Desiree Southerland
Beaverton
Summary
Case Manager with extensive experience at Multnomah County Disability Services, specializing in multi-care coordination and client advocacy. Proficient in creating customized support plans and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet complex client needs. Successfully manages high caseloads while maintaining quality care and service delivery for vulnerable populations. Demonstrates strong clinical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle emergent cases effectively.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Case Manager 2
Multnomah County Disability Services
Portland
11.2021 - Current
- Managed high caseload of families with complex needs through effective coordination and collaboration with external organizations.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of evolving policies related to housing, group homes, and funding processes.
Assisted families in obtaining Disability Support Programs and Personal Support Workers.
Educated families on available services offered through IDDS, ensuring comprehensive understanding.
Guided families through assessment processes, addressing expectations when entering services.
Developed crisis intervention strategies and safety plans tailored to individual family needs.
Facilitated transitions from Home and Community-Based Services to Adult Division support.
Collaborated with IDDS team members to identify barriers and enhance service delivery. - Assessed client needs and developed tailored support plans.
- Coordinated services with healthcare providers and community organizations.
- Facilitated meetings to discuss case updates with multidisciplinary teams.
- Educated clients on available resources and disability rights.
- Maintained accurate and detailed case records in compliance with regulations.
- Advocated for clients in accessing necessary services and benefits.
- Collaborated with family members to enhance client support systems.
- Provided case management services including intake, assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, referral and monitoring of families.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up contacts.
- Assessed clients' needs, developed service plans and monitored progress towards goals.
- Counseled clients on available resources within the community that could help meet their needs.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, caregivers, social services and other agencies to ensure client needs were met.
- Developed trusting relationships with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies.
- Compiled reports on cases and submitted them to supervisors as required.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety of living environments for clients.
- Linked clients with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies to help claim or reclaim individual autonomy.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment options.
- Assisted individuals with eligibility for available benefits.
- Assisted with applications for government benefits such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance.
- Communicated with legal services providers, social services agencies, and local judicial systems regarding cases.
- Educated clients and their families about their rights and available community resources.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely documentation and reporting.
- Conducted initial assessments to determine client eligibility for programs and services.
- Utilized case management software and databases for efficient information tracking.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources and service providers.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals and developing action plans.
- Identified barriers to client success and developed strategies to overcome them.
Clinical Care Coordinator
Providence Children’s Development Institute
Portland
06.2017 - 05.2021
- Coordinated patient care and needs during and post office visits, ensuring comprehensive support.
- Facilitated collaboration with external organizations, including WRAP services, DD/SSI, LCSWs, and DHS.
- Conducted phone consultations for patients undergoing evaluations in specialty clinics.
- Obtained detailed family histories for School Age Clinic and Early Development Team assessments.
- Managed referrals for external services such as ABA therapy and authorization of psych medications through DHS.
- Streamlined communication between families and mental health service providers to enhance care delivery.
- Engaged with school services to support children with IFPS/IEP and mental health requirements.
- Coordinated care plans for patients with developmental needs and disabilities.
- Facilitated communication between families and multidisciplinary care teams.
- Organized patient assessments and follow-up appointments for ongoing care.
- Managed documentation of patient progress and treatment plans in electronic systems.
- Educated families on available resources and support services for their children.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care delivery.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings by providing input into the development of individualized service plans for each client served.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses and therapists to coordinate optimal patient care outcomes.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments for upcoming tests or procedures.
Direct Support Professional
Albertina Kerr
Hillsboro
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Provided care for children with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities in residential settings.
Coordinated care plans with behavioral case workers and service providers.
Executed Behavioral Support Plans and Individual Support Plans to ensure tailored support.
Facilitated collaboration with external organizations to enhance service delivery. - Supported individuals with daily living activities and personal care tasks.
- Facilitated communication between clients and healthcare professionals.
- Assisted clients in developing social skills and community engagement.
- Monitored client behavior and reported changes to the care team.
- Encouraged participation in recreational and therapeutic activities.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and incidents.
- Accompanied individuals on outings to promote independence and integration into the community.
- Developed relationships with families of those receiving services to ensure continuity of care.
- Organized oral medications for clients following dosage and schedule requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology And Human Development
Warner Pacific University
Portland, OR06-2022
Associates - Applied Science
Everest College
Portland, OR06-2006
Skills
- Multi-care coordination
- Prioritization of patient needs
- Team collaboration strategies
- Verbal and written communication
- Medication management collaboration
- Partnership with DHS
- Collaboration with DD
- Engagement with LCSW
- Coordination with county services
- Case management
- Service coordination
- Needs assessment
- Client advocacy
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Relationship building
- Problem solving
- Empathetic listening
- Time management
- Vulnerable population awareness
Timeline
Case Manager 2
Multnomah County Disability Services
11.2021 - Current
Clinical Care Coordinator
Providence Children’s Development Institute
06.2017 - 05.2021
Direct Support Professional
Albertina Kerr
01.2012 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Psychology And Human Development
Warner Pacific University
Associates - Applied Science
Everest College