KERENSA WARD
Rosedale,USA
Summary
Compassionate and Dedicated Social Worker: Vast medical social work, Community outreach, Crisis intervention, and Case Management background. Known as a problem solver with the ability to partner with organizational stakeholders to arrive at structured solutions to complex problems. Passionate about meeting the social, emotional, and wellness needs of communities that are systematically under-served as well as those that are intentionally marginalized. Experienced in developing coaching strategies, implementing dialogues that address specific concerns and issues, and overseeing resolution of conflicts
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Program Specialist
Office of Mental Health
06.2025 - Current
- Identified gaps in services offered, leading to the creation of new programs that better served the diverse needs of clients served.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive mental health programs.
- Managed budgets strategically to ensure adequate funding for essential program components while minimizing costs.
- Stayed up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in mental health, continually refining program offerings to provide cutting-edge care.
- Prioritized client safety by enforcing strict confidentiality policies and adhering to ethical guidelines in all interactions with patients and families.
Certified Life Coach
K.WARD LLC
01.2020 - Current
- Conduct life coaching sessions focusing on entrepreneurship, mental health, work performance, communication, and relationship-building, enhancing clients' self-confidence
- Facilitate goal-setting and resource connection to promote individual plan success, achieving a 20% increase in client acquisition
- Lead empowerment seminars and workshops, expanding outreach to 40 additional prospective clients
- Develop and launch K'Essential Blends Wellness Product Line, generating $20K in first-year sales through an established Shopify eCommerce platform.
Supervising Social Worker
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Implemented program evaluations to measure effectiveness and make improvements as necessary
- Advocated for clients' rights and resources within community
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for clients
- Practiced cultural competence when working with diverse populations of clients.
Lead Social Worker
Wellbotics
10.2022 - 09.2024
- Facilitates social emotional learning workshops, throughout the DOE and pop up maker spaces
- Promoting a curriculum that supports mindfulness and wellness through the use of technology, engineering, and Instructional robots
- Collaborates with educational staff to provide a safe and educational environment for students to process their emotions, increase problem-solving skills, and communicate effectively.
Lead Asylum Social Worker
Docgo
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify the needs and challenges of asylum seekers.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans, providing tailored support and resources.
- Offered counseling and emotional support, facilitating group sessions to address trauma and stress.
- Coordinated access to legal aid, healthcare, housing, and employment services for clients.
- Advocated for clients' rights within legal and community systems, collaborating with legal teams to support asylum applications.
- Managed crisis interventions and created safety plans for vulnerable clients.
Healthcare Navigator
Emblem Health
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Assisted individuals and families in understanding their healthcare options, benefits, and enrollment processes, enhancing access to necessary services.
- Analyzed client needs and eligibility for various health programs, ensuring appropriate resources were utilized effectively.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, improve service delivery, and enhance the client experience.
- Monitored and reported on program outcomes, using data to drive strategic decisions and policy recommendations.
- Conducted data analysis to identify trends in healthcare access and barriers, providing insights for program improvement.
Social Worker/Discharge Planner
NY Community Hospital
06.2016 - 01.2019
- Conduct psychosocial assessments and therapeutic interviews, initiating referrals for home care and coordinating safe patient discharges to various facilities
- Coordinated comprehensive patient care from pre-admission to post-discharge follow-up, managing an average caseload of 10-12 patients per day
- Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans, achieving an average of 7 successful daily discharges with no subsequent readmissions.
Social Worker/Case Manager
Maimonides Medical Center
01.2015 - 06.2015
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary teams to facilitate patient admissions and discharges, ensuring safe transition processes for all cases
- Linked families with vital community resources, such as housing, health insurance, and healthcare services, to support patient well-being beyond the clinical setting
- Conducted daily psychosocial assessments and therapy sessions, while collaborating with mental health professionals to develop and adjust patient care plans, contributing to the reduction of hospital readmissions.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work / Study Abroad Sweden
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY12.2015
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Human Services
New York City College of Technology
Brooklyn, NY01.2011
Ph.D. - Community Health
Capella University
12-2025
Skills
- Policy Research
- Community Outreach
- Diversity Initiatives
- Counseling
- Interpersonal Skills
- Excel
- Special Projects
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Managed Care
- Assessment Skills
- MS Office Suite
- PowerPoint
- Data Analysis
- Quantitative Data
- Understanding Cultural Differences
- Communication Skills
- Word
- Child and Adolescent Counseling
Certification
- Training in Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, Office of Children and Family Services
- Training in School Violence Prevention and Intervention, CUNY The City College of New York
- Certified Life Coach, Holmes Training Academy
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Mental Health Program Specialist
Office of Mental Health
06.2025 - Current
Supervising Social Worker
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
09.2024 - 05.2025
Lead Asylum Social Worker
Docgo
10.2023 - 04.2024
Healthcare Navigator
Emblem Health
06.2023 - 10.2023
Lead Social Worker
Wellbotics
10.2022 - 09.2024
Certified Life Coach
K.WARD LLC
01.2020 - Current
Social Worker/Discharge Planner
NY Community Hospital
06.2016 - 01.2019
Social Worker/Case Manager
Maimonides Medical Center
01.2015 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Human Services
New York City College of Technology
Master of Science - Social Work / Study Abroad Sweden
Adelphi University
Ph.D. - Community Health
Capella University
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