Nicole Kounkel
LAKEWOOD RANCH,FL
Summary
Compassionate Care Coordinator skilled in resource identification and advocacy. Demonstrated success in building relationships, and effectively managing a high number of cases for individuals with complex needs. Prepared to enhance service delivery and improve client outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Care Coordinator
Evernorth
Minneapolis, MN
05.2022 - 04.2024
- Researched and identified national and local resources to assist customers with basic needs. Provided information on food pantries, grants, shelter and housing, medical equipment, transportation, clothing, therapy, and support groups.
- Facilitated support for individuals of diverse demographics and socioeconomic status, including infants, children, individuals with disabilities, and older adults with complex medical needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize resource and service delivery
- Streamlined referral efficiency by implementing a process that expedited resource access for customers.
Case Management Analyst
Evernorth
Minneapolis, MN
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Coordinated with providers from higher level of care behavioral health facilities regarding authorizations for services such as detox, inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalizations
- Facilitated timely approvals for higher-level care service authorizations. Partnered with care managers to resolve instances of ineligible authorizations, improving overall care coordination.
Guardian Ad Litem
10th Judicial Branch, Minnesota
Buffalo, MN
01.2019 - 07.2021
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to determine best interests of children in legal proceedings.
- Collaborated with attorneys, social workers, school staff, special education staff, therapists, foster parents, law enforcement and other service providers to develop effective case strategies.
- Prepared timely and detailed reports outlining recommendations for children's custody and care arrangements, ensuring that all parties remained informed of pertinent details.
- Advocated for children's rights within the judicial system, promoting their voices in critical decisions.
- Oversaw 25-30 cases simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive support for 40-50 children at a time.
- Facilitated training for new hires while contributing insights in strategic meetings with partner organizations.
Child Protection Intern
Winona County
Winona, MN
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Designed comprehensive training materials addressing trauma's influence on child brain development and facilitated in-home sessions to equip foster parents with practical tools for supporting affected children.
- Conducted background studies, assessed information from collateral contacts, interviewed clients, assisted with emergency placements, placed referrals
Bridges Health Clinic Intern
Winona State University
Winona, MN
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Delivered essential community resources to individuals through a collaborative student-led free clinic, guided by interdisciplinary faculty from Winona State.
Paraprofessional
Monticello Public Schools
Monticello, MN
05.2016 - 06.2018
- Implemented one-on-one teaching strategies to effectively engage and empower individuals with learning and physical disabilities.
- Partnered with special education staff to optimize instructional strategies and elevate student engagement.
- Nurtured meaningful relationships with students, promoting both academic success and emotional health.
Direct Support Professional
REM River Bluffs Mentor Network
Winona, MN
04.2017 - 12.2017
- Provided individualized support to clients with developmental disabilities in daily activities.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Winona State University
Winona, MN12-2018
Skills
- Case management
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Documentation and reporting
- Relationship building
Certification
Trauma Informed Advocacy in Legal Systems, Mitchell Hamline School of Law - November 2020-Current
Timeline
Care Coordinator
Evernorth
05.2022 - 04.2024
Case Management Analyst
Evernorth
12.2021 - 05.2022
Guardian Ad Litem
10th Judicial Branch, Minnesota
01.2019 - 07.2021
Child Protection Intern
Winona County
08.2018 - 12.2018
Bridges Health Clinic Intern
Winona State University
08.2018 - 12.2018
Direct Support Professional
REM River Bluffs Mentor Network
04.2017 - 12.2017
Paraprofessional
Monticello Public Schools
05.2016 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Winona State University
Awards
Achievement Award- Guardian ad Litem Program- December 2020