Debbie Bowen
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated 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
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Renal Social Worker
Fresenius Medical Care
03.2020 - Current
- Support and assist with transportation needs to and from dialysis treatment.
- Provide ongoing education to patient/family regarding psychosocial issues related to end stage renal disease (ESRD) and all support services that are available.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings for cohesive patient care, ensuring all medical professionals were informed of patients'' progress and concerns.
- Advocated on behalf of vulnerable populations within the nephrology sphere, working towards equitable access to care and resources.
- Provided ongoing counseling to help patients deal with conditions and processes
- Managed caseload to satisfy multiple patients with diverse needs.
- Coordinated transplant evaluations for eligible patients, streamlining the process and expediting access to life-saving treatments.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through consistent communication and empathetic support throughout the treatment process.
Child Welfare Worker
Volunteers Of America
03.1992 - 03.2000
- Improved foster child placement success by conducting thorough assessments and creating personalized care plans.
- Effectively managed high caseloads while adhering to strict timelines for documentation submission and reporting requirements set forth by state regulations.
- Advocated for foster children by facilitating access to community resources and services to maximize safety and well-being of child.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners such as schools, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals to better support client needs.
- Reduced instances of placement disruptions by providing ongoing support to foster families through education on trauma-informed care strategies.
- Streamlined case management process, resulting in more efficient service delivery to foster families and children in need.
- Enhanced communication between foster families and agency by maintaining regular contact through phone calls, emails, and visits.
- Ensured safety and wellbeing of children in foster care by conducting regular home visits and inspections.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Facilitated successful reunifications of children with their biological parents or alternative long-term placements through diligent case monitoring and comprehensive support services.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Promoted positive relationships between birth parents and foster caregivers through mediation efforts during scheduled visitations.
- Provided transportation for children and parents to and from visits and court.
Mental Health Case Manager
Bobby E Wright Mental Health Center
01.1987 - 03.1992
- Coordinated care transitions between different levels of care, ensuring seamless continuity of services for clients during critical periods in their recovery journey.
- Organized client-centered events such as workshops and support groups aimed at promoting self-care techniques or enhancing social skills.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
- Advocated on behalf of clients to ensure they received the necessary accommodations at work or school settings to facilitate success despite challenges faced due to mental health issues.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Promoted a culture of self-care among colleagues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal wellbeing to provide optimal support for clients.
- Managed caseloads effectively, prioritizing urgent cases and ensuring timely followups.
- Educated families about mental health conditions, helping them understand their loved one''s needs and supporting them throughout the treatment process.
- Monitored client progress through regular evaluations, adjusting treatment plans as needed for optimal results.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Maintained open lines of communication with other healthcare professionals involved in a client''s care plan, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment.
- Prepared reports to summarize clients' mental health status and treatment progress.
Education
Master of Science - Mater of Social Work
Jane Addams School of Social Work
Chicago, IL05.1998
Bachelor of Arts - History And Political Science
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC05.1982
Skills
- Psychosocial Assessments
- Grief support
- Crisis Intervention
- Medical social work
- Mental health counseling
- Case Management
- Medicaid knowledge
- Follow-up care
- Patient Evaluation
- Assessing needs
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Social history intake procedures
Timeline
Renal Social Worker
Fresenius Medical Care
03.2020 - Current
Child Welfare Worker
Volunteers Of America
03.1992 - 03.2000
Mental Health Case Manager
Bobby E Wright Mental Health Center
01.1987 - 03.1992
Master of Science - Mater of Social Work
Jane Addams School of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts - History And Political Science
Livingstone College