Heather Sessler
Syracuse,NY
Summary
Highly motivated & dedicated professional with extensive experience in complex social work & case management, seeking focus on skills, such as, client relations, comprehensive fact gathering, documentation management, and administration support to align with the legal assistant for intake responsibilities. Ability to manage high-volume caseloads, streamline workflows, & support legal teams ensuring compliance & successful case outcomes
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Case Manager
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation (Sedgwick Heights)
10.2023 - 09.2025
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing concerns or grievances in a timely manner.
- Fostered open lines of communication with clients' families and support networks, involving them in the case management process as appropriate.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
- Facilitated successful transitions between levels of care by developing detailed discharge plans and coordinating resources.
- Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case plans tailored to individual needs.
- Analyzed case outcomes to identify trends and areas for improvement, driving continuous service enhancement.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments identifying client needs, preferences, goals, & necessary interventions, laying groundwork for effective case management.
- Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.
- Streamlined case documentation procedures, reducing processing time and increasing efficiency.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure clients had access to necessary medical services, enhancing their overall well-being.
- Managed crisis situations with empathy and professionalism, ensuring client safety and continuity of care.
- Increased client satisfaction through diligent follow-up and personalized support.
- Developed partnerships with local agencies to provide broader range of services for clients, broadening their support network.
- Empowered clients to make informed decisions about their care needs.
Finance Manager
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation
10.2022 - 10.2023
- Coordinated Medicaid enrollment processes, ensuring compliance with state regulations and improving application accuracy.
- Assisted clients in navigating Medicaid benefits, enhancing understanding of eligibility requirements and available services.
- Developed and maintained client records using electronic health record (EHR) systems to ensure data accuracy and confidentiality.
- Assisted clients & families with complex paperwork, ensuring accuracy and timely submission of required documents.
- Streamlined the Medicaid application process for faster approvals, reducing wait times for patients.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to gather necessary information for successful Medicaid enrollments.
- Improved patient care by efficiently coordinating and managing Medicaid applications and eligibility.
- Managed a high caseload effectively, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines consistently while maintaining high standards of service quality.
- Served as a liaison between clients and government agencies, effectively resolving issues related to enrollment or benefits access.
- Reduced patient stress by presenting complex information about Medicaid guidelines clearly and concisely during consultations.
- Increased approval rates by proactively identifying potential eligibility issues and providing guidance to applicants.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of state and federal regulations, ensuring compliance in all Medicaid coordination efforts.
Short-Term Rehab Social Worker
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation
09.2020 - 10.2022
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Facilitated successful client transitions from residential facilities to independent living situations with appropriate supports in place.
- Enhanced team knowledge and skills, leading professional development sessions on current social work practices.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
Director of Social Services
St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center
02.2017 - 08.2020
- Analyzed program outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and driving strategic adjustments.
- Managed budgeting processes, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining program integrity.
- Led training sessions for staff on best practices in social services management and client engagement strategies.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired staff members offering exceptional talent and brought great skills to team.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by developing & implementing new policies and procedures for improved service delivery.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in social services.
- Supervised & mentored junior staff members, contributing to their professional development within the field of social services.
- Developed training materials and workshops for staff, enhancing their skills and knowledge in critical areas of social work.
- Assisted with leadership of a multidisciplinary team of professionals in the design and delivery of client-centered services.
Director of Social Services
Elderwood At Liverpool
08.2014 - 02.2017
- Managed collaboration with admissions team to develop and implement strategies to improve admissions process.
- Compiled and analyzed data to track admissions trends and make recommendations for improvements.
- Provided exceptional customer service during phone and email interactions with prospective clients and their families, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Optimized communication strategies between departments involved in the admissions process, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
- Maintained accurate records of applicant data, ensuring timely decision-making and reporting.
- Enhanced effectiveness of admissions marketing materials by collaborating with marketing department on targeted messaging.
- Directed daily operations of the social services & admissions departments, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Managed & mentored team members, promoting professional development and performance excellence.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
SUNY Potsdam
Potsdam, NY05-2000
Skills
- Analytical problem-solving
- Detail-oriented
- Client interview coordination
- Efficient task management
- Effective business communication
- Document organization
- Client support
- Adaptable learner
- Positive outlook
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Microsoft office
- Case management
Timeline
Case Manager
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation (Sedgwick Heights)
10.2023 - 09.2025
Finance Manager
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation
10.2022 - 10.2023
Short-Term Rehab Social Worker
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation
09.2020 - 10.2022
Director of Social Services
St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center
02.2017 - 08.2020
Director of Social Services
Elderwood At Liverpool
08.2014 - 02.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
SUNY Potsdam