Elizabeth Martinez
Monee,IL
Summary
Dynamic Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, excelling in trauma-informed care and crisis management. Proven track record in enhancing documentation accuracy and compliance, while utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to achieve significant improvements in patient outcomes. Skilled in telehealth platforms and staff supervision. Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care. Proven ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Independent Contractor)
Familias Unidas Counseling Center
10.2025 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive mental-health evaluations for immigration, hardship, and bariatric cases via telehealth.
- Deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive assessments in both English and Spanish.
- Prepare detailed psychosocial reports used in legal and medical determinations.
- Maintain HIPAA compliance and uphold quality-assurance standards in all documentation.
- Collaborate with legal and medical partners to ensure timely, defensible clinical evaluations.
Telehealth Therapist (Independent Contractor)
Vida Medical, Talkspace & BetterHelp
08.2021 - Current
- Provide virtual psychotherapy using evidence-based modalities to treat anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Maintain accurate, ethical documentation and collaborate with platform administrators to ensure continuity of care.
Director
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Vet Center
Chicago Heights, USA
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Directed behavioral-health operations and budgets for a multidisciplinary team of 12 full-time clinicians and administrative staff.
- Developed and managed the facility budget by analyzing program needs, forecasting resources, and ensuring appropriate allocation and utilization of funds.
- Partnered with VA contracting specialists to draft, award, and oversee service and materials contracts in compliance with federal procurement standards.
- Oversaw quality-assurance and compliance processes, auditing 10% of clinician caseloads monthly to ensure documentation accuracy and ethical practice.
- Conducted data-driven analyses on service utilization and resource allocation to guide program expansion and policy updates.
- Developed procedural updates to improve documentation standards, intra/interagency communication, and ethical care delivery.
- Managed data collection, quarterly reporting, and fiscal tracking aligned with federal and district-level auditing requirements.
- Collaborated with hospitals, housing providers, and external agencies to ensure smooth transitions of care and reduce risk of decompensation.
- Provided interim clinical coverage for a second VA Vet Center over a five-month period, ensuring seamless operations, supervision continuity, and adherence to quality standards.
- Led training and performance reviews to strengthen compliance, accountability, and clinical quality across all program areas.
- Improved documentation accuracy and compliance by 20% through procedural updates and monthly QA audits.
- Led fiscal restructuring that optimized resource allocation, maintaining 100% federal compliance in quarterly budget reviews.
- Enhanced staff accountability and productivity through targeted training, resulting in measurable quality improvements.
- Strengthened interagency collaboration, reducing post-discharge service delays and improving care continuity outcomes.
Clinical Social Worker
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Walla Walla, USA
07.2019 - 01.2023
- Provided psychotherapy to veterans with a wide range of mental health issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Utilized evidence-based interventions such as CBT and grounding techniques, and worked collaboratively with veterans to develop personalized treatment plans.
- Delivered therapy via face-to-face, telephone, and video telehealth formats.
- Maintained detailed and confidential records of patient progress, ensuring compliance with documentation standards.
- Worked with interdisciplinary teams to enhance veteran outcomes and ensure comprehensive care.
Social Worker II
Elgin Mental Health Center
Elgin, USA
10.2014 - 07.2019
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations and assessments for individuals involved in the Forensic Treatment Program, including those with mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders.
- Prepared court reports and developed treatment plans for patients found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) and Unfit to Stand Trial (UST).
- Led active treatment groups and provided individual counseling to patients, strengthening their community support systems.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure effective treatment and create aftercare plans for patients.
Certified Human Services Caseworker
Illinois Department of Human Services
Melrose Park, USA
04.2007 - 10.2014
- Assessed client eligibility for public assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
- Identified barriers to self-sufficiency and facilitated referrals to appropriate community service providers.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2006
Skills
- Motivational Interviewing
- SMART Goal Setting
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
- Grounding Techniques
- Mindfulness
- Telehealth Platforms
- Cloud-based solutions
- Computerized Patient Record Systems
- Staff Supervision
- Program Design
- Crisis Management
- Budget Management
Professional Development And Training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression, 2020, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, 2021, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Strength at Home Program - Clinician Training, 2021, Department of Veterans Affairs
- EMDR Certification Training To start January 2026
Personal Information
Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensing And Certifications
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), 149.020387, Illinois, Current, 11/01/27
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), 34010030A, Indiana, Current, 04/01/26
Profile
Psychology Today Profile
Timeline
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Independent Contractor)
Familias Unidas Counseling Center
10.2025 - Current
Director
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Vet Center
01.2023 - 10.2024
Telehealth Therapist (Independent Contractor)
Vida Medical, Talkspace & BetterHelp
08.2021 - Current
Clinical Social Worker
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
07.2019 - 01.2023
Social Worker II
Elgin Mental Health Center
10.2014 - 07.2019
Certified Human Services Caseworker
Illinois Department of Human Services
04.2007 - 10.2014
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Illinois At Chicago
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Loyola University Chicago