Christy Blazek
Poland,OH
Summary
Dedicated Independent Social Worker well-versed at liaising with clients to foster access to community resources, treatment and assistance programs. Strong background in supporting client treatment plans. Compassionate and driven with unfailing work ethic and passion for helping others.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Social Worker
University Hospital Portage Medical Center
12.2020 - 12.2023
- Enhanced patient outcomes by coordinating care with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and therapists.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by implementing effective discharge planning and connecting clients to appropriate community resources.
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
- Provided patient and family education on available resources and self-care strategies.
- Participated in interdisciplinary care conferences to discuss patient care plans and referrals.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning and follow-up care.
- Assisted patients in accessing housing, financial assistance and other community resources.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing medical, emotional and mental health challenges in hospital setting.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
Program Development/Intake Coordinator
University Hospital Portage Medical Center
10.2016 - 12.2020
- Streamlined intake process by implementing efficient data collection and organization methods.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with timely and accurate information gathering during intake process
- Coordinated interdisciplinary communication for smoother transitions between care providers.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining up-to-date records and documentation.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure patients received appropriate services and resources.
- Developed strong relationships with referral sources, resulting in increased referrals for services provided by organization.
- Contributed to positive work environment through effective teamwork and open communication among colleagues.
- Promoted higher levels of collaboration between departments via regular meetings and clear communication channels.
- Implemented best practices in record-keeping as per organizational standards, ensuring accuracy across all documents.
- Established rapport with patients through empathetic listening skills and providing relevant information regarding their care plans.
- Answered phone calls and provided new clients with required paperwork to initiate service.
- Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
Dual Diagnosis Counselor
Signature Health
09.2012 - 08.2016
- Continued providing chemical dependence and/or mental health services to mandated and self-referred individuals residing in adverse socioeconomic geographic area
- Assisted refinement and enhancement of Intensive Out Patient program (IOP)
- Enhanced client progress by utilizing evidence-based counseling techniques and individualized treatment plans.
- Provided guidance in developing Family Programming in coordination with IOP
- Instrumental in development and execution of Dual Partial Hospitalization Program (DPHP) in order to bridge gap between those in need of residential versus IOP
- Established positive rapport and collaborated with APA, Ashtabula, Conneaut, and surrounding counties courts.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans and modified when needed
- Managed caseload of 45 patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
Counselor/ Family Program Specialist
Meridian Community Care
09.2009 - 08.2011
- Began internship while obtaining Master's degree transitioning to full time substance abuse counselor working in residential setting with all populations in area of substance abuse and mental health counseling.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Maintained confidential, accurate client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and in accordance with federal and state requirements.
- Facilitated individual, family and group counseling targeting wide range of mental, behavioral, socio-economic concerns and provided crisis intervention
- Coordinated services to assure effective communication with treatment team and community referrals.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Instrumental in developing Family Programming, worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH01.2008
Skills
- Establishes excellent rapport with clients of diverse, socio-economic backgrounds
- Experienced in inpatient and outpatient setting
- Experienced with group facilitation, presentation, and program development
- Experienced with Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) program
- Able to manage client crises
- Able to participate in multidisciplinary team approach and work independently
- Excellent team player and community builder
- Excellent organizational skills
- Community Outreach
- Group Therapy
- Psychosocial Assessments
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Individual Counseling
Continued Education Areas
- Grant Writing Seminar Ethics
- Motivational Interviewing I, II
- Medications in Addiction Treatment
- Assessment & Treatment Planning
- Ethics for Social Worker’s
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Addiction & Family
- Bridges Out of Poverty
- EMDR
Timeline
Clinical Social Worker
University Hospital Portage Medical Center
12.2020 - 12.2023
Program Development/Intake Coordinator
University Hospital Portage Medical Center
10.2016 - 12.2020
Dual Diagnosis Counselor
Signature Health
09.2012 - 08.2016
Counselor/ Family Program Specialist
Meridian Community Care
09.2009 - 08.2011
Master of Arts - Social Work
Youngstown State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Youngstown State University
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