JENNIFER BAKER
Ware
Summary
Results-driven Case Manager and Social Worker experienced in developing and implementing strategies that enhance community outreach and service delivery for individuals and families. Led initiatives to increase benefits access for veterans and their families while fostering collaboration among civic, government, and business entities to create supportive environments. Focused on addressing barriers to self-sufficiency for clients through tailored care plans and resource management.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Care Manager
Mass Care Link LLC
08.2024 - Current
- Provided per-diem case management for individuals with health and developmental disabilities needing live-in caregivers.
- Conducted monthly in-home visits to verify compliance with AFC qualifications and standards for members and caregivers.
- Documented client progress through case notes, maintaining communication with clients and caregivers via email and phone.
- Work closely with nurses, other case managers and supervisors to assist with care plans.
Director of Veteran’ Services /Veterans’ Service Officer
Town of Palmer
Palmer
05.2022 - 01.2023
- Led Veterans' Services department to provide support and resources for veterans and their families.
- Supported veterans and their families in obtaining VA compensation and disability ratings through community outreach programs.
- Assisting with Veterans Administration Compensation and Pension claims in regards to time in service disability rating.
- Processing and submitting applications through OnBase for Chapter 115 benefits for veterans and individuals who are qualified to receive them.
- Utilizing the VetraSpec software to submit all necessary documents to the Veterans Administration for each client.
- Developed service plans with veterans and their families to establish goals and address individual needs.
- Discussed specific objectives and identified strategies for achieving them.
- Assessed and addressed needs related to housing, healthcare, and financial services for veterans.
- Managed departmental budget while collaborating with other town departments to address veterans' needs and priorities.
Executive Administrative Assistant
Veterans’ Service Office
Palmer
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Assisted in securing VA compensation and disability ratings for veterans and families in Palmer and Monson through community outreach programs and events I created and attended.
- Processed and submitted applications via OnBase for Chapter 115 benefits, ensuring veterans and qualified individuals received necessary support.
- Assisting with Veterans Administration Compensation and Pension claims in regards to time in service disability rating.
- Utilizing the VetraSpec software to submit all necessary documents to the Veterans Administration for each client.
- Palmer and Monson MA
Family Advocate and Veterans Resource Coordinator
Soldier’s Afterlife LLC
Augusta
01.2020 - 03.2022
- Developed national database for veterans and nonprofits across the United States to streamline crisis response and improve access to resources.
- Acted as the primary contact for family advocacy, managing crisis situations at micro, mezzo, and macro levels by providing timely information and emergency support to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families.
- Promoted access to critical resources and services for veterans and families.
- Developed educational materials on health, benefits, and available programs for families.
- Coordinated with local agencies to streamline service delivery for veteran families.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in services provided to clients.
- Facilitated workshops on coping strategies and resource navigation, enhancing families' ability to access essential services and support.
- Provided case management services to families in need of assistance.
- Engaged families to deliver resources aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency and development.
- Provided crisis intervention services during times of emergency or distress.
- Coordinated referrals for mental health services and other specialized services.
- Assessed risk factors within a family environment in order to determine appropriate interventions necessary for safety.
- Collaborated with community partners such as schools, hospitals, social service organizations. to provide comprehensive services to families in need.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss cases and coordinate treatment plans for clients.
- Provided crisis intervention counseling to help manage difficult situations involving the family unit.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients by providing ongoing support through regular check-ins or phone calls.
- Researched community resources and facilitated referrals to appropriate services.
- Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
Personnel Administrator
United States Marine Corps
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Oversaw personnel management for active duty and reserve members at Westover Air Force Base.
- Facilitated onboarding of individuals into the Marine Corps during 1 year of recruiter duty, contributing to recruitment goals.
- Managed personnel records and files for military staff efficiently.
- Coordinated recruitment processes for new personnel within the organization.
- Assisted in developing training programs for military and civilian staff members.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, MAAssociates Degree - Liberal Arts with a focus on Psychology
Holyoke Community College
HolyokeSkills
- Team Leadership
- Community and Veteran Outreach
- Program Coordination
- Effective communication
- Ethical and Competent
- Client-Centered Approach
- Focused and Task Oriented
- Familiarity with Care Management Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Budget Management
- Operations Management
- Case Management
- Veterans Services
- Social Work experience
- Case management
- Crisis intervention
- Care coordination
- Service planning
- Outreach strategy
- Documentation accuracy
- Community engagement
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Discharge planning
- Resource utilization
- Care transitions
- Case assessments
- Client assessment
- Patient & family support
- Care planning
- Healthcare
- Problem-solving
- Record management
- Analytical thinking
- Interpersonal communication
- Decision-making
- Budget development
- Self motivation
- Crisis management
- Client advocacy
- Community outreach
- Attention to detail
- Problem resolution
- Assessment skills
- Treatment Planning
- Violence prevention
- Behavioral Health Support
- MS office
- Multicultural competence
- Community resources
- Resource navigation
- Psycho-social assessments
- Behavioral management
- Crisis intervention
- Confidential case documentation
- Case documentation
- Geriatric Care
- Shelter arrangements
- Community referrals
- Social services
- Staff development
- Life skills development
- Intervention planning
- Aftercare follow up
- Medicare applications
- Networking referrals
Volunteer Experience
- American Legion, 01/01/10, Present
- Amvets, 01/01/10, Present
- DAV, 01/01/10, Present
- VFW Ladies Auxiliary, 01/01/11, 01/01/16, President
- Ware Veterans Council, 01/01/10, 01/01/16, Veteran Council Member, Vice President, President
- Ware 250th Celebration – Sub-Committee for Military and Veterans, 01/01/12, Was in charge of all military/Veteran related activities and management of Parade tasks and details.
Certificates And Awards
- Western Massachusetts Veterans Service Association
- Massachusetts Veterans Service Association
- MVSOA E-Board
- Onbase trained
- VetraSpec trained
- MRO trained
- Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
- Veteran of the Year, Ware MA
- Marine of the Year
- Phi Theta Kappa- National Honor Society (Inducted 01/01/19)
- Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement by a Student having served in the U.S. Armed Forces on 05/20/20.
Timeline
Care Manager
Mass Care Link LLC
08.2024 - Current
Director of Veteran’ Services /Veterans’ Service Officer
Town of Palmer
05.2022 - 01.2023
Executive Administrative Assistant
Veterans’ Service Office
08.2021 - 05.2022
Family Advocate and Veterans Resource Coordinator
Soldier’s Afterlife LLC
01.2020 - 03.2022
Personnel Administrator
United States Marine Corps
01.2000 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Associates Degree - Liberal Arts with a focus on Psychology
Holyoke Community College