Heather Garcia
Case Manager
Waukesha,WI
Summary
Well-educated, seaspnedindividual with data integrity and client education talents. Offering case management expertise quickly building trust and rapport with clients from diverse cultures. Diligent Caseworker with background spent assisting individuals and providing effective follow-up. Self-starter promoting over 15 years recommending services and options that help them find relief. Maintains undeniable composure in stressful situations. Responsibilities may include executing rental contracts and/or leases; managing waiting lists for housing programs; providing assistance to applicants, staff, and others; and reviewing eligibility for housing programs. Managed waiting lists for housing program to ensure proper service delivery to eligible individuals through motivational interviewing. Highly-motivated with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Supervision Case Worker
Wisconsin Community Services
Waukesha, WI
04.2023 - Current
- Followed strict policies and procedures to maintain client confidentiality and keep data private.
- Met with clients to conduct needs assessments, recommending appropriate support and service offerings.
- Conducted intake interviews and bio-psycho-social assessments to determine clients' eligibility and suitability for program.
- Evaluated clients and formulated individualized service plans outlining short-term and long-term goals.
- Coordinated case management functions through placement monitoring, crisis intervention and discharge planning.
- Collected and reviewed supplementary records to better understand patient history.
- Evaluated and addressed individual client needs and concerns.
- Composed or prepared correspondence, case notes and narratives with computer-based applications.
- Encouraged and motivated clients to develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
- Maintained and developed community relationships to support various client referrals.
- Improved outcomes and successes by utilizing multidisciplinary risk identification and management in care planning.
- Collaborated with state agencies and benefits coordinators to develop individualized plans for each case.
- Implemented and formulated tailored treatment plans with needs evaluation and patient psychosocial functioning.
Housing Specialist
Mindstar Counseling
Wauwatosa, WI
08.2020 - 04.2023
- Assisted clients with permanent housing transitions.
- Verified assets and income for applicants.
- Educated clients on lease and rental agreements.
- Communicated with housing managers and rental agencies on behalf of clients.
- Found affordable housing options for over 200 people and families.
- Maintained residential tenancy agreements for renewal or termination following program guidelines.
- Implemented property inspection procedures to maintain compliance with housing codes.
- Performed statistical collection to track tenant communication and applicant data.
- Investigated key breaches of tenancy contracts.
- Reviewed physical structures for unusual deterioration or mismanagement to report to facilities and operations management.
- Maintained accurate records and documented client data in company databases.
- Collaborated with social workers to support patients.
- Guided clients through transition to independent living within community.
- Made referrals to utilize community resources for resident's needs.
- Performed assessments to determine individual limitations and strengths.
- Answered questions and responded to inquiries to deliver high level of service to patients.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with patients by successfully resolving issues and responding promptly to phone inquiries.
- Discussed available program services with potential participants and outlined procedures to facilitate smooth engagement in program processes.
- Maintained confidential patient documentation to prevent data compromise and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
- Built partnerships with related organizations to develop support and gain greater attention for important issues.
- Prepared patients for self-management and decision-making responsibilities.
- Empowered patients and families to negotiate with resource providers and make decisions on own behalf.
Housing Specialist
Community Action Coaliation
Waukesha, WI
05.2014 - 08.2021
- Assisted clients with permanent housing transitions.
- Verified assets and income for applicants.
- Educated clients on lease and rental agreements.
- Communicated with housing managers and rental agencies on behalf of clients.
- Found affordable housing options for over 6- per year of people and families, with a zero recidivism rate.
- Assessed eligibility of applicants in accordance with predetermined criteria to fill vacancies.
- Implemented property inspection procedures to maintain compliance with housing codes.
- Investigated key breaches of tenancy contracts.
- Maintained accurate records and documented client data in company databases.
- Collaborated with social workers to support patients.
- Worked closely with disabled or impoverished individuals to locate helpful financial resources and community programs.
- Performed assessments to determine individual limitations and strengths.
- Made referrals to utilize community resources for resident's needs.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Interviewed potential clients, collecting personal information to determine eligibility for social assistance.
- Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
- Maintained confidential patient documentation to prevent data compromise and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Consulted and collaborated with other professionals to provide continuity of patient-family care.
- Provided assertive community-based rehabilitation and case management services to high-risk mentally ill patients.
- Prepared patients for self-management and decision-making responsibilities.
- Referred clients to substance abuse treatment programs and outpatient dual diagnosis treatment programs.
- Empowered patients and families to negotiate with resource providers and make decisions on own behalf.
- Helped individuals address disabilities and put together career plans.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Ottawa University
Ottawa, KS06.2016
Associate of Science -
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee, WI05.2014
High School Diploma -
Oconomowoc High School
Oconomowoc, WI06.1985
MBA - Social Work
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN 07.2023 - Current
Skills
- Proficient in outlook
- Interpersonal and Written Communication
- Conflict Mediation
- Client Engagement
- Aftercare Follow up
- Highly Effective Communication
- Regulatory Compliance
- Referral Coordination
- Trauma Informed Care Framework
- Treatment Planning
- Client Education
- Patient-Centered Care
- Case Documentation
- Continuous supervision
- Drug test supervision
- Case assessments
Accomplishments
- Consistently maintained high customer satisfaction ratings.
- Created highly effective new program that significantly impacted efficiency and improved operations.
- Developed relationships with all new clients and typically exceeded goal of zero recidivism rate for 8 years
- 2019 Best in Social Services awarded by WSSA
- 2018 Positively Milwaukee story on my life and the work I do
- 2018 awarded "Best in the Community" from WCTC
- 2020 Waukesha Freeman Story
- 2020 "Best in the Community" Ottawa University
- 2023 "Women of Distinction" only Wisconsin Award
Certification
- Certified Event Planner
- 2018 Ordained Minister
Quote
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
George Eliot
Timeline
MBA - Social Work
Capella University
07.2023 - Current
Supervision Case Worker
Wisconsin Community Services
04.2023 - Current
Housing Specialist
Mindstar Counseling
08.2020 - 04.2023
Housing Specialist
Community Action Coaliation
05.2014 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Ottawa University
Associate of Science -
Waukesha County Technical College
High School Diploma -
Oconomowoc High School
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