Karen Jimenez
Hackettstown,NJ
Summary
Compassionate, personable, conscientious, detail oriented team player with extensive experience advocating for the social and economic well-being of individuals/families and supporting clients through crisis intervention, communication and counseling . Proficient in implementing and coordinating care with internal providers and community organizations. Facilitate supportive services and counseling, perform assessments and create intervention plans. Team-oriented professional dedicated to improving lives of clients by offering effective solutions. Skilled at providing guidance, support and assistance. Proven track record of success managing and leading social services teams/programs. Dedicated candidate eager to leverage knowledge in social services and program development. Skilled in operation memorandum (OM)/standard of operation (SOP) writing, budgeting and program evaluation. Strong collaborator, communication, management, leadership skills and committed to leading and inspiring individuals/teams to achieve shared goals. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
9
9
Certification
Work History
SUD's Social Work Supervisor/OTP Coordinator
Dept. of Veteran Affairs Medical Center
03.2017 - Current
- Responsible for the oversite of 8 Social Workers across three substance abuse programs that offers a multitude of level of care to veterans
- Coordinate clinic daily task, distribute assignments, manage team member leave/schedule, duct weekly clinical supervision and assist crisis intervention
- Offer Substance Abuse Treatment consultation to providers across the medical facility
- Facilitate daily OTP team huddles, weekly Social Work team meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings
- Provide coverage on behalf of Social Work Mental Health Program Manager while on leave
- Provide oversight and participate in Joint Commission and DEA survey preparation to maintain accreditation and post visit recommended actions in coordination with OPMI
- Educate team members, implement and monitored Joint Commission corrective actions, by generating reports and submitting them to OPMI/leadership
- Collaborate with Human Resource in the establishing of positions, recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training of new hires
- Conduct orientation to new hires, in their assign roles
- Complete initial, mid-year and annual performance appraisals with assigned team members
- Subject expert in Opiate Treatment Program within VANJ
- Review and implement Opiate Treatment Program policies in accordance with federal/state and DEA guidelines
- Provide crisis intervention
- Utilize EDP of CBT, MI, psychodynamic and supportive counseling to veterans
- Complete screenings, intakes, biopsychosocial assessments, treatment plans, BAM-R, C-SSRS, coordination of care and discharge planning
- Conduct individual/family counseling and psychoeducation sessions on substance use disorder(s)
- Bridge communication between interdisciplinary team and patient/family's needs
- Refer patient to inpatient/outpatient substance use disorder including MAT
- Assess patient with mental status exam, safety planning, and suicide risk assessments
- Establish interview panel and participated on interviews for perspective social work hires
- Supervise masters level Social Work student, offered clinical training and facilitated meeting with field liaison to discuss students progress
- Field Instructor for SW Interns
- Document daily encounters and interventions on a timely manner
- Ensure bookability measures are met amongst SUD Social Work clinicians to meet VANJ standards
- Perform chart audits to maintain VANJ Social Work performance standard of care.
Emergency Department On Call Evening Coverage
05.2012 - 12.2023
- Provided 100% social work coverage during off tour hours for the emergency room
- Offered screenings, consultation, coordination of care and discharge planning for veterans requiring assistance
- Monitored admissions requiring clinical interventions
- Responded to call notification timely
- Offered consultation to ED treating team members as needed
- Documented interventions timely and notified assigned providers accordingly
- Followed up with interventions during admission or post discharge
- Coordinated acute care psychiatric admission with sister facilities
- Provided sign out to covering incoming clinicians to ensure continuity of care.
