Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Benjamin Swartz

Halethorpe,MD

Summary

Compassionate, solutions-oriented worker dedicated to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Articulate and concise communicator successful at overseeing multiple priorities. Proven ability to work autonomously or within teams to perform associated and required tasks of multiple types under stringent deadlines . Highly skilled in client interaction, rapport building, documentation, and clinical coordination. Proficient in the analysis, creation, and implementation of person-centered goals and strategies. Highly organized and detail-oriented. Proven ability to work autonomously or within teams to perform associated and required tasks of multiple types under stringent deadlines.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Benefits Specialist

The Arc Baltimore
Towson, MD
04.2014 - Current
  • Overseeing the maintenance and management of all public benefits held by over 250 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by The ARC Baltimore's residential program.
  • Specializing in rules, regulations and application processes of Social Security disability benefits, Medicaid programs, Temporary Cash Assistance, Section 8 Housing Vouchers and several other public entitlement programs.
  • Working with Service Coordination, the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Individuals and other stakeholders to promote greater services through integration with the Community Pathways Waiver program.
  • Acting as a liaison between The ARC Baltimore the Social Security Administration, the Department of Human Resources, the Baltimore County Housing Authority and various other governmental organizations.
  • Working with counselors, individuals, family and staff to determine the best ways for individuals to utilize funds.
  • Creating and implementing training programs for staff on public benefits and how employment effects individuals with public benefits.
  • Assisting individuals in application process for a variety of entitlement programs.
  • Counseling individuals and families about their benefits and how those benefits can be best maintained.

Social Work Intern

MBP Group Inc.
Columbia, Maryland
08.2019 - 06.2020
  • Provided individualized therapy services under licensed social worker.
  • Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
  • Documented all patient information, treatment plans, and patient responses.
  • Worked with interdisciplinary treatment team to develop treatment plans.
  • Conducted intake interviews to determine best course of treatment for new patients.
  • Determined primary and secondary diagnosis.

Social Work Intern

Baltimore City Public Schools
Baltimore, MD
09.2018 - Current
  • Working with school social worker at Barclay Elementary/Middle school.
  • Meeting with students one-on-one for weekly meetings to discuss ongoing issues, goal development, and specific behavioral issues. 
  • Keeping accurate, descriptive, and timely information regarding all interactions with students and other stakeholders. 
  • Working with the school social worker, teachers, administrators, parents and other stakeholders to determine the best coordination of care for students.
  • Assisting the school social worker in addressing the needs of students in crisis situations. 
  • Helping students to develop new coping mechanisms and techniques for behavior modification.
  • Providing information for students and parents to access community resources for assistance.
  • Coordinated support for clients and family members.                 

Case Manager, Community Service Program

Work Force Solutions - A Division of Humanim
Towson, MD
01.2014 - 01.2014
  • Managed a caseload of up to 30 individuals enrolled in Work Force's Community Service Program.
  • Placed individuals receiving Temporary Cash Assistance in obtaining volunteer opportunities.
  • Assisted in teaching vocational skills to clients through one-on-one counseling, advocacy and group training.
  • Monitored client census by using the Daily Movement Report and recording admissions, discharges, doctor appointments and site visit data.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating treatment plans and connecting clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Developed relationships with local agencies and institutions to advocate for clients needs and work opportunities.

Manager of Vocational Services

Humanim, Inc.
Columbia, MD
01.2013 - 02.2014
  • Oversaw the day-to-day operations of a vocational rehabilitation program employing nine employment consultants serving over 150 consumers diagnosed with severe mental illnesses and disabilities.
  • Oversaw the intake process in order to determine if comumers met the criteria for services. Researched overall trends in supported employment.
  • Trained staff in proper therapeutic techniques in helping consumers find, obtain and maintain employment.
  • Continuously developed staff strengths through direct supervision, field mentoring and monitoring of documentation.
  • Developed and implemented training in proper documentation and goal planning.
  • Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to on-the-job coaching.
  • Measured program outcomes and monitored monthly and annual budgets.
  • Facilitated a smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout their transitions.
  • Involved clients' family members in planning social service programs.
  • Assessed clients' work readiness, made referrals and coached clients on job searches.
  • Streamlined and improved referral program operational processes.


Employment Consultant

Humanim, Inc.
Columbia, MD
06.2012 - 01.2013
  • Worked as a direct service staff member to adults with mental health diagnosis and disabilities entering the workforce.
  • Worked with clients to develop and implement achievable vocational goals.
  • Worked with clients to develop interview skills, job leads, resume writing and other basic skills necessary to enter employment.
  • Assisted in working with clients with on-the-job training and supports.
  • Worked with a treatment team to develop the best rehabilitation plan for all clients served.
  • Interacted and networked with local businesses to develop job opportunities for clients.
  • Acted as an advocate for clients seeking employment.
  • Kept abreast of new and developing information in the mental health field by regularly attending professional conferences and workshops.
  • Presented case history material to review and discussion with other staff members


Benefits Counselor

Way Station, Inc.
Columbia, MD
05.2010 - 06.2012
  • Worked as a direct service staff member to disabled working individuals and disabled workers considering entering the work force.
  • Was able to provide personalized analysis of each client's benefits as well as the effects work would have on those benefits.
  • Researched specifics of benefits programs; including eligibility criteria and specific rules regarding continuation of benefits.
  • Broke down and explained intricate and often difficult concepts for clients both verbally and in writing.
  • Helped clients resolve various issues with governmental agencies (e.g., Social Security Administration, the Department of Social Services) through advice, facilitation, and representation.
  • Helped clients with goal planning and the implementation of those goals.
  • Served as a fill-in facilitator for Way Station Inc.'s Residential Rehabilitation Program.
  • Helped clients with daily living skills and monitoring medications.
  • Attended multiple trainings necessary to act as a Maryland state certified Benefits Counselor, including the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program, a joint enterprise through the Social Security Administration.


Education

Master of Social Work - Clinical And Behavioral Social Work

University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
12.2020

Bachelor of Arts - News and Editorial Journalism

University of Maryland
College Park, MD
05.2009

Associate of Arts - General Studies

Howard Community College

Skills

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively with multi-disciplinary groups
  • Proven detail-oriented writing skills
  • Skilled at prioritizing and working on multiple projects simultaneously, including ability to support multiple team leads
  • Case Management proficiency
  • Skilled in person-centered goal creation and implementation
  • Database management
  • Culturally sensitive
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Client and community outreach

Certification

  • Trained Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC), through the Social Security Administration and Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • Trained Maryland State Benefits Counselor through the Maryland Department of Disabilities.

Timeline

Social Work Intern

MBP Group Inc.
08.2019 - 06.2020

Social Work Intern

Baltimore City Public Schools
09.2018 - Current

Benefits Specialist

The Arc Baltimore
04.2014 - Current

Case Manager, Community Service Program

Work Force Solutions - A Division of Humanim
01.2014 - 01.2014

Manager of Vocational Services

Humanim, Inc.
01.2013 - 02.2014

Employment Consultant

Humanim, Inc.
06.2012 - 01.2013

Benefits Counselor

Way Station, Inc.
05.2010 - 06.2012

Master of Social Work - Clinical And Behavioral Social Work

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Bachelor of Arts - News and Editorial Journalism

University of Maryland

Associate of Arts - General Studies

Howard Community College

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Benjamin Swartz