I am a highly motivated professional social worker/therapist seeking to advocate and support justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community. With my combined 23 years of federal service I have been committed to rehabilitation and community reintegration for U.S. Veterans. I believe my clinical expertise, case management experience, and genuine passion for helping others make me well-suited to contribute greatly to your team.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Readjustment Counseling Therapist
Dept. of Veteran Affairs - Montgomery Vet Center
10.2016 - Current
Establish strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
Engage in providing therapeutic treatment for individuals, groups, and family counseling services for issues related to the readjustment of military Veterans.
Maintain detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
Establish clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions to clients suffering from mental health issues.
Possess a comprehensive knowledge base of community resources for internal and external stakeholders.
Independently provide psychosocial assessments to identify the functionality and needs of the client to formulate and implement a treatment plan.
Effectively function in the role as peer support, mentor-mentee coach, group facilitator, or agency liaison for internal and external stakeholders.
Provide outreach, community education and referrals to internal and external stakeholders, appropriate agencies/programs.
VA Supportive Housing Case Manager
Department of Veteran Affairs
01.2016 - 10.2016
Assisted clients in developing budgeting skills and financial planning strategies necessary for maintaining stable housing situations long-term.
Established partnerships within the community to address various barriers faced by clients seeking stable housing opportunities, such as employment or mental health support services.
Empowered clients to make informed decisions related to their housing needs by conducting comprehensive assessments and providing tailored guidance.
Enhanced client self-sufficiency through the coordination of relevant community resources and services.
Contributed to the overall success of the housing program by participating in regular staff meetings, sharing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Developed effective time-management skills while juggling multiple caseloads concurrently without sacrificing quality of care provided.
Provided crisis intervention services as necessary to ensure client safety while addressing urgent issues related to shelter or transitional living arrangements.
Ensured program compliance with federal, state, and local regulations through diligent monitoring of policies and procedures.
Developed partnerships with community organizations to expand services and referrals.
Supervisory Social Worker/Program Manager
Dept. of Veteran Affairs
06.2008 - 09.2011
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
Provided direct and indirect supervision over the clinical care management team.
De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
Supervised interns or junior staff members, providing direction on best practices in social work and contributing to their professional growth as practitioners.
Ensure service members and veterans received patient-centered integrated care.
Ensure all service members and veterans were screened for nurse and/or social work care management services.
MHICH Social Work Team Leader
Dept. of Veteran Affairs
05.2006 - 06.2008
Coordinate with community residential care agencies relative to placement of Veterans.
Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
Provide case management to seriously mentally ill Veterans and family members.
Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
Psychiatric Unit Social Worker
Dept. of Veteran Affairs
01.2006 - 05.2006
Advocated for clients'' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
Conduct admission interviews with Veterans and formulate psychosocial assessments and treatment plans.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Coordinate discharge and aftercare treatment plan.
Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Correctional Officer
Alabama Department of Corrections
08.1999 - 08.2000
Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
Oversaw security, custody and control of inmate population.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
05-2005
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
The Alabama State University
Montgomery, Alabama
05-2003
Skills
Proficient in various software programs
Self-motivated
Organized and detail oriented
Keen critical thinking skills
Punctual
Ability to multi-task
Highly Effective Communication and Listening Skills
Crisis intervention
Team Player
Individual /Group therapy facilitation
Supportive Advocate/Community Liaison
Optimistic leader with a desire to positively influence growth and transformation
SUD's Social Work Supervisor/OTP Coordinator at Dept. of Veteran Affairs Medical CenterSUD's Social Work Supervisor/OTP Coordinator at Dept. of Veteran Affairs Medical Center