Mary Ledezma
Goodyear,AZ
Summary
I am a Professional Social Worker with a demonstrated track record of achievement with several years of experience in the field. I offer top-notch abilities in communication, relationship building, time management and process improvements. I am a highly-motivated employee with a desire to take on new challenges. I have a strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. I am adept at mastering new skills. I am seeking a position that will allow me to continue to support my community by utilizing my skill set while providing opportunities to enhance my abilities.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Supervisor - Permanency
Arizona's Children Association
Phoenix, AZ
02.2024 - Current
- Evaluated existing policies and procedures related to Foster Care placements ensuring adherence with state requirements.
- Provided guidance and training to foster care staff in the assessment of potential foster homes.
- Supervised and monitored foster care staff to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and agency policies.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary for individuals within the Foster Care system.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety, health, and wellbeing of children in the program.
- Ensured that all documentation is properly completed for each case prior to submission for review.
- Assessed family dynamics and developed individualized plans to meet the needs of each child placed in a foster home.
- Provided direct service and support by handling referrals for advocacy issues or resolving complaints.
- Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
- Participated in weekly team meetings with supervisors and other caseworkers to discuss ongoing cases and review best practices for client management.
- Collaborated with community partners to provide additional support services for clients' needs such as housing assistance or job training programs.
- Developed individualized service plans to meet the needs of each family.
- Educated clients about their rights within the system as well as available resources they can access.
- Maintained accurate records of all activities related to each case in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Provided hands-on and proactive leadership to community services staff.
- Participated in recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboard training of Foster care and Kinship Specialist staff.
- Awareness and adherence to HIPAA.
Program Supervisor - Behavioral Health
Arizona's Children Assiociation
Phoenix, Arizona
11.2011 - 02.2024
- Ensured best practice compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, and codes of practice. This included following Arizona's 12 Principle guidelines for the Children's System of Care.
- Reviewed data reports related to program outcomes and objectives.
- Provided leadership, guidance and supervision to staff members.
- Facilitated team meetings to support a collaborative environment and empower staff with open communication, training, and updates in order to meet compliance and service goals.
- Conducted annual performance reviews of staff members.
- Served as liaison between the organization and external partners.
- Implemented quality assurance processes designed to improve service delivery.
- Partnered with program management on recommendations, process improvements, and corrective action plans.
- Helped team members improve productivity and performance through hands-on coaching in order to achieve company objectives.
- Provided direct service and support by handling referrals for advocacy issues or resolving complaints.
- Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
- Provided program support by case managing high-acuity clients, ages 0-17. Handled complex cases.
- Monitored client progress through assessments, interviews, and observations.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals in need of immediate assistance.
- Assessed risk factors associated with suicide attempts or self-harm behaviors among clients.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop social skills, anger management skills, and support networks.
- Provided guidance and counseling to individuals struggling with addiction or depression.
- Assisted clients in identifying resources to meet their physical, emotional, and financial needs.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
- Attended court hearings as a representative of the agency when necessary.
- Educated clients on healthy coping strategies for managing stress or anxiety levels effectively.
- Coordinated counseling efforts with mental health professionals, doctors, nurses and social workers.
- Acted as client advocate, coordinating required services and resolving emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Assessed patients for risk of suicide attempts or harmful behavior toward others.
- Counseled family members to assist in understanding, dealing with or supporting clients or patients.
- Awareness and adherence to HIPAA.
High Needs Case Manager
Arizona Children's Association
Phoenix, AZ
06.2011 - 11.2011
- Completed behavioral health intakes and assessments.
- Developed individualized service plans and monitored outcomes.
- Facilitated Child and Family Team meetings.
- Organized group activities to provide socialization opportunities for clients.
- Coordinated referrals with other behavioral health and community partners to support client goals.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation according to agency guidelines.
- Assisted with applications for government benefits such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients in emergency situations.
- Participated in professional development activities related to case management best practices.
- Educated clients about mental health conditions, medications and self-care techniques.
- Adhered to ethical principles and standards to protect clients' confidential information.
- Developed trusting relationships with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies.
Onsite Program Counselor - Adult SMI Day Program
Marc Center of Mesa
Mesa, Arizona
08.2008 - 06.2011
- Conducted psychosocial assessments to identify areas of need and develop appropriate interventions.
- Provided counseling services to SMI adults.
- Counseled family members to assist in understanding, dealing with or supporting clients or patients.
- Actively listened to patients' stories without judgment while providing empathy and understanding.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for clients based on assessment of their needs.
- Maintained accurate records of client visits, treatments provided and outcomes achieved.
- Encouraged participation in activities that promote socialization, independence, or self-care skills.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up appointments or phone calls.
- Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Guided clients in developing healthy coping skills. Such as for stress and anger management, and self-esteem.
- Created and facilitated on-site psychoeducational groups, support, and skill-building groups.
Therapy Intern
Marc Center of Mesa
Mesa, Arizona
08.2009 - 05.2010
- Conducted intake assessments of patients' mental health history and current functioning.
- Created individual service plans, assisting clients in establishing their goals.
- Provided supportive counseling services to individuals implementing evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy.
- Utilized empathy and active listening to build relationships with clients.
- Promoted client awareness and growth with therapeutic interventions.
- Observed therapy sessions and documented patient progress.
- Engaged in reflective practice activities such as journaling and self-evaluation processes.
- Developed therapeutic relationships with clients through active listening and empathetic communication skills.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure successful outcomes for clients.
- Adhered to NASW and APA ethical standards.
- Assisted in facilitating group psychotherapy sessions focusing on various issues such as trauma or substance abuse.
- Participated in weekly case reviews and clinical supervision meetings.
- Managed caseload of multiple sessions weekly using various types of therapies and approaches.
- Awareness and adherence to HIPAA.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2010
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2008
Associate of Arts - Arizona General Education Curriculum
Maricopa Community Colleges - Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ05-2006
Skills
- Adaptability
- Strategic Planning
- Critical Thinking
- Decision-Making
- Relationship Building
- MS Office Applications
- Project/Compliance Management/Performance Monitoring
- Staff development skills
- Document management skills
- Behavioral Interventions
- Behavioral assessment
- Motivational Interviewing
- Discharge Planning
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Treatment Planning
- Family Support
- Individual Counseling
- Data Analysis
- Detail Oriented
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Good Judgment
Committee work
I have been part of my organizations Trauma Informed Care Committee since 2014. We partnered with the National Council for Behavioral Health to complete an Organization Self-Assessment to promote the goal to become trauma informed. I had the privilege to chaired the environmental committee where we developed safe waiting areas and work spaces. In addition, the committee created Trauma Informed Training's to support staff growth and our work in the community.
Timeline
Program Supervisor - Permanency
Arizona's Children Association
02.2024 - Current
Program Supervisor - Behavioral Health
Arizona's Children Assiociation
11.2011 - 02.2024
High Needs Case Manager
Arizona Children's Association
06.2011 - 11.2011
Therapy Intern
Marc Center of Mesa
08.2009 - 05.2010
Onsite Program Counselor - Adult SMI Day Program
Marc Center of Mesa
08.2008 - 06.2011
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Arizona State University
Associate of Arts - Arizona General Education Curriculum
Maricopa Community Colleges - Mesa Community College
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