Dedicated Social Worker with expertise in care management and crisis intervention across high-acuity settings. Notable for reducing readmissions and enhancing transitional support through effective discharge planning and resource navigation. Focused on improving preventive health outcomes for diverse populations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Care Manager I
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
01.2017 - Current
General Care Management and DDD Care ManagementCoordinate individualized care plans addressing medical, behavioral, and social needs.
Complete Comprehensive Needs Assessments to identify barriers to care, including social determinants impacting health and stability.
Collaborated with members and caregivers to build personalized care plans aimed at improving preventive health outcomes, strengthening social supports, and managing disease-specific needs.
Educated members on their diagnoses, treatment plans, and disease-specific care to promote understanding and self-management.
Maintained ongoing contact with members during inpatient stays and after discharge, ensuring continuity of care and facilitating successful transitions.
Collaborate with physicians, behavioral health providers, families, and community agencies to ensure continuity of care.
Conducted assessments to identify housing barriers and coordinated supportive interventions, promoting stability and safety for members.
Medical Social Worker (Emergency Department, Surgical ICU, Step-Down & Acute Care)
Inspira Medical Center
Vineland
01.2007 - Current
Provide comprehensive social work services across high-acuity units including the Emergency Department, Surgical ICU, Step-Down, and Acute Care.
Deliver crisis intervention, safety planning, and rapid response support in a fast-paced emergency environment.
Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify medical, behavioral, and social needs impacting patient outcomes.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to determine safe and appropriate care plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Led discharge planning for diverse patient populations, coordinating home care, hospice, acute rehab, and sub-acute placements to ensure smooth transitions.
Reduced unnecessary readmissions by assessing patients not meeting hospitalization criteria and facilitating appropriate alternative placements and interventions.
Obtain insurance authorizations for post-acute placements and coordinate transportation and follow-up appointments.
Connect patients to community resources including behavioral health services, substance use programs, and supportive services.
Provided emotional support and resource referrals, educating patients and families on navigating complex medical situations to enhance understanding and coping strategies.
MSW Intern - Mental Health
Center for Family Guidance
Bridgeton
01.2011 - 01.2012
Facilitated therapy groups for children ages 5-17 with behavioral and mental health diagnoses, promoting emotional well-being and coping strategies under LCSW/LPC supervision.
Assisted clients with accessing community resources and services.
Conducted assessments to identify client needs and concerns.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop treatment plans.
Social Worker
Bishop McCarthy Residence
Vineland
01.2004 - 01.2007
Managed caseload of long-term and short-term residents, addressing psychosocial needs to enhance resident well-being.
Conducted social histories, psychosocial assessments, and care plan development.
Coordinated discharges, linking residents with community services and family supports to ensure smooth transitions.
Educated staff on patient rights and state regulations, facilitating family conferences and interdisciplinary meetings to promote collaborative care.
Completed MDS and care plan documentation in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Behavioral Assistant
TheraCare
Philadelphia
01.2003 - 01.2006
Delivered community-based behavioral support to children and adolescents facing emotional and behavioral challenges, fostering personal growth and resilience.
Partnered with therapists and clinical staff to implement behavior modification plans, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in care.
Guided families in skill development and resource navigation, enhancing their capacity to manage behavioral challenges.
Group Home Counselor
Training School at Vineland
Vineland
01.2000 - 01.2004
Assisted individuals with developmental disabilities in developing independent living skills and enhancing daily functioning.
Facilitated daily activities for residents in a structured group home setting.
Provided emotional support to individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges.
Implemented individualized care plans to promote personal growth and well-being.
DYFS Intern
Cumberland County District Office
Bridgeton
01.2002 - 01.2003
Supported supervised visits, case reviews, investigations, and emergency interventions to ensure child safety and welfare.
Assisted in organizing community outreach programs and events for local residents.
Coordinated office activities and managed schedules for staff and visitors.
Supported case management by documenting client interactions and services provided.
School Social Work Intern
Johnstone Elementary School
Vineland
01.2002 - 12.2002
Facilitated group and individual sessions for students, enhancing their social-emotional skills and engagement in school-based community activities.
Assisted students with emotional and behavioral challenges during counseling sessions.
Collaborated with teachers to develop supportive strategies for at-risk students.
Facilitated small group discussions to enhance student social skills and peer relationships.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Stockton University
Pomona
01-2012
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Richard Stockton College
Pomona
01-2003
Skills
Care coordination
Discharge planning
Crisis intervention
Psychosocial Assessments
Care Plan Development
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Community Resource Navigation
Patient & Family Education
Benefits education
Documentation & Compliance
Microsoft Office Suite
Certification
Licensed Social Worker (LSW), New Jersey
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Notary Public
Certification in Leadership and Management
Phone
cell, 609-364-6882
Professional References
Rochelle Husband, Director Case Management, Inspira Medical Center, 856-641-7771, husbandr@ihn.org
Stephanie Nyekan, Social Work Manager, Inspira Medical Center, 856-641-6781, Nyekans@ihn.org
Michelle Boyle, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Supervisor, 800-682-9094 xt 53671, Michelle_Boyle@horizonblue.com
Timeline
Care Manager I
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
01.2017 - Current
MSW Intern - Mental Health
Center for Family Guidance
01.2011 - 01.2012
Medical Social Worker (Emergency Department, Surgical ICU, Step-Down & Acute Care)
Manager SC ACO Care Navigation & Southcoast Physician Group (SPG) Chronic Care Management at Southcoast Hospital ACOManager SC ACO Care Navigation & Southcoast Physician Group (SPG) Chronic Care Management at Southcoast Hospital ACO