting relationships with individuals and community providers to promote effective coordination of services.
Forensic Discharge Planner
Fairfax County Community Services Board
09.2008 - 09.2010
- Developed individualized discharge plans for clients in forensic state hospitals and local detention centers based on thorough assessments and evaluations
- Advocated for clients' rights and needs within the community, ensuring access to necessary support systems
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, treatment plans, and case management activities
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate services and resources for clients in need.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Virginia Commonwealth University
Arlington, VA08-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Albany University
Albany, NY05-1998
Skills
- Case management
- Treatment and discharge planning
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management Abilities
- Community Outreach
- Positive Attitude and Patient
- Interpersonal Communication
- Care Coordination
- Interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Follow-up skills
- Case Documentation
Volunteer Work
- Jamestown Elementary School: PTA Newsletter Editor, 2022 - Current
- Jamestown Elementary School: PTA Yearbook Committee, 2021- Current
- Arlington Medical Reserve Corp (MRC): Support at various COVID-19 clinics, 2021
- St. Charles Preschool: Room Parent, 2016-2018
- Northern Virginia Parents of Multiples (NVPOM): Mentor, Parents Social Committee and Consignment Sale Committee, 2014- 2020
Timeline
Care Professional
Home Instead
02.2022 - Current
Desk/Play Lounge Provider
Barre3 Clarendon (closed due to COVID)
09.2019 - 03.2020
Social Work Supervisor
Fairfax County Community Services Board
09.2010 - 08.2014
Forensic Discharge Planner
Fairfax County Community Services Board
09.2008 - 09.2010
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Albany University
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