Immigration Service Officer with 16 months experience working at the Vermont Service Center, at the Business Division. Current assignments include adjudicating immigration forms I-539; B and Others, FMJ and I-765. Also have more than 18 years of positive contribution to the Social Work field. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects and multiple priorities simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Accustomed to complying with government policies and regulations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Immigration Services Officer
USCIS, U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services,
12.2022 - Current
Adjudicate immigration benefits applications in accordance with immigration laws, regulations, precedents and USCIS policies.
Examine and evaluate benefit documents received, determining their authenticity, validity and relevance. Make final determination regarding eligibility for immigration benefits applied for, and write decisions with legal analysis to support decisions.
Enhanced client satisfaction by efficiently processing immigration applications and providing timely updates on case status.
Streamlined application review processes for quicker turnaround times and improved approval rates.
Conducted thorough background checks to maintain security and prevent fraud in the immigration system.
Collaborated with team members to share best practices, ensuring a high level of service for all clients.
SCOPES Sponsorship- Program. Volunteered to sponsor New Employees by helping them transition into their new work environment through mentoring.
Provide support, resources and answer questions the New Employee may have in getting familiarized with their new work environment.
Auditor
Department Of Defense, Office Of Inspector General
02.2022 - 12.2022
Enhanced financial accuracy by conducting thorough audits and identifying discrepancies in financial statements.
Increased internal control effectiveness through diligent evaluation of processes and providing recommendations for improvement.
Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by performing regular audits and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
Streamlined audit processes, improving efficiency and reducing time spent on each audit engagement.
Psychotherapist
Self-employed
04.2017 - 02.2022
Built a thriving private practice providing mental health treatment to individuals, couples and families
Developed personalized treatment plans to address each client''s specific needs, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for patients, resulting in more effective treatment strategies.
Maintained detailed clinical records and documentation, ensuring accurate tracking of client progress and adherence to legal requirements.
Provided crisis intervention services when needed, effectively addressing acute emotional distress and preventing harm to self or others.
Addressed issues related to addiction recovery using motivational interviewing techniques, supporting individuals throughout the process of change.
Deployed implementation guides for evidence-based interventions.
Documented client progress in confidential files.
Worked with clinical psychiatrist and primary care physician to review patient progress and update treatment plans.
Supervisory Social Worker
District Of Columbia Government, CFSA
08.2015 - 04.2017
Managed a team of social workers providing child abuse and neglect investigations.
Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
Supervised interns or junior staff members, providing direction on best practices in social work and contributing to their professional growth as practitioners.
Collaborated with schools to address students'' social-emotional needs, working closely with teachers and administrators to create supportive learning environment.
De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
Clinic Director
Vesta Inc.
08.2013 - 04.2016
Managed a team of clinicians and social workers providing mental health services including community support services for individuals and families.
Oversaw successful accreditation processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Coordinated interdisciplinary teams for seamless delivery of care across various specialties within the clinic setting.
Developed targeted marketing strategies to increase patient volume and grow the practice over time.
Spearheaded quality improvement initiatives, resulting in better patient experiences and outcomes overall.
Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning efforts aimed at long-term growth and sustainability of the clinic facility.
Established strong partnerships with referring physicians in order to streamline referrals between practices leading to enhanced coordination of care
Attended regular meetings with hospital administrators to discuss clinic operations and policies.
Social Worker
Vesta Inc.
08.2012 - 08.2013
Managed a caseload of about 25 patients seeking mental health treatment at the clinic
Completed comprehensive assessment, treatment plans and progress reports.
Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
Provided crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute mental health or substance abuse issues.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
Community Support Worker
Community Connections Inc.
03.2007 - 08.2012
Managed a Caseload of about thirty clients seeking community support services.
Assisted clients in achieving greater independence, fostering a sense of empowerment through guidance and encouragement.
Developed personalized care plans, addressing each client''s unique needs and goals for improved quality of life.
Connected clients with appropriate community resources, effectively navigating complex systems on their behalf.
Conducted thorough assessments to identify areas of need, devising targeted interventions for maximum impact.
Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
Community Support Worker
Green Door
07.2006 - Current
Managed a case load of about thirty clients seeking community support services.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless delivery of community support services and optimal client outcomes.
Facilitated group sessions focused on skill-building activities, promoting social engagement and personal growth among participants.
Connected clients with appropriate community resources, effectively navigating complex systems on their behalf.
Maintained accurate case records to track progress, sharing relevant updates with supervisory staff and stakeholders as needed.
Provided crisis intervention support when needed, deescalating situations while prioritizing the safety of all involved parties.
Offered compassionate care during transitional periods such as housing changes or medical emergencies, providing stability amid uncertainty.
Education
Accounting Certificate - Accounting
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD
05.2022
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Washington University in St Louis
St Louis, MO
05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Ghana
Accra, Ghana
05.2002
Skills
Immigration Law Knowledge
Government regulatory compliance
Interview techniques
Security awareness
Problem-Solving
Decision-Making
Leadership
Excellent Written Communication
Certification
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Certified - Maryland
Licensed Independent Social Worker - District of Columbia
Timeline
Immigration Services Officer
USCIS, U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services,
12.2022 - Current
Auditor
Department Of Defense, Office Of Inspector General
General Clerk at USCIS, U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services, Stennis SpaceGeneral Clerk at USCIS, U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services, Stennis Space