Karen Dawson-Haines
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Adept at healthcare navigation and demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills, I significantly enhanced patient care at Keystone Care Hospice. My expertise in psychosocial assessments and commitment to ethical practice have driven improvements in interdisciplinary collaboration and patient outcomes, showcasing my ability to adapt and excel in challenging healthcare environments.
Hospice care professional with focus on delivering compassionate support to patients and families. Extensive experience in emotional and practical guidance, ensuring comfort and dignity at end-of-life stages. Collaborative team player with strong commitment to achieving positive outcomes and adapting to changing needs. Expertise in crisis intervention and care planning, valued for reliability and empathy.
Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Hospice Social Worker
Keystone Care Hospice and Palliative Care
11.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Promoted self-care among interdisciplinary team members by initiating regular debriefing sessions following challenging cases or events.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure a seamless hospice experience.
- Developed strong rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating cultural competency and sensitivity throughout service provision.
- Served as a liaison between hospices and external agencies such as hospitals or nursing homes to facilitate efficient patient transitions into hospice care settings.
- Improved patient care by conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for optimal patient outcomes, ensuring consistent updates on patient progress.
- Supported patients in navigating complex healthcare systems, securing necessary resources, and addressing barriers to care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying informed of industry trends and best practices to enhance the quality of care provided.
- Provided crisis intervention services for patients and families experiencing acute emotional distress during the end-of-life process.
- Empowered patients to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care through compassionate counseling sessions.
- Enhanced patient and family understanding of hospice services by providing thorough education and resources.
- Advocated for patients'' rights and wishes, coordinating with legal professionals to establish advance directives.
- Assisted bereaved family members with grief support services, connecting them to community resources when needed.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all social work interventions in accordance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and case notes.
- Conducted in-home visits to provide supportive services.
- Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
Licensed Psychiatric Social Worker
Haven Behavioral Hospital
04.2016 - 04.2023
- Presented clinical documentation and observations to interdisciplinary team.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Developed and implemented detailed pre-discharge plans for clients soon to be reintegrated into community.
- Advocated for clients'' rights within the mental health system, ensuring access to necessary resources and services.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge planning and follow-up care for patients transitioning back into the community.
- Expanded professional knowledge through continued education opportunities such as workshops or conferences on emerging trends in psychiatric social work.
- Empowered clients through the development of personalized self-advocacy skills in navigating complex mental health systems.
- Established strong professional relationships with community resources such as housing agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, and healthcare providers, facilitating successful referrals for clients in need.
- Maintained accurate case records with detailed documentation of client progress towards treatment goals.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations addressing various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
- Managed caseloads of diverse patient populations with varying levels of acuity and complexity, maintaining consistent service delivery standards.
- Assisted clients in identifying appropriate housing solutions that supported their ongoing recovery journey.
- Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments to accurately identify client needs and strengths, informing appropriate interventions and services.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Provided psychoeducation to clients and their families on mental health diagnoses, treatment options, coping strategies, and self-care techniques.
- Promoted a safe and supportive therapeutic environment by establishing rapport with clients and maintaining strict confidentiality of personal information.
- Enhanced patient support networks through effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses.
- Developed crisis intervention plans for high-risk patients, effectively managing emergency situations to ensure safety and wellbeing.
- Served as a liaison between clients' families members or caretakers during periods of hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs.
- Maintained client records to document assessment, treatment plans and progress.
- Offered supportive counseling and crisis intervention to individuals in crisis.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans and modified according to presentation.
Licensed Medical and Psychiatric Social Worker
Roxborough Memorial Hospital
04.2005 - 04.2016
- Presented clinical documentation and observations to interdisciplinary team.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Updated treatment plans on monthly basis with latest intervention strategies and progress notes.
- Developed and implemented detailed pre-discharge plans for clients soon to be reintegrated into community.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Empowered clients through the development of personalized self-advocacy skills in navigating complex mental health systems.
- Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments to accurately identify client needs and strengths, informing appropriate interventions and services.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge planning and follow-up care for patients transitioning back into the community.
- Developed crisis intervention plans for high-risk patients, effectively managing emergency situations to ensure safety and wellbeing.
