Paula Walko
Linden
Summary
37 years of experience working with clients and their families in the areas of substance abuse, mental health and medical issues in both inpatient and outpatient settings Extensive experience in assessment of needs and resources including working within the constraints of Medicare/Medicaid/Other various insurance guidelines Experience as field supervisor for BSW/ MSW students
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Social Worker/Case Manager – Emergency Department
Hurley Medical Center
09.2015 - Current
- Assessed patient and family psychosocial and environmental needs, facilitating referrals to community resources and placements that addressed individual circumstances.
- Provided counseling and support to patients and families, aiding in resolution of psychosocial reactions to trauma, illness, crisis, and hospitalization.
- Assessed patient needs to develop comprehensive care plans addressing psychosocial challenges.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient support and effective resource allocation.
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to patients and families in high-stress situations.
Behavioral Health Services Case Manager
HealthPlus of Michigan
07.2013 - 09.2015
- Identified, assessed, planned, coordinated, monitored, and evaluated healthcare services and outcomes across continuum of care for members
- Facilitated communication between members and healthcare providers to ensure effective service delivery.
- Applied nationally accepted standards for substance abuse and mental health treatment of adults, adolescents, and children to ensure quality care
- Contributed to Hurley Complex Care Clinic, based at Hurley Hospital, by assisting high-risk patients.
Social Worker
The Medical Team
04.2010 - 07.2013
- Conducted social work evaluations and visits adhering to Medicare guidelines to ensure compliance and quality of care.
- Supported patients and families in navigating personal and environmental challenges related to illness, enhancing their access to medical benefits.
- Supervised MSW student interns during their field placements.
Medical Social Worker
Residential Home Health
10.2008 - 07.2010
- Delivered medical social services to patients in residence according to Plan of Care
- Assessed patient and family needs, facilitating understanding and adherence to medical recommendations and services
- Guided patient and family in accessing community resources for enhanced support
Social Worker
Genesys Home Health & Hospice
09.2005 - 06.2008
- Conducted assessments and provided tailored resources and therapeutic interventions to address specific patient and family needs
- Delivered infant and maternal support to enhance well-being of at-risk families
- Facilitated access to community resources for medical patients and families to support comprehensive care
Clinical Case Coordinator
Michigan Health Professional Recovery Corporation
10.2000 - 06.2005
- Managed the care and treatment of health professionals monitored for impairment due to substance abuse and/or mental health disorders.
- Contributed to a comprehensive clinical team that evaluated and reviewed cases.
- Coordinated patient care plans to ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize treatment strategies for recovering professionals.
- Managed case documentation using electronic health record systems for efficient information sharing.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI01-1989
BS - Psychology
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI01-1985
Skills
- Healthcare coordination
- Patient advocacy
- Interdisciplinary coordination
- Crisis intervention
- Organizational skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
State of Michigan Clinical and Macro License Id # 6801064291
Timeline
Medical Social Worker/Case Manager – Emergency Department
Hurley Medical Center
09.2015 - Current
Behavioral Health Services Case Manager
HealthPlus of Michigan
07.2013 - 09.2015
Social Worker
The Medical Team
04.2010 - 07.2013
Medical Social Worker
Residential Home Health
10.2008 - 07.2010
Social Worker
Genesys Home Health & Hospice
09.2005 - 06.2008
Clinical Case Coordinator
Michigan Health Professional Recovery Corporation
10.2000 - 06.2005
BS - Psychology
Wayne State University
Master of Social Work -
Wayne State University