Erin Karkis
St. Cloud
Summary
Dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience serving veterans, hospice patients, and their families. Skilled in VA and community resources, crisis intervention, and effective case management. Eager to advance my skills and knowledge, while continuing to contribute to a team-driven environment that provides exceptional care to the veterans and their families.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - PACT
Orlando VA Medical Center
Orlando, FL
10.2022 - Current
- Complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments with veterans and their families to identify needs, stressors, and barriers to care. Provide information and referrals for available resources to promote independence and overall well-being.
- Increasing access to care through interventions focused on housing, financial assistance, food insecurities, transportation, and long term supportive services.
- Provide support to caregivers to alleviate caregiver burnout by educating on the Caregiver Support Program, in home services to assist with ADL care, and Respite services.
- Offer education on long-term care options including assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Place referrals as requested by veterans and their families, and collaborate with facility staff to ensure a coordinated and efficient plan of care.
- Discuss the importance of advance care planning and provide education and assistance to complete Durable Power of Attorney and Living Will documents for healthcare decisions.
- Assess suicide risk and apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to effectively manage crisis situations.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to create a patient-centered treatment plan.
Hospice Social Worker
Vitas Healthcare
Orlando, FL
02.2020 - 10.2022
- Performed psychosocial assessments with patients and families, providing education on advance care planning and DNR's.
- Provided emotional support and community services to the patient/family, and assisted with long term placement and respite.
- Worked with interdisciplinary team to evaluate and execute the plan of care most appropriate for patients.
- Completed suicide assessments, and assisted in creating a safety plan if appropriate.
- Provided bereavement support and assisted in contacted the funeral home once a patient passes away.
Clinical Social Work Intern
Orlando VA Medical Center
Orlando, FL
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Educated veterans and their families on available VA resources and community programs to ensure they could access the appropriate services based upon their needs.
- Documented all interactions and appointments promptly, ensuring accurate and detailed records were maintained in accordance with VA policies.
- Evaluated veteran's psychosocial needs, identifying key areas for support and ensuring timely follow up to address their challenges.
Social Work Intern
Econ River High School
Orlando, FL
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments for all incoming students, identifying emotional and economic concerns, and provided targeted referrals to external agencies for supportive services.
- Managed crisis intervention for students facing academic, emotional, or personal challenges, offering psychosocial support and resources.
- Co-facilitated an 8-week Smoking Cessation group, delivering educational content to 15+ students, contributing positive behavioral changes and health outcomes.
Victim Advocate
Osceola County State Attorney's Office
Kissimmee, FL
08.2011 - 08.2017
- Applied crisis intervention skills to support victims of violent felonies, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and families of homicide victims, providing emotional stabilization and long-term recovery strategies.
- Prepared victims for trial testimony by offering ongoing emotional support, and advocacy throughout the judicial process, ensuring they felt empowered and informed.
- Led Domestic Violence Awareness classes, educating and empowering 50+ victims annually with tools and resources to navigate safety planning, legal options, and community support.
Education
Master's in Social Work -
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL08-2019
Bachelor's of Science - Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL08-2011
Skills
- Psychosocial Assessment
- Crisis Intervention
- Effective communication
- Critical Thinking
- Case Management
- Multicultural Competence
- Time Management
- Ethical Practice
Timeline
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - PACT
Orlando VA Medical Center
10.2022 - Current
Hospice Social Worker
Vitas Healthcare
02.2020 - 10.2022
Clinical Social Work Intern
Orlando VA Medical Center
08.2018 - 08.2019
Social Work Intern
Econ River High School
08.2017 - 08.2018
Victim Advocate
Osceola County State Attorney's Office
08.2011 - 08.2017
Bachelor's of Science - Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice
University of Central Florida
Master's in Social Work -
University of Central Florida
AWARDS
VA CCICM Social Work Lead Coordinator of the Quarter – FY 2026, Quarter 2, 05/2026
Certificate of Excellence - Care Coordination and Integrated Case Management (CCICM)