Cara La Gala
Port Jefferson,NY
Summary
Dynamic social work intern professional with hands-on experience at New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, excelling in case management and client advocacy. Proven ability to foster team collaboration and facilitate effective communication, enhancing client outcomes. Skilled in resource coordination and crisis response, committed to ethical practices and empowering individuals through tailored support strategies.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Work Intern
New York Cancer And Blood Specialists
Port Jefferson Station, 11776
09.2024 - Current
- Prepared and presented case studies to peers and supervisors for review and feedback.
- Attended weekly team meetings with supervisors to discuss cases and review best practices.
- Adhered to professional standards and ethical practices in all client interactions.
- Assisted elderly people living alone by connecting them with homecare services like meal delivery programs or transportation options.
- Observed, conducted initial intake interviews to assess client needs and goals.
- Complied with HIPAA and confidentiality regulations when communicating with client family members, colleagues, and external contacts.
- Conducted assessments of clients' needs, identified resources, and referred them to appropriate services.
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
- Maintained confidential case documentation.
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
Patient Navigator
New York Cancer And Blood Specialists
New York, 11953
10.2021 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of patient interactions and outcomes in electronic health record systems.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, specialists, nurses, social workers, insurance companies, and employers.
- Documented patient information in appropriate systems to guarantee care coordination throughout the patient care continuum.
Social Work Intern
Bellport Outreach
Bellport, NY
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations while conducting activities with the team.
- Encouraged participation and provided focus and guidance for discussions within group.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration among disputants using mediation methods.
- Facilitated weekly sessions in community using designated curriculum.
- Developed and implemented group activities to encourage team building and communication skills.
- Gathered data regarding participant's opinions and reactions during activities conducted with the group.
- Created an environment that is conducive to open dialogue between all members of the group.
- Participated in conferences, trainings and meetings related to areas of assigned responsibility.
- Encouraged clients to develop mutual support networks outside of support groups.
- Updated attendance records of participants in group sessions and workshops.
- Supported individuals within the group who were struggling emotionally or psychologically.
- Encouraged participation from all members through effective facilitation techniques.
Medical Receptionist
Stony Brook Opthalmology
East Setauket, NY
07.2008 - 10.2021
- Performed data entry tasks related to billing and collections procedures.
- Verified insurance coverage for appointments and collected co-payments as required.
- Assisted with filing of medical records and documents, maintaining accurate electronic files.
- Scheduled patient appointments, verifying accuracy of appointment times with providers.
- Carried out daily tasks by professionally communicating with physicians, nursing staff, technicians and medical assistants.
- Compiled and coded patient information or data in appropriate computer system.
- Took messages from patients and promptly relayed to appropriate staff.
- Processed referrals for specialist care when requested by physicians or patients.
- Answered phones promptly and directed calls appropriately.
- Checked patients in and out for appointments and collected co-payments.
- Straightened up waiting room to maintain neat and organized space.
- Protected patients by observing strict HIPAA guidelines.
- Answered incoming calls, responding to inquiries from patients and other medical offices.
- Ordered office supplies as needed to maintain inventory levels.
- Greeted patients, determined purpose of visit and directed to appropriate staff.
- Prepared charts for new patients, ensuring all necessary forms were completed correctly.
- Entered insurance, demographics and health history into patient database.
- Answered multi-line phone system and directed callers to requested personnel and departments.
Supervisior
Starbucks
Stony Brook, NY
03.2005 - 07.2008
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy of workflows.
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Complied with company policies, objectives and communication goals.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Responded to customer questions regarding products, prices, and availability.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Fostered a positive and motivating work environment, leading to an increase in team morale.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Warranty Claims Adminstrator
Mitsubishi
Saint James, NY
09.2001 - 01.2005
- Assisted with reviewing and reconciling payroll data, including timesheets, deductions, and other related information.
- Reviewed and processed insurance claims for accuracy and completeness.
- Processed incoming claims, including data entry into the system.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Saint Joseph's University
Patchogue, NY05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Psychology
Saint Joseph's Colledge
Patchogue05-2022
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Suffolk County Community College
Selden, NY05-2020
Skills
- Case management
- Active listening
- Group facilitation
- Resource coordination
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Client Advocacy
- Professional ethics
- Self-care strategies
- Records management
- Records maintenance
- Crisis response
- Client rights advocacy
- Substance abuse counseling
- Community resources
- Client assessment
- Individual counseling
- Needs assessment
- Motivational interviewing
- Teamwork
- Self-motivation
- Substance abuse prevention
- Patient-centered care
- Coping Mechanism Development
Certification
- Psychological first aid training
Timeline
Social Work Intern
New York Cancer And Blood Specialists
09.2024 - Current
Social Work Intern
Bellport Outreach
10.2023 - 05.2024
Patient Navigator
New York Cancer And Blood Specialists
10.2021 - Current
Medical Receptionist
Stony Brook Opthalmology
07.2008 - 10.2021
Supervisior
Starbucks
03.2005 - 07.2008
Warranty Claims Adminstrator
Mitsubishi
09.2001 - 01.2005
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Saint Joseph's University
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Psychology
Saint Joseph's Colledge
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Suffolk County Community College
Similar Profiles
Wendy AragonWendy Aragon
Reception Specialist at New York Cancer And Blood SpecialistsReception Specialist at New York Cancer And Blood Specialists
Luisa GonzalezLuisa Gonzalez
Phlebotomist at New York Cancer And Blood SpecialistsPhlebotomist at New York Cancer And Blood Specialists
Ashley SanchezAshley Sanchez
Laboratory Quality Assurance Associate at New York Cancer And Blood SpecialistsLaboratory Quality Assurance Associate at New York Cancer And Blood Specialists