Kim Gulbranson-Hersk
Eagan,MN
Summary
Experienced Hospice Social Worker skilled in delivering emotional support and resources to patients and families navigating end-of-life decisions. Proven ability to coordinate care plans, facilitate family meetings, and address psychosocial needs, enhancing quality of life in challenging situations.
Demonstrated dedication to furthering the Social Work profession through 18 years supervising Master of Social Work (MSW) staff and interns.
Overview
7
7
years of post-secondary education
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospice Social Worker
Allina Health Hospice & Palliative Care
Minneapolis, Minnesota
10.2020 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive assessments for hospice patients and families.
- Develop personalized care plans to address psychosocial needs.
- Initiate interventions to address the psychosocial needs of hospice patients and families
- Deliver supportive counseling for anticipatory grieving patients and families, enhancing emotional resilience during end-of-life transitions.
- Supervise MSW student interns during clinical practicums, fostering professional growth and competence in hospice care.
- Facilitate group supervision for MSW staff pursuing LICSW licensure, promoting clinical development and readiness for independent practice.
- Coordinate educational opportunities for social work department staff
Lead Clinical Social Worker
HealthEast Bethesda Hospital
Paul, MN
01.2008 - 10.2020
- Facilitated case consultations for care management colleagues, supporting Director of Care Management Services and representing Care Management Department
- Effectively managed caseload of 15 patients on Respiratory Care Unit by completing psychosocial assessments and coordinating safe, patient-focused discharge plans
- Delivered clinical social work linkage and counseling, enhancing patient access to resources and support
- Supervised MSW staff preparing for LICSW licensure
- Supervised MSW interns during clinical field placements, fostering their professional development and practical skills
- Served as co-chair of Bethesda Hospital’s Ethics Committee
Clinical Social Worker
HealthEast Bethesda Hospital
Paul, MN
05.2002 - 12.2007
- Managed caseload of 15-20 patients across acute rehab, complex medical, and geriatric behavioral units, ensuring comprehensive care and timely interventions
- Managed caseload of 15-20 patients across acute rehab, complex medical, and geriatric behavioral units, ensuring comprehensive care and timely interventions
- Provided counseling to patients and families navigating medical crises, disabilities, and end-of-life issues, fostering emotional support and resilience
- Connected patients and families with essential resources and support networks to facilitate smooth transitions from hospital to next level of care
- Conducted psychosocial assessments to identify patient needs and challenges.
Education
Master of Social Work - Minor: Gerontology
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 10.1996 - 05.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Major: Psychology, Minor: Criminal Justice
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN 09.1989 - 05.1993
Skills
- Psychosocial assessment
- Care plan development
- Grief counseling
- Clinical supervision
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Professionalism
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Team collaboration
- Resource coordination
- Emotional resilience training
- Supportive counseling
- Case management
Affiliations
- Member of Hospice Foundation of America
- Co-mentor for youth pursuing confirmation at Easter Lutheran Church
- Board member of Treehouse (community organization serving teens facing challenges)
Timeline
Hospice Social Worker
Allina Health Hospice & Palliative Care
10.2020 - Current
Lead Clinical Social Worker
HealthEast Bethesda Hospital
01.2008 - 10.2020
Clinical Social Worker
HealthEast Bethesda Hospital
05.2002 - 12.2007
Master of Social Work - Minor: Gerontology
University of Minnesota
10.1996 - 05.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Major: Psychology, Minor: Criminal Justice
University of St. Thomas
09.1989 - 05.1993