Irena Raagas
Jacksonville
Summary
Social work professional with extensive experience in delivering client-centered care and implementing effective intervention strategies. Known for fostering collaborative teamwork and consistently achieving positive client outcomes. Reliable in adapting to changing needs and maintaining high ethical standards.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Social Worker
Department of Veterans Affairs
Jacksonville, FL
11.2025 - Current
- Facilitated individualized treatment planning and intensive service delivery to enhance client outcomes within Mental Health Intensive Community Model (MHICM) program.
- Assisted teams in selecting patients for treatment plans and setting goals. Supported progress evaluations and discharge planning. Collaborated with social workers and interdisciplinary teams to provide necessary consultations.
- Collaborated with VA staff and inpatient teams to ensure seamless continuity of care through expert consultation on clinical needs, treatment plans, and case management services.
- Assisted in meeting MHICM and medical center standards through careful clinical documentation. Created detailed electronic progress notes, clinical progress reports, initial assessments, and multidisciplinary treatment plans that supported improved patient outcomes.
- Facilitated appropriate treatment rehabilitation and expedited discharge of assigned patients in alignment with program goals.
- Facilitated collaboration among clinical programs and product lines to enhance care for assigned MHICM patients.
- Facilitated collaboration with community agencies, professional organizations, and individuals to execute developmental and implementation responsibilities.
Mental Health Therapist
Self-employed
Jacksonville, FL
10.2024 - Current
- Developed tailored treatment plans for diverse client needs and backgrounds.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as necessary for effectiveness.
- Implemented behavioral modification techniques for clients struggling with unhealthy patterns of behavior or thought processes contributing to their mental health challenges.
- Tailored therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of diverse client populations, including individuals with substance use disorders and trauma histories.
- Reduced client symptoms of anxiety and depression with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness exercises, and psychodynamic approaches.
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans for clients to address specific mental health concerns and goals.
- Promoted positive coping strategies among clients by teaching stress management techniques and self-care practices.
- Improved client mental health by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions.
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
Phoenix, AZ
02.2025 - 11.2025
- Facilitated collaboration and education initiatives regarding suicide prevention for VA staff and community stakeholders.
- Conducted clinical consultation reviews and assigned high-risk flags for suicide prevention.
- Monitored and updated patient records to accurately reflect high risk for suicide status among veterans.
- Employed various tracking and reporting mechanisms to evaluate nature and consistency of care delivered to veterans.
- Coordinated with VA staff and Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) to address referrals, ensuring at-risk veterans receive prompt care and necessary services.
- Facilitated outreach and awareness initiatives by distributing promotional materials and engaging with stakeholders and community members at awareness events.
- Provide VA S.A.V.E. training weekly to those Veterans who are admitted to the Phoenix Domiciliary for Substance Use Disorder.
COMPACT Act Program Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
Phoenix, AZ
01.2024 - 02.2025
- Primary navigator for Veterans receiving care under Veterans COMPACT (Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment) Act which aims to increase Veterans' access to Emergent Suicide Care.
- Evaluated implementation efforts at facility and VISN upon request to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
- Directed daily program operations, ensuring alignment with facility VISN and VACO requirements.
- Collaborated with local facility revenue and patient advocate tracking system (PATS-R) as integral member of clinical review team.
- Coordinated efforts with local facility Office of Integrated Veteran Care to enhance service delivery.
- Developed and executed outreach initiatives to educate internal and external stakeholders on the implications and applications of COMPACT Act.
- Championed advocacy for veterans to prevent billing for compact-related care.
- Conducted comprehensive clinical social work assessments, interventions, and follow-ups utilizing a social determinants of health framework.
- Coordinates interactions with veterans' families and caregivers, focusing on efficient care delivery.
Inpatient Mental Health Social Worker
Department of Veterans Affairs
Phoenix, AZ
11.2019 - 01.2024
- Conducted thorough evaluations and implemented treatment plans for veterans experiencing multifaceted psychosocial difficulties associated with a spectrum of mental health and substance use disorders in an inpatient psychiatric unit.
