Heather Struckman
Olympia,WA
Summary
Proactive and caring social service professional with 23 years of experience in the fields of social work and education combined with communication strengths and excellent observational skills. Efficiently manage day-to-day activities while looking for opportunities to make a difference at both the micro and macro levels. Deliver outcomes with patient, innovative and adaptable spirit while providing support to valued clients and students.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Tutor
Self Employed Services
Olympia, WA
09.2012 - Current
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Program Manager/Site Supervisor/Case Manager Specialist
Cocoon House
Everett, WA
01.2011 - 06.2013
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and procedures.
- Created positive, lasting professional connections with local government leaders, non profit agencies, schools, and private companies.
- Recruited, trained and supervised employees and volunteers.
- Maintained confidential client records.
- Successfully built rapport and trust with program participants and colleagues
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing community social services.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including regular data entries in multiple agency, state and federal data bases.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Provided crisis counseling and intervention services to clients in emergency situations.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions for clients.
- Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports.
Founder & Director
Childbirth Resource Ctr of Grenada
Grenada West Indies
05.2006 - 02.2009
- Conducted research to assess the gap in services and current needs for childbirth information and education.
- Created ongoing connections and collaboration with government departments, local agencies, public health clinics, and schools.
- Raised necessary funds and material donations required to furnish and open the Childbirth Resource Center.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations. Complying with policies and regulations.
- Supported clients by offering culturally sensitive services in the form of classes, counseling, Birth Doula services and Post Partum follow-up.
Perinatal Social Worker
University of Washington Medical Center
Seattle, WA
09.2001 - 04.2004
- Documented patient progress in accordance with hospital policies and procedure.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments at intake, in both the out patient prenatal clinic and in the inpatient units of Anti-Partum, Labor & Delivery, Post-Partum and NICU
- Successfully built rapport and trust with patients and colleagues.
- Maintained confidential paper and digital patient records.
- Supported patient and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Advocated for patient to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Assisted patients with navigating and accessing community social services such as housing and medical care.
- Collaborated with patients, family members and other professionals, as needed, to create discharge plans.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for patients.
- Made referrals to CPS when situations call for them. Partnered with patients, family members, support persons and social workers to make safe and appropriate plans, moving forward.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
Licensed Foster Parent and House Parent
Friends Of Youth
Kirkland, WA
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Bachelor of Arts -
Certificate - Birth Doula
Skills
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Teamwork Skills: Collaboration and supporting other team members to contribute to overall team success
- Digital literacy: Understand how to effectively use technology, protects privacy and proficiency in digital literacy Ability to adapt to changing work environments and technological advancements
- Great attention to detail: Catching and fixing mistakes, ensuring all job duties are polished and handled correctly Delivering accurate, high-quality work and excellent customer service
- Adaptable: Adaptable to everchanging technological and consumer demands
- Time management skills: Work efficiently and on time Successfully and consistently meet deadlines and juggle multiple tasks while under pressure and without delays
- Work ethic: Dedicated and committed to the job Actively go above and beyond expected job responsibilities
- Customer service skills: Superior customer service skills to reinforce company quality of branding, from greeting guests to dealing with dissatisfied customers Successfully assisted others, gained recognition for superior customer satisfaction and management, and brought about good results for the company
Affiliations
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
- Grenada Country Contact for Midwifery Today
- Childbirth International Grenada Council Member
- Professional Social Workers Organization Board Member
- Grenada National Organization of Women Board Member
- Open Arms Perinatal Services Board Member
Timeline
Private Tutor - Self Employed Services
09.2012 - Current
Program Manager/Site Supervisor/Case Manager Specialist - Cocoon House
01.2011 - 06.2013
Founder & Director - Childbirth Resource Ctr of Grenada
05.2006 - 02.2009
Perinatal Social Worker - University of Washington Medical Center
09.2001 - 04.2004
University of Washington - Master of Social Work, Social Work
The Evergreen State College - Bachelor of Arts,
Seattle Midwifery School - Certificate, Birth Doula
Licensed Foster Parent and House Parent - Friends Of Youth