Marcella Patricia Alvarez-Clavijo
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Dedicated and passionate social worker with experience working with veterans and their dependents who are seeking to secure VA and other agency benefits. Diligent and knowledgeable in assisting adults who experience mental illness and substance use addiction with building coping mechanism to address life challenges, assessing behavioral and life domain needs, and developing recovery treatment plan. Through a humanistic approach to mental health therapy, striving to provide a compassionate and empathetic environment in which clients can overcome obstacles and increase their quality of life.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Care Manager
The Center For Health Care Services
01.2022 - Current
- Community Alternatives to Incarceration Program (CAIP): Assisted individuals in Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Court to improve their quality of life and further reduce recidivism by incorporating community-based case management services and skills training
- Genesis Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI): Intensive, face-to-face, outpatient program for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (Schizophrenia disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, Bipolar I/II disorder, Major Depressive disorder) and substance use disorders
- Provide direct, face-to-face intensive outpatient services and psychosocial rehabilitation services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness
- Administer adult clinical rating scales and mental health psychosocial assessment; analyze findings, and identify strengths, behavioral health needs, and life domain functioning
- Develop recovery treatment plan based on assessment findings according to level of care
- Provide comprehensive case management support, care coordination, discharge planning, referrals, linkage and transition to next level of care, emergency case management assistance, resource development and cross collaboration with interdisciplinary teams
- Utilize Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) curriculum to teach recovery strategies, coping skills, and relaxation techniques
- Educate on practical facts about mental illnesses (Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression); using medication effectively; medication (antipsychotic, mood-stabilizing, antidepressant, antianxiety, and sedative); reducing relapse; coping with stress, problems and persistent symptoms; building social support; strategies and resources for responding to stigma
- Collaborate with MIC Probation Officers to divert individuals from the criminal justice system, adhere to probation conditions, and provide weekly and monthly communication regarding treatment participation
- Document all clinical interactions and updates in electronic medical record and other required platforms
- Ensure clinical documentation is submitted in accordance with CHCS standards and contract specific requirements, and complied with quality improvement processes
- Provide indirect support activities including correspondence, death review packets, and prescription assistance program consultations.
Social Worker
American Red Cross
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Completed 790 supervised hours of advanced applied and integrative learning in field social work practice as a sole caseworker with the service to the armed forces, Minnesota & Dakotas region
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments, ascertained referrals, services, and liaised between client and agency from eligibility to termination phase
- Researched and comprised data of available tri-state community-based organizations, available resources, and eligibility criteria
- Collaborated with local, regional, and government agencies to successfully resolve 95% of client cases
- Achieved 100% positive client feedback on satisfaction surveys.
Veteran Service Representative
Veterans Services, Cass County Government
03.2017 - 03.2018
- Conducted comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessments and ascertained historical data on the effects of military service on day-to-day functioning during military enlistment period to present civilian time frame
- Attained supporting documentation, corroborated data, interpreted medical records, researched medical conditions, and critically analyzed findings
- Effectively advocated, educated, and delivered case-management services to a 50+ client caseload
- Successfully maintained abreast of county, state, and federal laws, regulations, and professional certification
- Collaborated with veteran/military/civilian population, community-based organizations, and government agencies in support of filing, reopening or appealing county, state, and federal benefits, compensation, or pension claims.
Social Worker
Cass Public Health, The City of Fargo
01.2014 - 05.2014
- Completed 480 hours of generalized social work practice with the Gladys Ray Shelter & Veterans Drop-In Center in a case manager role with an assigned 5-client caseload under the supervision of a licensed social worker
- Completed 480 hours of generalized social work practice with the Gladys Ray Shelter & Veterans Drop-in Center in a case manager role with an assigned 5-client caseload under the supervision of a licensed social worker
- Performed initial intakes, assessed emergency needs, ascertained community-based referrals and conducted weekly progress meetings aimed at goal achievement
- Utilized motivational interviewing and problem-solving techniques to assist clients in identifying barriers, realizing solutions, discovering resources, and goal setting and achievement
- Initiated an organization analysis that identified veteran and Latino service gaps, spearheaded a veteran service announcement, and an English to Spanish translation of all program forms.
Family Readiness Liaison
United States Marine Corps
05.2000 - 08.2003
- Interrelated as unit family readiness liaison between military personnel, spouses, extended members, and community-based social service organizations
- Conducted individual, family, and group interviews and psychosocial assessments identifying needs, strengths, and weaknesses to determine program eligibility and services
- Provided case management services to unit’s 1500 military personnel and dependents
- Advocated and educated military personnel and dependents on USC Title 38 benefits and community social services
- Researched local community-based organization programs identifying dependent needs and service gaps
- Collected data provided eligibility criteria, required documentation, available programs, services, and benefits
- Maintained situational awareness of current military and civilian social concerns and key points of contact
- Maintained and fostered positive relationships with geographically separated personnel within the continental U.S
- And abroad
- Enforced, tracked, and ensured compliance with policies and procedures
- Coordinated monthly family outreach events for deployed personnel, spouses, and children to increase education, socialization, morale, and unit cohesion
- Assisted with monthly holiday video call program between deployed personnel and family members.
Education
Master of Social Work - Adult Mental Health & Wellness
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA2021
Bachelor of Social Work -
Minnesota State University
Moorhead Moorhead, MN2014
Skills
- Bilingual, Clinical Social Worker delivering advocacy and compassionate therapy
- Experienced in Bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual assessments and mental health clinical rating scales
- Proficient application of the DSM-5 for psychological assessment and diagnosing
- Versed in diverse treatment modalities, their application, and maintaining meticulous case notes
- Critical thinker, effective problem-solving skills, strong communication skills, ability to work independently or collaboratively within a team, effective interpersonal skills, and strong work ethic
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Training
· Motivational Interviewing
· Problem Solving Therapy
· Uniform Assessment (ANSA/CANS) Quality Assurance
· Trauma Informed Care
· Managed Care Organization (MCO) Procedures and Utilization Management (UM)
· Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)
· Suicide Screening for Direct Care
· Screening for Depressive Disorders Using the PHQ-9
· Psychopharmacology Basics for Behavioral Health Professionals
· Enhancing clinical Competency through An Understanding of Military Culture
· HIPPA
Mental Health Assessment and Screening Tools
· Positive Symptoms Rating Scale (PSRS)
· Brief Negative Symptom Assessment (BNSA)
· Brief Bipolar Disorder Symptom (BDSS)
· Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS)
· Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
· Patient Healthcare Questionnaire-Nine Item (PHQ-9)
Electronic Medical Records Systems
· MyAvatar
· CMBHS
· Anasazi
Professional Relevant Skills
Interpersonal Skills
- written/verbal communication
- active listening
- team work
- accountability
- empathy
- kindness
- patience
- respect
- collaboration
- adaptability
- attentiveness
Timeline
Senior Care Manager
The Center For Health Care Services
01.2022 - Current
Social Worker
American Red Cross
01.2020 - 12.2020
Veteran Service Representative
Veterans Services, Cass County Government
03.2017 - 03.2018
Social Worker
Cass Public Health, The City of Fargo
01.2014 - 05.2014
Family Readiness Liaison
United States Marine Corps
05.2000 - 08.2003
Master of Social Work - Adult Mental Health & Wellness
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Social Work -
Minnesota State University
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