- Analyzed client data through comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to inform therapeutic interventions and support holistic care.
- Formulated comprehensive treatment plans in partnership with veterans and their families, alongside the interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Managed comprehensive coordination of community-based services, ensuring effective information dissemination and referral processes to connect individuals with VA programs, government services, and community resources.
- Orchestrated comprehensive discharge planning to ensure smooth transitions for clients re-entering community environments.
- Facilitated the incorporation of cultural values into therapeutic methodologies. Promoted respect for diverse beliefs in service provision.
- Pursued ongoing professional development through participation in workshops and seminars to enhance clinical expertise.
- Ensured accuracy in documenting client interventions, treatments, and outcomes in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
- Assisted in court hearings for clients with mental health issues. Provided relevant treatment recommendations and information as needed.
- Analyzed potential barriers to successful outcomes and implemented strategic solutions to mitigate these issues. Collaborated with teams to enhance project effectiveness and drive results.
- Provided crisis intervention support during emergency situations. Assisted clients in accessing relevant community resources as needed.
- Coordinated services with multi-disciplinary team members to ensure seamless continuity of care and optimize resource utilization.
- Analyzed risk factors associated with suicide and self-harm to facilitate effective intervention strategies.
- Specialized in evidence-based practices by integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and motivational interviewing techniques.
Intake Counselor
River Point Behavioral Health, PRN
Jacksonville, FL
07.2019 - 11.2019
- Handled referrals for services, scheduled assessments, and referred patients (children, adolescents and adults) to appropriate community resources.
- Completed pre-certification with insurance companies to authorize patient hospitalization.
- Collaborated with nurses, doctors, and other disciplines to coordinate care for patients.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments to identify potential issues or areas of concern.
- Encouraged family involvement in the treatment process by providing education and support.
- Utilized crisis intervention strategies when necessary to de-escalate situations and restore orderliness.
Emergency Department Care Manager
Baptist Medical Center
Jacksonville, FL
11.2018 - 04.2019
- 40 hours per week, Full Time.
- Worked within an interdisciplinary team in the Emergency Department to facilitate the patient plan of care throughout the continuum of care.
- Ensured appropriate utilization management, care coordination, resource utilization, and clinical documentation.
- Collaborated with physician, patients and families, members of the interdisciplinary team and outside agencies to provide high quality care and attempt to reduce 30-day readmissions.
- Addressed psychosocial needs of patients and family members during a crisis.
- Performed discharge planning and partnered with outside agencies to provide outpatient services and follow up care.
Facility Master Social Worker
Fresenius Medical Care
Jacksonville, FL
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Assessed dialysis patients' psychosocial status, strengths and areas of need that may affect rehabilitation and optimal treatment outcomes.
- Participated in care planning in collaboration with patients and healthcare teams to identify effective interventions to help patients meet rehabilitation, treatment goals, and improve quality of life.
- Provided psycho-educational counseling methods aimed at improving areas of need, treatment adherence, vocational/educational rehabilitation, and quality of life.
- Provided information and assisted patients with referral to community resources to facilitate optimal treatment outcomes.
- Assessed patient knowledge of kidney disease for barriers that may affect adherence to treatment.
- Worked with patients, family, and health care team to provide education to patient's learning style and needs.
- In collaboration with Financial Coordinators, provided information and education to patients about payment to dialysis (federal, state, commercial insurance, state renal programs).
HUD-VASH Social Worker
Department of Veterans Affairs
Savannah, GA
04.2016 - 05.2018
- Interviewed, counseled, and provided case management to homeless or at risk of homelessness Veterans by conducting psychosocial assessments and creating individualized treatment plans to identify treatment needs and goals.
- Assessed functional level of patients.
- Conducted home visits to perform case management, assessment and home safety evaluation needs, problems, and strengths.
- Performed crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment and safety planning as needed.
- Developed, established, and maintained effective working relationships with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
- Supported clients in navigating complex social service systems.
- Established relationships with community organizations to create a network of support.
