Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Mishonda James

Bridgeport,Connecticut

Summary


Highly motivated professional demonstrates ability to develop and implement successful plans of action to address individual needs. Possesses strong problem-solving skills to reduce barriers. Committed to helping individuals and families.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Medical Social Worker

Yale New Haven Health System
09.2022 - Current
  • Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
  • Connected patients with community resources, ensuring access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
  • Offered crisis intervention services to address urgent concerns related to mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence issues.
  • Developed cultural competence through ongoing professional development opportunities, providing culturally sensitive services to diverse patient populations.
  • Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments.
  • Explained medical care options to help families make informed healthcare decisions.

Dialysis Social Worker

DaVita
05.2020 - 05.2022


  • Collaborated with medical professionals to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of dialysis patients, ensuring holistic care.
  • Contributed to improved quality of care by participating in continuous professional development opportunities in the field of nephrology social work.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary team communication by conducting regular case conferences and sharing vital information on patients'' progress.
  • Implemented psychosocial care strategies for patients experiencing comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices in clinical interventions with dialysis population resulting in better coping mechanisms among the clientele.
  • Provided culturally sensitive counseling services for diverse patient populations, respecting unique values and beliefs while addressing psychosocial needs.
  • Advocated for patients'' rights and preferences, promoting self-determination within the context of treatment goals.
  • Supported family members through the stages of grief and loss, providing compassionate counseling services during challenging times.

Outpatient Clinician

CT Counseling Center
03.2018 - 05.2019


  • Maintained accurate documentation for all clinical activities, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  • Developed customized aftercare plans for discharged clients, ensuring they had access to ongoing support services upon completion of formal treatment programs.

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  • Implemented evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, to help clients overcome personal barriers to recovery.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose individuals struggling with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions.

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  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients, addressing physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting open communication among participants and fostering a supportive environment.
  • Improved client retention rates by providing empathetic support and guidance throughout the recovery process.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in addiction counseling and treatment methodologies.
  • Assisted clients in identifying triggers and developing personalized coping mechanisms, reducing the risk of relapse.
  • Established strong rapport with clients through active listening techniques and empathy, creating an environment conducive to healing.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing tailored treatment plans for each individual's variety of therapeutic needs for their individual stage of recovery. .

Developmental Services Worker

State of CT-Dept Developmental Services
09.2017 - 12.2017
  • Assisted clients with daily living activities to promote self-sufficiency and personal growth.
  • Collaborated effectively with other service providers such as healthcare professionals or educators in order to facilitate holistic care for clients.
  • Ensured compliance with state regulations by maintaining up-to-date documentation on client records.
  • Enhanced client independence by implementing personalized support plans and life skills training.
  • Guided developmentally disabled adults through customized day programs.

Treatment Coordinator

St. Vincent's Medical Center
10.2011 - 04.2017
  • Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
  • Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
  • Implemented self-care practices for personal wellbeing and modeled healthy coping strategies for clients to emulate in their own lives.
  • Evaluated client progress using standardized assessment tools, continuously refining treatment plans to address changing needs.

Social Worker - Child and Youth

State of CT-Dept Children & Families
03.1996 - 02.2014
  • Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
  • Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
  • 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.
  • Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Increased client engagement in treatment plans by building trusting relationships through empathetic listening and consistent support.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges or behavioral concerns.
  • Facilitated successful client transitions from residential facilities to independent living situations with appropriate supports in place.
  • Collaborated with schools to address students'' social-emotional needs, working closely with teachers and administrators to create supportive learning environments.
  • Assisted clients in navigating the legal system, attending court hearings as needed and providing support throughout the process.
  • Promoted family reunification and stability, conducting assessments and providing tailored family support services.
  • Enhanced protective measures for children and vulnerable adults with thorough investigations and interventions.

Education

Master of Science - Social Work

Fordham University
West Harrison, NY
05-2010

Bachelor of Science - Human Services

Springfield College
Springfield, MA
05-1995

Skills

  • Bereavement counseling
  • Child welfare
  • Crisis intervention
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Grief support
  • Clinical documentation
  • Mental health counseling
  • Multicultural competence
  • Discharge planning
  • Psychosocial assessment
  • Addiction recovery
  • Group therapy

Timeline

Medical Social Worker

Yale New Haven Health System
09.2022 - Current

Dialysis Social Worker

DaVita
05.2020 - 05.2022

Outpatient Clinician

CT Counseling Center
03.2018 - 05.2019

Developmental Services Worker

State of CT-Dept Developmental Services
09.2017 - 12.2017

Treatment Coordinator

St. Vincent's Medical Center
10.2011 - 04.2017

Social Worker - Child and Youth

State of CT-Dept Children & Families
03.1996 - 02.2014

Master of Science - Social Work

Fordham University

Bachelor of Science - Human Services

Springfield College
Mishonda James