Michelle Wheaton
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
Licensed social work professional with extensive experience supporting hospice patients, families, and older adults. Skilled in psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, bereavement support, discharge planning, Medicaid and Medicare coordination, and community referrals. Brings strong interdisciplinary collaboration and compassionate end-of-life care planning experience.
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of post-secondary education
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Crisis Responder
Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center
Hillsboro, USA
04.2025 - Current
- Developed comprehensive safety plans to reduce patient risk
- Suicide assessment
- Engaged with patients and families to enhance support systems
- Coordinated patient placement to optimize care outcomes
Hospice Social Worker/ Volunteer Coordinator
Luminary Hospice
Cincinnati, USA
03.2025 - 09.2026
- Facilitated startup of program to enhance community support for hospice care
- Developed local resources and established community partnerships to improve patient services
- Launched We Honor Veterans initiative within the program to recognize and support veteran patients
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times.
- Assisted with guidance on funeral planning, powers of attorney, body donations, Medicaid, and advocating for patients
- Developed marketing strategies to promote programs
- Led volunteer recruiting efforts to build program support
- Managed data tracking and input for program evaluations
Medical Social Worker
Amedisys Hospice
08.2021 - 03.2025
- Provided psychosocial assessments and crisis counseling for hospice patients and families.
- Coordinated discharge planning, long-term care placements, respite services, and community referrals to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care.
- Supported families with grief, bereavement, funeral planning, and end-of-life decisions to help navigate emotional challenges and logistical needs during difficult times.
- Provided emotional support to families dealing with grief and bereavement during funeral planning.
- Helped families complete Medicaid applications and arrange power of attorney documentation.
- Mentored staff and facilitated training, conflict resolution, and care coordination to enhance team effectiveness and service delivery.
Director of Social Services
Summit Acres Nursing Home
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Led social services support for residents through assessments, care planning, and behavioral interventions.
- Coordinated discharge, hospice, Medicare, and Medicaid planning, ensuring seamless transitions for residents through effective collaboration with interdisciplinary care teams.
- Completed MDS, trauma, psychosocial, and history assessments to guide resident-centered care.
- Provided crisis intervention, grief counseling, community referrals, and conflict resolution support, enhancing resident well-being during challenging times.
- Mentored staff and reviewed documentation, fostering improved care coordination and enhancing overall service quality.
Medical Social Worker
VITAS Healthcare
02.2018 - 10.2020
- Delivered psychosocial interventions and coordinated resources for hospice patients and families to enhance quality of end-of-life care.
- Supported patients and families affected by Huntington's disease with compassionate, individualized services.
- Guided families in navigating Medicare, Medicaid, PASSES, veterans' benefits, and end-of-life planning to ensure access to necessary resources.
- Provided grief and bereavement counseling with interdisciplinary care teams to support emotional well-being during critical transitions.
- Provided individualized support for nonverbal patients while promoting comfort and communication.
Care Manager
ANEW Health
08.2013 - 04.2014
- Managed a 45-client caseload across home and community-based care settings.
- Assessed client and caregiver needs through home visits, ensuring eligibility and effective care plans.
- Coordinated comprehensive care with healthcare agencies, physicians, and informal supports to enhance client well-being.
- Connected clients and caregivers with community resources to support safe, independent living.
- Monitored client and caregiver needs over time, maintaining accurate documentation to support ongoing care.
Education
Social Work - Doctorate
Walden University
Social Work in Military Social Work and Hospice Social Work - Master's
Walden University
MinneapolisSocial Work - Bachelor's
Mount Mary University
Milwaukee , Wi 01.2010 - 05.2013
Skills
- Crisis response
- Crisis intervention
- Psychosocial assessment
- Safety planning
- Discharge planning
- Resource navigation
- Case management
- Clinical documentation
- Team coordination
- Insurance advocacy
- Emotional support
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- BLS Certification
- LSW
- Social Work License
- ACSW
- Certified Social Worker
- LMSW
- LBSW
- Clinical Social Worker
Languages
English, Professional working proficiency
Timeline
Crisis Responder
Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center
04.2025 - Current
Hospice Social Worker/ Volunteer Coordinator
Luminary Hospice
03.2025 - 09.2026
Director of Social Services
Summit Acres Nursing Home
04.2022 - 10.2022
Medical Social Worker
Amedisys Hospice
08.2021 - 03.2025
Medical Social Worker
VITAS Healthcare
02.2018 - 10.2020
Care Manager
ANEW Health
08.2013 - 04.2014
Social Work - Bachelor's
Mount Mary University
01.2010 - 05.2013
Social Work - Doctorate
Walden University
Social Work in Military Social Work and Hospice Social Work - Master's
Walden University