Community Outreach Recovery Coordinator
09.2016 - 07.2018
- Assess and coordinate new Veteran admissions to OTP clinic and outpatient recovery program within the CBOC's; to include consult responding, screening, guidance post screening, coordinate care of VA providers to ensure Veteran obtains medical clearance when applicable, orientation to program and assignment of treatment providers
- Facilitate staff meetings to ensure continuity of care for Veterans and compliance within OTP clinic
- Ensure overall service quality, providing as needed supervision to OTP SW, training, and functional support to OTP team and Veterans being served in the clinic
- Assist in new hire training for Social Worker for Opiate Treatment Program
- Provide coverage for OTP Coordinator as needed
- Supervise Social Work Intern Student assign to OTP clinic
- Coordinate services with multi-disciplinary team to include Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Clinical Pharmacists, Social Workers, and Nurses to ensure continuity of care veterans and family members with Opiate Treatment Program (OTP) and Community Base Outpatient Clinics (CBOC)
- Formulate and submit report to OPMI to ensure program compliance with SAMSHA and VA standards
- Assist OTP treating team in performing breathalyzers and obtaining urine samples to monitor veteran compliance with clinic recommendations and guidelines
- Case management / care coordination to ensure most beneficial outcome for Veteran
- Reduce / remove barriers to treatment caused by substance abuse, mental health, low income/fixed income, transportation issues and homelessness
- Coordinate services for Veterans to ensure compliance with scheduling and consult tracking on a timely manner for Substance Use Disorder (SUD')s
- Developed comprehensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Services within VA CBOCS and facilitate group therapy programs focused on recovery, abstinence, relapse prevention, PTSD, anger management, reintegration into sober living, coping skills, budgeting and self-growth and development
- Provide client centered approach to treatment and implementation of evidence based practice
- Complete Biopsychosocial assessment, Behavioral Assessment Model BAM, Treatment Planning, Referrals to VA related programs and community base programs
- Educate Veterans and provide assistance in formulating safety and recovery treatment plans to address the overall well-being and mental health of the veteran and to assist in obtaining/maintaining recovery goals
- Ensure and coordinated safe discharge planning with Veteran connecting them to resources appropriate for level of care being recommended upon discharge
- Implemented recovery focus treatment/services for Veteran to assist in reintegration into the home/family and community
- Utilized psychosocial assessment to address, social, mental health, interpersonal and environmental factors which contribute to Veterans Substance Use or Dependence and/or Mental Health Diagnoses
- Utilize appropriate clinical judgement when formulating a diagnosis and provide ongoing assessment of the Veterans' progress through treatment planning and individual therapy
- Provide and connect Veterans and family members with local, state, and federal resources for; transportation, housing, access to medical care, applying for social security benefits/public assistance and VA compensation and pension
- Provide Individual and Group Therapy
- Veterans in the community being cared for within outpatient clinics
- Provide on-call Social Work coverage to Emergency Department (ED) VANJHCS during off tour hours.
Patient Care Social Worker-Nephrology/Outpatient Care/Emergency Room
05.2010 - 09.2016
- Delivery of care referrals for treatment services, and case management services for outpatient/inpatient veterans
- Coordinate services and submit referrals to assist homeless veterans/family to programs within the VA and/or community resources in obtaining stable housing opportunities
- Coordinate services and referrals for homeless veterans in the community and within the VA Healthcare system
- Provide adjustment counseling for newly diagnose ESRD veterans, family members and caregivers
- Formulate psychosocial assessment according to specific guidelines to augment existing service or as a guide in determining or changing level of service taking into consideration
- Organize support groups for veterans and caregivers to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting the veteran throughout the disease process
- Refer veteran and/or caregiver to VA & community resources to assist in recovery from mental, substance use/abuse or physical illness and to provide access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement or education, with appropriate follow up
- Monitor, evaluate, and record veterans' progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan
- Utilize consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate veterans care and rehabilitation, following through to ensure service efficacy
- Coordinate services with veteran, caregiver and providers to combat social problems, prevent substance abuse, or improve community health and counseling services
- Investigate abuse or neglect cases and take authorized protective action when necessary
- Oversee Medicaid- and Medicare-related paperwork and recordkeeping in hospitals
- Coordinate referrals for home services, short term or long term care for veteran/caregivers
- Perform home evaluation to implement services for veteran interested in Peritoneal Home Dialysis mode of treatment
- Participate in monthly interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss veterans medical status, progress and assist team members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to the veterans health.
Consultant Clinician
YCS-Outpatient Mental Health Clinic
07.2010 - 05.2012
- Provide individual/family therapy for children/adolescence and families with behavioral and emotional needs
- Coordinate referrals to community resources
- Coordinate services with client, families, child study teams, medical providers and school officials to ensure continuity of care
- Compile psychosocial assessment and develop treatment plan
- Utilize conventional and alternative approaches to achieve goals with clients.
