Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Listening to True Crime podcasts, reading through the Bible in a year, playing with 3 Tuxedo kitties
Timeline
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Deb Ford

Springfield,MO

Summary

Compassionate Hospital Social Work with comprehensive knowledge of social service programs and community resources. Skilled at identifying needs and developing effective plans of action to provide intervention and assistance. Possesses strong adaptable, interpersonal and communication skills. Excels in demonstrating empathy and care for patients and their families and assists them as they navigate the complexities of hospital and outpatient care.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Hospital Social Worker

CoxHealth Hospital
05.2015 - Current
  • Safeguarded patient rights, maintaining strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring accurate representation of patient progress.
  • Established strong rapport with patients and families through empathy, active listening, and clear communication skills.
  • Advocated for patients to secure necessary resources and services during hospitalization and postdischarge.
  • Educated patients and families on available community resources, promoting self-sufficiency and autonomy.
  • Documented case notes daily and coordinated follow-up for seamless case management.

Family Advocate

Isabel's House
01.2014 - 04.2015
  • Empowered families by providing them with tools and resources needed to make informed decisions about their futures.
  • Identified available community resources and programs for families in an acute on chronic crisis.
  • Enhanced family support by conducting thorough assessments and identifying specific needs.
  • Built trusting relationships with clients through active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity during interactions at work or home visits.

Child Abuse Investigator

Missouri Children's Division - 39th Circuit
01.2003 - 01.2014
  • Enhanced child safety by conducting thorough investigations of abuse allegations.
  • Demonstrated empathy towards affected families while maintaining professional boundaries, ensuring a fair and unbiased approach to investigations.
  • Testified in court proceedings effectively, contributing to the successful prosecution of abusers.
  • Mentored new investigators, guiding them through complex cases and procedures while providing valuable insights on best practices.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement and social service agencies to ensure the wellbeing of at-risk children.
  • Prioritized high-risk cases for immediate intervention, protecting vulnerable children from further harm.

Education

Bachelors in Social Work - Social Work

Southwest Missouri State University - MSU
Springfield, MO
05.2003

Skills

  • Healthcare Navigation
  • Community Resources
  • Family Support
  • Child Welfare
  • Domestic Violence Intervention
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Networking with staff
  • Substance Abuse Counseling

Listening to True Crime podcasts, reading through the Bible in a year, playing with 3 Tuxedo kitties

I support Crime Junkie podcast monthly.  Part of my monthly support goes toward their non-profit called Season of Justice.  By supporting that non-profit, they are able to provide monies for under-resourced agencies to pay for costly DNA testing resulting in closure for many current and cold-case investigations.  It speaks to my desire to see Justice in this unjust world.  

Timeline

Hospital Social Worker

CoxHealth Hospital
05.2015 - Current

Family Advocate

Isabel's House
01.2014 - 04.2015

Child Abuse Investigator

Missouri Children's Division - 39th Circuit
01.2003 - 01.2014

Bachelors in Social Work - Social Work

Southwest Missouri State University - MSU
Deb Ford