Ike Nwakanma
Baltimore,Maryland
Summary
Experienced and dedicated Social Worker with a strong background in child welfare, court, therapeutic and hospital settings. Proven ability in handling complex cases with attention to detail and a deep understanding of local resources. Skilled in evidence-based modalities such as CBT and mindfulness techniques. Recognized for delivering compassionate and comprehensive support to families and children, utilizing strong communication skills to provide counseling and mediation services. As a Hospital Social Worker, demonstrated empathy and provided vast support to patients and families, including psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SOCIAL WORKER II
Department of Social Services - Harford Co
01.2023 - Current
- Oversaw a diverse case load, providing monthly visits to individuals under 21 and their families
- Offered strategic referrals for mental health and essential services, enhancing support for families in need
- Provided expert guidance on community resources and referral programs, crafting and implementing realistic treatment plans to elevate the well-being of children
- Maintained meticulous case history records and produced detailed, accurate reports for court and internal review
- Conducted crisis intervention and sustained support services, ensuring compliance with state-mandated protective measures for neglected, abused, and at-risk children
- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the attachment, separation, and reattachment process
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when working with diverse populations from different ethnic backgrounds
SOCIAL WORKER CASE MANAGER
Upper Chesapeake Health - UMMS
10.2022 - Current
- Screened and prioritized patients based on needs, focusing on high-risk cases
- Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team for discharge interventions and ensure continuity of care
- Managed Transitions of Care responsibilities, including follow-up appointments and community services
- Conducted comprehensive assessments covering medical, social, emotional, and financial aspects
- Identified barriers to healthcare, emphasizing prevention of readmissions
- Promoted patient self-management through education on disease, medication, and self-care
- Assessed family situations and reported cases to Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Provided and reviewed relevant community resources/services with patients and their families
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of actions/services in the electronic medical record (EMR)
- Consulted regularly with inpatient providers, PCPs, and team members to ensure relevant and responsive transition plans
- Established effective communication channels with physicians, team members, payers, and administrators
- Participated in departmental performance improvement initiatives and reported issues in the Events Tracking system
- Maintained ongoing professional development through best practices and continuing education in care coordination
Therapist
Harford Belair Community Mental Health Center
11.2024 - Current
- Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Developed strategies to help patients cope with stress and anxiety and build resilience.
- Counseled individuals to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Documented patient information, treatment plans, and patient responses.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and deliver treatment plans and patient care.
- Implemented variety of evidence-based counseling methods to achieve therapy goals.
SOCIAL WORKER I
Department of Social Services - Harford Co
08.2022 - 01.2023
- Developed and maintained effective relationships with clients, families, and other professionals
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when working with diverse populations from different ethnic backgrounds
- Managed case load of individuals under the age of 21, and performed monthly visits with children and their families
- Provided referrals for mental health services and additional services to families in need
- Advised families on community resources, referral programs
- Developed and implemented realistic treatment plans to improve the care and wellbeing of children
- Maintained thorough case history records, detailed and accurate reports in order to successfully review in court and with other staff members
- Demonstrated the ability to utilize community and area resources, to include initiating and attending conferences and meetings with local and area disciplines in order to appropriately and effectively serve emotionally and physically damaged children who entered the system
CASEWORK SPECIALIST, FAMILY SERVICES
Department of Social Services - Harford Co
08.2022 - 08.2022
- Managed case load of individuals under the age of 21, and performed monthly visits with children and their families
- Provided referrals for mental health services and additional services to families in need
- Advised families on community resources and referral programs, developed and implemented realistic treatment plans to improve the care and wellbeing of children
- Maintained thorough case history records, detailed and accurate reports in order to successfully review in court and with other staff members
- Demonstrated the ability to utilize community and area resources, to include initiating and attending conferences and meetings with local and area disciplines in order to appropriately and effectively serve emotionally and physically damaged children who entered the system
FAMILY INVESTMENT SPECIALIST II
Department Of Social Services - Harford County
05.2018 - 08.2022
- Provided direct services to individual customers or families by determining client eligibility for multiple Family Investment Administration programs (SNAP benefits, Medical Assistance, Temporarily Disability Program etc.)
- Performed ongoing monitoring of care plans to evaluate effectiveness, documenting interventions and goal achievements and suggesting changes accordingly
- Worked closely with public child welfare system staff, supervisors and court personnel to identify and mitigate barriers to timely permanency
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES INTERN
Department of Social Services - Harford Co
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Assisted caseworkers in managing and monitoring cases involving child abuse or neglect
- Conducted research and gathered relevant information for case assessments
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date case records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with agency policies
- Provided support to families under investigation or involved with Child Protective Services
- Assisted in connecting families with community resources and services
- Attended court hearings and meetings related to child protective cases
- Prepared documents and reports for legal proceedings
- Participated in training sessions to enhance knowledge of child welfare laws, policies, and procedures
- Educated families on available support services and resources
- Collaborated with caseworkers, supervisors, and other professionals to ensure the well-being of children and families
- Assisted in crisis intervention situations, working to ensure the safety and protection of children
- Performed administrative duties such as data entry, filing, and managing correspondence
- Engaged in ongoing learning opportunities and training to enhance skills in child welfare and protective services
- Assisted in the preparation of reports and documentation required by the agency and regulatory bodies
VISITATION FACILITATOR INTERN
Family Court - Harford County
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Supervised visits between children and parents at various sites by setting up age-appropriate activities and maintaining safety of participants
- Referred family members to outside support options to assist with coping during times of increased stress
- Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations
Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) - SOCIAL WORK
University of Maryland-School of Social Work
07.2022
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - undefined
Imo State University
Imo, Nigeria11.2012
Skills
- EPIC
- CJAMS
- AdvancedMD
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Trauma education
- Court training
- Crisis Intervention
- Motivational Interviewing
- Detail-oriented
- Effective written communication
- Effective verbal communication
- Ability to interpret policies
- Problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Hospital social work case management
Certification
LMSW - Master
Activities
- No Boundaries Coalition Baltimore - Volunteer for Food drive, clothes give away etc.
- JHB Volunteer Worker
- UMB Graduate Student Mentor
Timeline
Therapist
Harford Belair Community Mental Health Center
11.2024 - Current
SOCIAL WORKER II
Department of Social Services - Harford Co
01.2023 - Current
SOCIAL WORKER CASE MANAGER
Upper Chesapeake Health - UMMS
10.2022 - Current
SOCIAL WORKER I
Department of Social Services - Harford Co
08.2022 - 01.2023
CASEWORK SPECIALIST, FAMILY SERVICES
Department of Social Services - Harford Co
08.2022 - 08.2022
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES INTERN
Department of Social Services - Harford Co
08.2021 - 07.2022
VISITATION FACILITATOR INTERN
Family Court - Harford County
08.2020 - 05.2021
FAMILY INVESTMENT SPECIALIST II
Department Of Social Services - Harford County
05.2018 - 08.2022
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - undefined
Imo State University
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) - SOCIAL WORK
University of Maryland-School of Social Work
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