Patricia Chao
Middletown,NY
Summary
Compassionate mental health care professional with extensive geriatric experience, recognized for commitment to highest ethical standards and developing strong rapport with patients. Demonstrated dedication to developing patient-centered and culturally sensitive treatment plans to improve clients' quality of life. Diligent and resourceful professional with several years of experience providing care to a diverse population, both within the community and institutional settings. Utilizes strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary team, providers, families and patients. Works well autonomously or withing a team-based. Eager to find meaningful and rewarding position to serve others.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Counselor- Pastoral Care Dept.
Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital
Wyckoff, NJ
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Conducted spiritual assessments and provided non-denominational spiritual support to patients with a wide range of diagnoses
- Facilitated daily group and individual mental health and spiritual counseling using evidence-based practices in an acute psychiatric inpatient setting on both the adult unit and the all-female trauma unit
- Mentored and observed by social work interns during their clinical training
- Collaborated closely with IDG team members during daily huddles, weekly IDG meetings, and crisis management
- Demonstrated sensitivity and competence in treating patients from diverse backgrounds
- Facilitated de-escalation techniques to reduce the intensity of clients' emotional distress
Hospice Social Worker
Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties
Middletown, NY
04.2023 - 11.2023
- Conducted hospice psychosocial and bereavement assessments
- Provided strength-based anticipatory grief counseling during end-of-life process and bereavement counseling
- Assessed for possible environmental safety risks, abuse, or financial exploitation for vulnerable patients
- Assisted patients with practical social work needs: advance directives, HCP/POA, funeral planning, and linking to community resources
- Managed and supported assigned patient volunteers and private home health aides
Care Manager
Connections Care Management
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
03.2021 - 10.2022
- Managed all aspects of medical, psychosocial, and housing care needs for adult clients
- Dedicated to client self-determination, patient advocacy, and the highest ethical standards
- Responsibly managed confidential documentation: medication lists, Social Security, residential applications, insurance, and financial documents
- Advocated for clients, serving as a liaison between individuals, families, and healthcare professionals
Case Manager Social Worker-Social Work Dept.
Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital
Wyckoff, NJ
06.2021 - 02.2021
- Performed in-depth psychosocial evaluations for patient caseload
- Expertise in managing geriatric cases, focusing on mental and medical diagnoses specific to the population
- Conducted utilization reviews for managed insurance plans, advocating for continued coverage for hospitalization
- Provided education on Medicaid applications, mental health, and long-term care placements
- Coordinated comprehensive discharge plans including linkages to resources, referrals to mental health programs and facility placements
- Completed thorough documentation within guidelines
- Developed comprehensive training manual for newly hired employees
- Developed strong working relationships with professionals in the community
Hospice Social Worker Intern
VNA Hospice
Englewood, NJ
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Additional experience in Educational Publishing, Speech and Language Pathology, Special Needs Care and Child Development.
Education
MA - Social Work, Clinical Track
Fordham University
West Harrison, NY06.2017
BA -
Tufts University
Medford, MA05.1989
Skills
- Geriatric expertise
- Group and individual mental health counseling
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Highest ethical standards
- Dedicated Patient Advocate
- Maintains composure under pressure
- Case management proficiency
Certification
- LMSW, NJ, 2017
- LCSW, NJ, 2020
- LMSW, NY, 2023
Accomplishments
- Consistently held a highest caseload as Care Manager at RRPH.
- Recognized for multiple RRPH 'Bright Ideas,' for viable cost-effective solutions to improve patient care or work environment.
- Nominated for RRPH 'Legend' for outstanding commitment and service.
- Successfully won a Medicare appeal as private care manager, for lateral transfer from abusive and hostile environment.
Timeline
Mental Health Counselor- Pastoral Care Dept.
Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital
10.2023 - 08.2024
Hospice Social Worker
Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties
04.2023 - 11.2023
Case Manager Social Worker-Social Work Dept.
Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital
06.2021 - 02.2021
Care Manager
Connections Care Management
03.2021 - 10.2022
Hospice Social Worker Intern
VNA Hospice
09.2015 - 08.2016
MA - Social Work, Clinical Track
Fordham University
BA -
Tufts University
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