Demetres Calhoun
Summary
Social worker with over three years of experience providing case management, psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and care coordination services to vulnerable veterans within the HUD-VASH program at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System. Skilled in conducting mental health and suicide risk screenings, coordinating interdisciplinary and community-based services, and supporting veterans experiencing complex psychosocial, housing, substance use, and mental health challenges, including PTSD, depressive disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Experienced in collaborating with VA programs, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams to facilitate timely access to care, promote treatment engagement, and support recovery-oriented, trauma-informed services. Dedicated to improving veteran wellness, psychosocial functioning, and long-term stability through compassionate, veteran-centered care.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
HUD VASH SOCIAL WORKER
VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Long Beach, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial interviews and housing-readiness evaluations for veterans and households, identifying barriers to stability and treatment engagement.
- Developed and monitored individualized housing stability and case management plans, integrating clinical treatment when necessary.
- Provided intensive case management and supportive services for veterans transitioning from homelessness to HUD-VASH permanent supportive housing, ensuring compliance with leases and crisis intervention.
- Utilized evidence-based modalities for psychosocial and clinical interventions, linking veterans to VA mental health and substance use treatment as needed.
- Coordinated referrals to VA medical centers, behavioral health teams, vocational programs, and community-based services to implement effective housing plans.
- Acted as primary case manager within multidisciplinary teams, advocating for veterans' needs to improve health outcomes and maintain housing stability.
- Facilitated landlord outreach and mediation, educating on HUD-VASH processes and negotiating tenancy issues for veterans with disabilities.
- Maintained accurate documentation in HUD/VA systems, ensuring compliance with standards and reporting requirements.
ADJUNCT COUNSELOR
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Los Angeles, CA
03.2016 - 07.2024
- Provide academic, career, and personal counseling services to new and continuing students.
- Assist students with clarifying goals and developing student educational plans.
- Refer students to appropriate campus and community resources.
- Advocate for a culturally diverse student population to ensure that social, developmental, and academic needs are met.
- Participate in ongoing professional development.
- Utilize computer technology as a tool in delivering online counseling services.
- Examined and explored current topics and presented effective presentations to groups of up to 50 at-risk students.
- Coordinated with faculty and staff to aid in the resolution of academic problems.
- Collaborated with counseling faculty to implement academic plans and programs to increase GPAs and retention for probationary students.
FINANCIAL AID TECHNICIAN
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Los Angeles, CA
04.2002 - 12.2022
- Supervise and participate in a myriad of Federal Student Financial Aid programs to assist students who are disadvantaged to pursue their educational goals at the Los Angeles Trade- Technical College campus.
- Provided one-on-one counseling to students regarding financial aid program options and requirements.
- Gave workshop and other group presentations to inform students of options and educate on financial aid process.
- Demonstrated understanding of and adherence to federal and state regulations for financial aid.
- Assisted students in understanding academic application processes, admissions requirements and financial aid options.
- Listened carefully to customer complaints and swiftly resolved issues by taking appropriate action.
- Attend federal and state seminars, conferences, workshops and training sessions to learns new and updated state and federal laws pertaining to student financial aid programs.
- Provide training to financial aid assistants and student workers.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Azusa Pacific University
2014
Bachelor of Arts - Ethnic Studies
California State University - East Bay
Hayward, CA2000
Skills
- Psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention
- Case management and service navigation
- Suicide prevention and safety planning
- Interdisciplinary care coordination
- Veteran advocacy and collaboration
- Consultation on mental health needs
- Trauma-informed care for co-occurring disorders
- Electronic medical record compliance
- Recovery-oriented counseling and education
Certification
• Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW) - Nevada, 1/31/27
• Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) - California 5/31/26
• Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW) - Iowa 12/31/26
• Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) - California 5/31/26
• Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW) - Iowa 12/31/26
Timeline
HUD VASH SOCIAL WORKER
VA Long Beach Healthcare System
01.2023 - Current
ADJUNCT COUNSELOR
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
03.2016 - 07.2024
FINANCIAL AID TECHNICIAN
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
04.2002 - 12.2022
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Azusa Pacific University
Bachelor of Arts - Ethnic Studies
California State University - East Bay