Kate Blanco
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of both direct service and leadership experience. Adept at managing multidisciplinary teams and implementing evidence-based interventions that enhance employee well-being while also ensuring client satisfaction and organizational success. Highly skilled and excited about collaboration, crisis intervention, and providing oversight to align mental health initiatives with organizational goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Behavioral Health Services
Landmark Health
08.2021 - Current
- Lead development and implementation of comprehensive behavioral health programs for a home and community-based organization, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Oversaw a multidisciplinary team of 14behavioral health professionals, providing guidance, support, and fostering a collaborative and client-centered approach to care.
- Developed strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide support, education, and to enhance the integration of behavioral health services through the AIMS model within the broader healthcare continuum. Advocating for the unique needs of clients ensuring that interventions were person-centered and responsive to individual circumstances.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and exceeding performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Recruited, interviewed and onboarded new employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Conducted regular audits and assessments of clinical documentation to maintain compliance with standards and improve service quality.
Licensed Clinical Therapist
TimelyMD
01.2022 - Current
- Conducted thorough psychosocial assessments to college-aged students to inform diagnoses and guide treatment planning for optimal results.
- Improved client outcomes by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs..
- Maintained strict confidentiality regarding client information in compliance with HIPAA regulations while managing case records diligently .
- Assessed progress throughout the course of therapy using standardized measures to ensure continued effectiveness of interventions.
- Established a trusting environment that encouraged open communication between therapist and client, promoting self-awareness and growth.
Field-Based Clinical Social Worker
Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
10.2012 - 08.2021
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for a caseload of 40-50 patients and their families to identify social and emotional needs around end-of-life.
- Provide counseling and emotional support around end of life issues, grief, loss, and adjustment .
- Supervised MSW student interns; reviewing and evaluating clinical cases, offering guidance, feedback, and support to enhance clinical skills.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during emergencies or significant changes in patient's condition, collaborating with interdisciplinary team to address immediate needs, and supporting patient and family through crisis.
- Lead the only Spanish-speaking general bereavement support group in Chicago, creating marketing materials, building community relationships, and facilitating a safe space for individuals to process their grief.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions and interventions in accordance with hospice regulations and organizational policies.
Medical Clinical Social Worker
The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
09.2006 - 09.2012
- Conduct psychosocial assessments for pediatric oncology patients and their families to identify emotional, social, and environmental factors impacting health, in order to enhance their well-being and contribute to a family-centered care approach.
- Identify positive coping strategies and resilience-building interventions for families navigating challenges while also advocating for their unique needs within the healthcare system.
- Bereavement coordinator for the entire hospital, providing staff education on grief/loss, facilitating child and sibling loss support groups, and providing support to parents/caregivers of children with life-limiting illness.
- Lead hospital staff de-briefings around difficult and challenging cases, and provided education around how to have compassionate and clear conversations with families grieving their child's health.
- Participated in development of a unique functional abdominal pain clinic, using hypnotherapy to treat children with severe and chronic abdominal issues while maintaining accurate documentation and results for research study in it's effectiveness.
- Mentored new social workers, providing guidance on ethical decision-making processes, best practice standards, and navigating complex clinical situations.
Licensed Clinical Therapist
The Finestra Center, LLC
09.2010 - 09.2012
- Established and launched an independent private practice specializing in individual therapy with clients across the age spectrum, specifically related to grief/loss and health.
- Developed a client base through targeted marketing strategies, networking, and referrals, resulting in a successful practice.
- Designed and executed personalized treatment plans for clients, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
- Cultivated a positive and inclusive therapeutic environment, fostering trust and collaboration with clients.
- Implemented and maintained effective business operations, including client scheduling, billing, and documentation, to ensure a seamless and client-friendly experience.
Education
Masters Degree in Social Work -
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH06.2001
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish -
Miami University
Oxford05.1999
Skills
- Bilingual Spanish/English
- Group therapy facilitation
- Grief and Loss Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Excellent Communication
- Team Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Panel presenter to University of Illinois Medical classes, speaking on how to conduct clear and compassionate goals of care and advanced care planning conversations, and how to speak on death and dying.
- Published articles for Lurie Children's, Rainbow Hospice, and Prospero Health on topics such as featured patient stories, impact of culture on heatlhcare experiences, employee self-care, and compassion fatigue.
- Assisted in the creation of protocols and education on how to build rapport and enhance relationships in the virtual care patient experience.
- Completed Hypnotherapy certificate
- "Incredible Years" facilitator certificate
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Licensed Clinical Therapist
TimelyMD
01.2022 - Current
Manager of Behavioral Health Services
Landmark Health
08.2021 - Current
Field-Based Clinical Social Worker
Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
10.2012 - 08.2021
Licensed Clinical Therapist
The Finestra Center, LLC
09.2010 - 09.2012
Medical Clinical Social Worker
The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
09.2006 - 09.2012
Masters Degree in Social Work -
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish -
Miami University
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