- Managed caseloads of diverse patient populations with varying levels of acuity and complexity, maintaining consistent service delivery standards.
- Established strong professional relationships with community resources such as housing agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, and healthcare providers, facilitating successful referrals for clients in need.
- Enhanced patient support networks through effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses.
- Advocated for clients'' rights within the mental health system, ensuring access to necessary resources and services.
- Assisted clients in identifying appropriate housing solutions that supported their ongoing recovery journey.
- Served as a liaison between clients' families members or caretakers during periods of hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs.
- Expanded professional knowledge through continued education opportunities such as workshops or conferences on emerging trends in psychiatric social work.
Licensed Hospice Social Worker
Albert Einstein Medical Center
08.1995 - 09.2008
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Promoted self-care among interdisciplinary team members by initiating regular debriefing sessions following challenging cases or events.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure a seamless hospice experience.
- Developed strong rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating cultural competency and sensitivity throughout service provision.
- Served as a liaison between hospices and external agencies such as hospitals or nursing homes to facilitate efficient patient transitions into hospice care settings.
- Improved patient care by conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for optimal patient outcomes, ensuring consistent updates on patient progress.
- Increased awareness of available hospice services within the community through targeted outreach initiatives and educational presentations.
- Supported patients in navigating complex healthcare systems, securing necessary resources, and addressing barriers to care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying informed of industry trends and best practices to enhance the quality of care provided.
- Organized support group meetings for grieving family members, fostering an environment conducive to healing after loss.
- Provided crisis intervention services for patients and families experiencing acute emotional distress during the end-of-life process.
- Streamlined referral processes within the hospice by working closely with intake coordinators and establishing clear communication channels.
- Empowered patients to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care through compassionate counseling sessions.
- Enhanced patient and family understanding of hospice services by providing thorough education and resources.
- Mentored new social workers joining the organization—sharing best practices while fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using qualitative feedback from clients coupled with quantitative data analysis; contributed insights towards continuous improvement efforts.
- Advocated for patients'' rights and wishes, coordinating with legal professionals to establish advance directives.
- Assisted bereaved family members with grief support services, connecting them to community resources when needed.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all social work interventions in accordance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
- Cultivated a strong network of community partnerships, enhancing resource availability for patients and families during their time of need.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and case notes.
- Conducted in-home visits to provide supportive services.
- Assisted patients in accessing housing, financial assistance and other community resources.
- Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing medical, emotional and mental health challenges in hospital setting.
- Worked with medical teams, patients and families to implement effective treatment plans.
- Managed caseload to satisfy multiple patients with diverse needs.
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
- Participated in interdisciplinary care conferences to discuss patient care plans and referrals.
- Provided patient and family education on available resources and self-care strategies.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning and follow-up care.
- Participated in clinical supervision to maintain professional development.
Licensed Physical Rehabilitation Social Worker
Magee Rehabilitation Hospital
08.1989 - 08.1995
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
- Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
- Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- Advocated for clients'' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Promoted a culture of self-care and professional development among colleagues, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged ongoing growth and learning.
- Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping skills and fostering peer connections among participants.
- Increased client engagement in treatment plans by building trusting relationships through empathetic listening and consistent support.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges or behavioral concerns.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to build supportive, communicative client networks.
- Facilitated successful client transitions from residential facilities to independent living situations with appropriate supports in place.
- Enhanced community outreach efforts for better service accessibility and increased program enrollment.
- Coordinated external healthcare professionals to uphold high-quality, person-centred care.
- Assisted clients in navigating the legal system, attending court hearings as needed and providing support throughout the process.
- Supervised interns or junior staff members, providing direction on best practices in social work and contributing to their professional growth as practitioners.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven approaches, identifying areas of improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
- Led workshops on topics relevant to client populations served, empowering individuals with valuable knowledge and tools for self advocacy.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments for individuals and families to identify needs, leading to personalized intervention plans.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure cohesive support strategies for clients.
- Promoted family reunification and stability, conducting assessments and providing tailored family support services.
- Improved client satisfaction with services provided by implementing feedback mechanisms and adapting services accordingly.
- Supported clients' emotional and psychological well-being through provision of counseling and support groups.
