Lisa Kolek
Social Work/Human Services
Wheatfield,NY
Summary
Dedicated career advocating for vulnerable populations, including children, adults, and seniors. Passionate about making a positive impact and improving the lives of those in need. Extensive experience in developing and implementing effective programs and services to address their unique challenges. Committed to providing compassionate support and fostering empowerment for individuals of all ages.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Homeless Prevention Case Manager
Heart, Love, & Soul, Inc.
05.2024 - Current
- Connected clients with appropriate community resources and social services to support their long-term success.
- Provided ongoing follow-up care after initial interventions were implemented ensuring continued stability among successful cases.
- Delivered culturally competent care working effectively with diverse populations experiencing homelessness risk factors.
- Conducted thorough assessments of client needs, identifying key areas for intervention and support.
- Served as a liaison between clients and support networks, fostering a collaborative approach to preventing homelessness.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing client needs.
- Prevented homelessness by providing comprehensive case management services to at-risk individuals and families.
- Monitored client progress regularly, adjusting service plans as needed to optimize outcomes for each individual or family served.
- Assisted clients in securing stable housing through effective coordination with landlords and property managers.
- Managed caseload efficiently while prioritizing high-risk cases requiring immediate attention or intervention.
- Developed personalized service plans for clients, addressing their unique barriers to housing stability.
- Advocated on behalf of clients with external agencies, ensuring they received the necessary supports and services.
- Built trusting relationships with clients by maintaining open lines of communication and demonstrating empathy for their individual experiences.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation, tracking client progress towards goals and reporting outcomes to funding sources.
- 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.
- Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Advocated for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding.
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.
04.2022 - 05.2024
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
- Coordinated essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being and selfsufficiency.
- Fostered open lines of communication with clients'' families and support networks, involving them in the case management process as appropriate.
- Promoted a safe environment for vulnerable populations by reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure clients had access to necessary medical services, enhancing their overall well-being.
- Advocated for clients in legal settings, ensuring their rights were protected and voices heard.
- Managed crisis situations with empathy and professionalism, ensuring client safety and continuity of care.
- Negotiated with landlords and housing agencies to secure stable housing for clients, significantly reducing homelessness.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.
Family Support Specialist
Berkshire Farm Center for Youth Services
01.2019 - 02.2020
- Worked as a Family Liaison to advocate for emotionally challenged Elementary School students, their families and educators
Care Coordinator
Spectrum Human Services
03.2013 - 07.2018
- Assisted mental health clients by coordinating community supports through direct monthly face to face visits; collaborating with service providers to ensure sufficient linkages and referrals to treatment, educational opportunities, housing, benefits, medical and mental health care; provides individuals with implementing independent care plan goals, to live healthy, stable lives within the community
Supportive Case Manager
Pinnacle Health/Family & Children's Services of Niagara
01.2004 - 07.2011
- Provided case management services to individuals diagnosed with Serious Persistent Mental Illness; maintained a caseload of up to 35 clients, ensuring monthly face to face meetings to assist with their Individual Care Plan, ranging from linking, referring, and monitoring their health care, mental health treatment, to ensuring independent living in the community; assisted with housing needs, benefits applications, and vocational supports for stable quality of life
Education
BACHELORS - Criminal Justice & Criminology
Niagara University
Lewiston, NYSkills
- Client engagement
- Customer service
- Writing case notes
- Computer data bases
Skills Specialization
- Excellent client engagement and customer service skills
- Expertise in writing case notes in various computer databases
Timeline
Homeless Prevention Case Manager
Heart, Love, & Soul, Inc.
05.2024 - Current
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.
04.2022 - 05.2024
Family Support Specialist
Berkshire Farm Center for Youth Services
01.2019 - 02.2020
Care Coordinator
Spectrum Human Services
03.2013 - 07.2018
Supportive Case Manager
Pinnacle Health/Family & Children's Services of Niagara
01.2004 - 07.2011
BACHELORS - Criminal Justice & Criminology
Niagara University
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