- Assisted in obtaining resources from social, health and welfare agencies to meet needs of residents.
Voucher Examiner
Veterans Health Administration
Lake City, FL
06.2015 - 04.2016
- Conducted eligibility research for VA payment for non-VA medical services.
- Reviewed medical center records to abide by U.S.C Title 38 regulations.
- Examined a variety of claims to determine entitlement for payment of authorized and unauthorized non-VA outpatient treatment.
- Utilized problem-solving skills to resolve issues encountered during the voucher examination process.
- Interpreted applicable laws, regulations, codes, standards, policies, and procedures related to voucher examinations.
Master Of Social Work Intern
River Garden Hebrew Home
Jacksonville, FL
05.2014 - 04.2015
- 16 hours per week.
- Used Minimum Data Set (MDS) to assist in evaluation of behavioral and mood state issues of short-term rehabilitation patients and elderly residents.
- Assisted in assessments of patients using SLUMS and MDS depression rating scale.
- Assisted in discharge planning of short stay rehabilitation patients.
- Observed and documented any changes in the mental status of residents.
- Attended daily clinical interdepartmental meetings.
- Counseled patients in individual and group settings using Motivational Interviewing techniques to help with depression and coping skills in adjusting to loss of independence due to health complications.
- Independently facilitated weekly support group using a strength-based approach with older adults in long-term care about topics such as grief, loss and managing coping skills.
- Applied knowledge gained from academic coursework into practice during field placements.
- Gained experience in conducting assessments of individuals, families, and groups.
- Developed strong communication skills through assisting clients with their mental health needs.
Education
Master Of Social Work - Military Social Work and Veteran Services
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA, US05.2015
Bachelor Of Arts - Psychology
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA, US01.1995
Skills
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Biopsychosocial Assessments
- Strengths-Based Practices
- Treatment Planning
- Discharge Planning
- Critical Thinking
- Crisis Evaluation and Intervention
- Electronic Health Records
- Presentations to Leadership, Staff and Community stakeholders
- Care coordination
- Direct Patient Care
- HIPAA Requirements
- Legal Compliance
- Client advocacy
- Mental health counseling
Certification
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW 25882, State of Florida Department of Health, Effective 2025-12-15 to 2027-03-31
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-22465, State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, Effective 2024-08-01 to 2026-07-31
Timeline
Senior Social Worker
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2025 - Current
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2025 - 11.2025
Mental Health Therapist
Self-employed
10.2024 - Current
COMPACT Act Program Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2024 - 02.2025
Inpatient Mental Health Social Worker
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2019 - 01.2024
Intake Counselor
River Point Behavioral Health, PRN
07.2019 - 11.2019
Emergency Department Care Manager
Baptist Medical Center
11.2018 - 04.2019
Facility Master Social Worker
Fresenius Medical Care
05.2018 - 11.2018
HUD-VASH Social Worker
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2016 - 05.2018
Voucher Examiner
Veterans Health Administration
06.2015 - 04.2016
Master Of Social Work Intern
River Garden Hebrew Home
05.2014 - 04.2015
Bachelor Of Arts - Psychology
Temple University
Master Of Social Work - Military Social Work and Veteran Services
University of Southern California
PRESENTATIONS
COMPACT Act – Ensuring Care to Veterans in Suicidal Crisis, 20th Annual Phoenix Area Integrated Behavioral Health Conference, April 2024: The Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care & Treatment (COMPACT) Act expands the VA's ability to furnish and pay for treatment of eligible individuals in acute suicide crisis.
TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
EMDR Training Course: Integrating EMDR Into Your Clinical Practice, EMDR Consulting, November 11, 2024, to November 15, 2024
Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPT for PTSD) Provider Status awarded June 2023
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Quigley House, Sexual Assault Advocate, Orange Park, Florida, 05/2015 to 09/2015, Acted as on-call Advocate for Sexual Assault victims in acute crisis. Met with victims at hospital or clinic as support during evaluation., Utilized appropriate tools to receive relevant and accurate information., Used active listening skills to provide exceptional service and resolution.