- Developed funding proposals for social service programs, securing essential services for underserved populations.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Guided clients through navigation of legal and healthcare systems, improving their access to necessary services.
Area Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Philadelphia
06.1984 - 08.1990
- Supported families experiencing crisis situations by facilitating wrap-around services tailored specifically to each unique situation.
- Championed diversity and inclusion within the team, fostering an environment that celebrated differences and promoted cultural competence.
- Mentored new social workers entering the field to promote professional growth and solidify foundational skills necessary for success.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards through meticulous documentation and accurate reporting.
- Recruited trained, and retained high-quality clinical staff to meet the growing demand for services in the community.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach to empower clients and foster resilience in overcoming challenges.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using key performance indicators, making informed decisions on resource allocation and service provision.
- Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and individualized care plans.
- Developed strong community partnerships to enhance available resources and support for clients.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts within organization increasing community engagement while further supporting client needs.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while adhering to ethical guidelines in all aspects of practice.
- Successfully secured grant funding to expand programming offerings for clients, increasing agency''s ability to serve a broader population.
- Led crisis interventions, providing critical support to clients during their most vulnerable moments.
- Enhanced staff performance through regular supervision, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Streamlined case management processes for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
- Conducted thorough assessments of client needs, developing targeted interventions for maximum impact.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making to identify areas for improvement and drive programmatic changes.
- Facilitated interagency communication to ensure seamless coordination of care across multiple providers.
- Initiated multidisciplinary team collaboration, resulting in comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
- Advocated for policy changes at the local, state, or federal level which positively impacted the lives of clients served by the agency.
- Identified community resources to support clients.
- Cultivated positive, trusting relationships with clients and community providers to promote effective coordination of resources.
- Visited homes and agencies to provide support and case management services to clients.
- Provided crisis intervention, guidance, and supportive counseling to clients.
- Coordinated with social, public, and welfare agencies to obtain and provide client information.
- Provided group and individual counseling to identify, discuss, and resolve problems and issues.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Created and managed budgets, efficiently allocating resources for social and community service projects.
- Managed volunteer programs focused on providing community services to underserved populations.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to support social and community service initiatives.
Education
Master of Social Work - Administration And Planning
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA12-1989
Certificate of Gerontology - Geriatric Social Services
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05-1985
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Welfare
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05-1984
Skills
- Healthcare navigation
- Psychosocial assessments
- End-of-life care
- Boundaries establishment
- Family support
- Care planning
- Quality improvement
- Geriatric care
- Motivational interviewing
- Multicultural competence
- Ethical practice
- Self-care strategies
- Palliative care
- Grief counseling
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Worker supervision
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Effective communication
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Patient education
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Patient confidentiality
- Relationship building
- Patient support
- Clinical documentation
- Clinical assessment
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Team building
- Task prioritization
- Coaching and development
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Mental health counseling
- Self motivation
- Infection control
- Medical terminology
- Health promotion
- Assessing needs
- Conflict resolution
- Networking with staff
- Professionalism
- Training and teaching
- Patient advocacy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Intervention planning
- Behavioral health
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Written communication
- Progress monitoring
- Patient evaluation
- Discharge planning
- Psychosocial assessment
- Cultural Competency
- Counseling
- Case management
- Community resource referral
- Disease prevention
- Treatment Planning
- Legal compliance
- Community outreach
Certification
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- [Area of certification]Crisis Deescalation
- CPR/AED Certification
Timeline
Licensed Hospice Social Worker
Keystone Care Hospice and Palliative Care
11.2023 - Current
Licensed Psychiatric Social Worker
Haven Behavioral Hospital
04.2016 - 04.2023
Licensed Medical and Psychiatric Social Worker
Roxborough Memorial Hospital
04.2005 - 04.2016
Licensed Hospice Social Worker
Albert Einstein Medical Center
08.1995 - 09.2008
Licensed Physical Rehabilitation Social Worker
Magee Rehabilitation Hospital
08.1989 - 08.1995
Area Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Philadelphia
06.1984 - 08.1990
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- [Area of certification]Crisis Deescalation
- CPR/AED Certification
Master of Social Work - Administration And Planning
Temple University
Certificate of Gerontology - Geriatric Social Services
Temple University
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Welfare
Temple University
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