Social Work Per Diem Supervisor
CUCS-Prince George Residence
03.2008 - 08.2010
- Staff supervision and direct over site of service delivery
- Work as part of an interdisciplinary team and provide adequate services to diverse population served
- Direct the programs daily operations, as well as supervise employees to ensure outreach services, home visits, case management and linking clients to appropriate treatment
- Provide clinical service to clients in need
- Assist with overall program management, ensuring quality service provision
- Ensure staff productivity and achievement of client goals
- Coordinate/Facilitate weekend activities with clients and staff
- Establish a healthy relationship with client in the residence
- Enhance the overall therapeutic environment
- Directly monitor the participants' medical/mental health needs and follow up with recommendations
- Provide medication monitoring to assign clients.
Clinician
YCS-Holley Center
01.2009 - 05.2010
- Provide individual, group and family counseling interventions to clients, their families and support systems
- Work alongside community agency, to assist client in permanent housing placement post discharge
- Asses the needs of clients/families and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses clinical strengths and needs
- Provide client centered advocacy, as well as linkage to ancillary and specialized treatment services and interventions
- Assist in stabilization via crisis prevention/intervention
- Review and track monthly progress utilizing the behavior management policy and procedures
- Participate as a member of an interdisciplinary team to assess goals
- Provide bi-annual research through client satisfaction survey data to ensure client needs are met
- Compile psychosocial history
- Coordinate discharge placements options for clients and families.
Social Work Consultant
Full Circle Counseling
03.2008 - 10.2009
- Provide in home therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families referred by the Division of Youth and Families Services
- Provide solution focus therapy, support and guidance to clients faced with wide range of challenges and psychosocial issues to include physical abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse etc
- Utilize conventional and alternative approaches to achieve goals with clients
- Provide weekly clinical documentation and recommendation on clients to providers
- Develop and implement comprehensive treatment plan
- Home evaluations and implementation of services in the home for clients and family.
Social Work Intern
Upper Manhattan Dialysis Center
03.2008 - 10.2009
- Advocate for clients or clients to resolve crises
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to evaluate clients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs
- Counsel clients to help them overcome dependencies, recover from illness, and adjust to life
- Identify environmental impediments to clients progress through interviews and review of client medical records
- Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in clients' status
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress during weekly individual sessions.
Inpatient Mental Health Social Worker
Bellevue Hospital Center
02.2007 - 01.2009
- Conduct/participate in intake process to obtain information relevant to formulating a psychosocial evaluation and treatment plan for individuals with mental health needs as well as MICA clients
- Provide cultural sensitive treatment for individuals who were monolingual Spanish speaking only and undocumented
- Interview patients, relatives, agency staff, or members of the community regarding patient's ability to function
- Assist homeless patients in seeking placement post discharge by formulating relationships with community resources
- Plan for discharge and aftercare
- Make referrals to agencies or community resources, or provide direct services
- Attend daily community meetings and multidisciplinary treatment team daily rounds
- Serve as a liaison with community agency
- Supervise volunteers, students and auxiliary personnel
- Task supervisor for case manager
- Orient and educate members of other professional disciplines of social work concepts and functions
- Facilitate family meetings with patients
- Facilitate social work inpatient groups
- Maintain appropriate case records and statistical reports and prepare other reports as required.
Per Diem Relief Youth Development Counselor
Good Shepherd Services
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Establish a healthy relationship with each participant in the group and act as a mature role model to enhance the overall therapeutic environment for adolescence with mental health history, abuse history and substance abuse
- Work closely with team members, participants and their family to meet the goals mutually developed
- Plan the daily functions of the group life experience
- Directly monitor the participants' medical needs and follow up recommended
- Maintain logs including critical events and home visits, as well as write quarterly reports for presentation at staff meetings
- Direct line YDC to create a therapeutic milieu in which each participant is able to reach their potential and learn socially appropriate behavior, homemaking skills and develop their individual skills and abilities
- Help participants explore vocational options and prepare for independent living
- Engage in a range of crisis intervention including resolution and physical restraint.
THRIVE Social Work Supervisor for School Based Program for Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Inwood House
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Maintain cooperative relationships with host setting administrative, guidance, and teaching staff
- Provide individual counseling and referral to students
- Provide strengths-based Parenting Education
- Supervise Outreach Worker and Case Manager
- Keep accurate client records and statistics for program monitoring and evaluation
- Submit monthly statistic to Inwood House Research Department.
