Heather Watterson
St. Petersburg,FL
Summary
Seasoned Social Worker specializing in situational assessments, conflict resolution and effective communication. Services clients to promote optimum physical, mental, emotional and behavioral health in collaboration with other members of health care team. Demonstrates psycho-social assessment, treatment planning and advocacy skills.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Service Director
Golfview Healthcare Center
St. Petersburg, FL
07.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive admission interviews, encompassing social service reviews, psychosocial evaluations, BIMS, PHQ-9, and MDS assessments.
- Devised and implemented personalized care plans that result in improved patient outcomes.
- Developed discharge plans in coordination with residents, caregivers, and various healthcare providers to ensure the safest possible transition from SNF to home or assisted living facilities.
- Streamlined process of transferring residents to suitable assisted living facilities by coordinating referrals, scheduling tours, and verifying income and insurance coverage.
- Documented residents' care progress and collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to inform ongoing care management using Point Click Care.
- Conducted thorough investigations into resident and family grievances, addressing issues promptly.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations by actively scheduling, tracking, and following up on ancillary medical care services, such as dental, optical, podiatry, audiology, and psych services.
- Provided clinical leadership and supervision to the management team and nursing staff, including communication of new policy, procedure, and directives.
- Performed liaison duties for hospice services by connecting residents and their loved ones with external organizations.
- Understanding of the applicable standards and regulations set by accrediting and regulatory agencies including ACHA, DCF, Elder Affairs.
- Possesses expertise in the areas of human behavior, mental health, and psychology.
- Knowledge of specific interventions and de-escalation techniques.
- Knowledge of patient rights related to Baker Act, emergency admission procedures, involuntary placement, etc.
- Displays ability to verbalize ethical, clinically and administratively sound judgment; shows ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.
Foster Care Case Manager
Family Connections, The Twelve of Ohio, Inc.
Toledo, OH
01.2006 - 05.2007
- Acted as a co-therapist in a large group setting to help teens address multiple forms of abusive, destructive or excessive behavior that was harmful to self and/or others in a structured format entitled “Social Responsibility Therapy” developed by Dr. James Yokley, Ph.D.
- Responsible for providing supportive services to the Agency foster families, biological families, and youth in care.
- Developed and maintained individualized treatment plans.
- Acted as a liaison between the Agency and custodial agency while providing comprehensive case management services.
Director of Social Services
Darlington Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Toledo, OH
05.2002 - 05.2003
- Addressed gerontology issues such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, congestive heart failure, wound care, depression and built knowledge of medications and treatments related to such conditions.
- Contributed to new-business development by strategizing with essential parties on marketing and advertising campaigns for 120-bed long-term-care facility.
- Oversaw social-services operations and fostered trusting environment to meet patient needs.
- Referred and coordinated services internally and with the community.
- Instituted policies and ensured compliance with HIPPA guidelines.
- Collaborated with medical staff as warranted.
- Field Instructor for Social Work Interns from the University of Toledo.
Discharge Planner
Toledo Hospital
Toledo, OH
05.2001 - 05.2002
- Assigned to medical-surgical and vascular floor, interfacing daily with physicians and other medical professionals to review patient conditions and identify needs.
- Prepared referrals and orchestrated details to discharge patients to healthcare facilities based on medical condition, including home-healthcare providers, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.
- Conducted evaluations to determine patients’ psychological and psychosocial needs.
- Gained knowledge of vascular medications, surgeries, treatments, and medications.
Social Worker
Seneca County Department Of Job And Family Services
Tiffin, OH
05.2000 - 05.2001
- Managed up to 30 family cases monthly, evaluating needs and initiating contact with various partnering community services.
- Investigated alleged child abuse and intervened according to procedures.
- Testified in family court on behalf of abuse victims.
- Complied with Local, Federal, and State regulations.
Education
Professional Guardian -
Florida Guardianship Training
Palm Harbor, FL08-2024
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
The University of Findlay
Findlay, OH05.2000
Skills
- Team collaborating
- Assessing needs
- Coordinating services
- Conducting assessments
- Discharge Planning
- Clinical Documentation
Timeline
Social Service Director
Golfview Healthcare Center
07.2023 - Current
Foster Care Case Manager
Family Connections, The Twelve of Ohio, Inc.
01.2006 - 05.2007
Director of Social Services
Darlington Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
05.2002 - 05.2003
Discharge Planner
Toledo Hospital
05.2001 - 05.2002
Social Worker
Seneca County Department Of Job And Family Services
05.2000 - 05.2001
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
The University of Findlay
Professional Guardian -
Florida Guardianship Training
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