Unit Clerk
Upper Manhattan Dialysis Center
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Coordinated patient admissions, discharges and transfers with all team members and oriented primarily geriatric patients, families and visitors of the unit
- Responsible for scheduling appointments and transportation for the patients
- Recorded and maintained minutes of unit meetings and medical records
- Communicated with MD/RN regarding emergency situations/STAT lab reports
- Continuously maintained Nephrology computer system database current and accurate.
Education
MS, Social Work -
Long Island University
Brooklyn, NY05.2006
B.A., Psychology -
Long Island University
Brooklyn, NY05.2004
A.A. Liberal Arts -
Bronx Community College
Bronx, NY2001
Skills
CPRS, VISTA, VATAS, Adobe Photoshop, Teams, Zoom, Webex, VVC, Sype, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint MIQS, Proton, Foothold Technology (AWARDS), Memphis, Connections , Group Wise, MYSIS, Performcare, Anasazi
Certification
- License Clinical Social Worker, 081476, NY, 12/27/2013
- Licensed Social Work, 44SL05560300, NJ, 5/26/2009
- Licensed Master Social Work, 076375-1, NY, 12/8/2007
- NKF-CNSW Member- #924382
- CASAC-T # 25107
- EARC-PAS Screener Certification # JIM1191
- NPI #: 1134439391/ DCN#: 603210256
- CPR AED: FL20779 since 2/14/19
- Medicaid Provider # 0379379
Affiliations
- Member-National Association of Social Workers- 2007
- Member- Latino Treatment Program Center of Excellence In Cultural Competence- 2007
- LIU Board Member 7/2011- 1/2013 Board Secretary
- National Kidney Foundation Member-9/2011
Training
- NASW Clinical Supervision Training
- Psychological First Aid
- SIFI
- BRIDGES
- Whole Health Practice Training
- VA Voices
- DECON First Receiver Training, Member Since 5/6/18
- DECON Train the Trainer, 5/6/19
- Telehealth to Home Training, 5/14/19
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
SUD's Social Work Supervisor/OTP Coordinator
Dept. of Veteran Affairs Medical Center
03.2017 - Current
Community Outreach Recovery Coordinator
09.2016 - 07.2018
Emergency Department On Call Evening Coverage
05.2012 - 12.2023
Consultant Clinician
YCS-Outpatient Mental Health Clinic
07.2010 - 05.2012
Patient Care Social Worker-Nephrology/Outpatient Care/Emergency Room
05.2010 - 09.2016
Clinician
YCS-Holley Center
01.2009 - 05.2010
Social Work Per Diem Supervisor
CUCS-Prince George Residence
03.2008 - 08.2010
Social Work Consultant
Full Circle Counseling
03.2008 - 10.2009
Social Work Intern
Upper Manhattan Dialysis Center
03.2008 - 10.2009
Inpatient Mental Health Social Worker
Bellevue Hospital Center
02.2007 - 01.2009
Per Diem Relief Youth Development Counselor
Good Shepherd Services
01.2007 - 01.2008
THRIVE Social Work Supervisor for School Based Program for Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Inwood House
01.2005 - 01.2006
Unit Clerk
Upper Manhattan Dialysis Center
01.1998 - 01.2004
MS, Social Work -
Long Island University
B.A., Psychology -
Long Island University
A.A. Liberal Arts -
Bronx Community College
- License Clinical Social Worker, 081476, NY, 12/27/2013
- Licensed Social Work, 44SL05560300, NJ, 5/26/2009
- Licensed Master Social Work, 076375-1, NY, 12/8/2007
Similar Profiles
Kimberly Quillin BSN, RNKimberly Quillin BSN, RN
Gastroenterology Nurse at Veteran Affairs Medical CenterGastroenterology Nurse at Veteran Affairs Medical Center
Ashlee HollowayAshlee Holloway
Registered Nurse, MAC Team (Hem/Onc Clinic) at Richard L Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical CenterRegistered Nurse, MAC Team (Hem/Onc Clinic) at Richard L Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center
Lashannon ButlerLashannon Butler
Senior Social Worker at Department Of Veteran Affairs Medical CenterSenior Social Worker at Department Of Veteran Affairs Medical Center