Rachael Bales
Sparks
Summary
Medical social work professional with proven track record in providing compassionate and effective support to patients and families. Leveraged experience to implement care plans that address both medical and psychosocial needs. Known for strong collaboration with healthcare teams and adaptability to changing circumstances, ensuring optimal patient care and support.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MSW
1Care Hospice
Reno, NV
03.2026 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments for patients and families to identify needs and resources.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
- Provided emotional support and counseling to patients facing terminal illnesses, enhancing quality of life.
- Facilitated communication between medical staff, patients, and families to ensure understanding of treatment options.
Social Worker 2
Aging and Disability Services Department
Reno, NV
06.2024 - 03.2026
- Complete assessments/reassessments to determine Level of Care, individual’s needs, develop plan of care and make referrals to other needed services.
- Provide ongoing case management by conducting home visits and telephone calls with individuals to ensure services are provided as needed.
- Assist in completing applications and redeterminations for Medicaid and waiver programs.
- Office of Community Living Waiver Program Reno, NV
Master Of Social Work Intern
Volunteers of America ReStart
Reno, Nevada
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Connected patients to available community programs and events for further support and assistance.
- Scheduled follow-up appointments and family meetings to support patient progress.
- Worked closely with individual patients to set and achieve specific goals.
- Reno, Nevada
Bachelor Of Social Work Intern
Life Care Center of Reno
Reno, Nevada
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Worked closely with individual patients to set and achieve specific goals.
- Connected patients to available community programs and events for further support and assistance.
- Educated patients, caregivers and families about specific patient needs and treatment plans.
- Interviewed clients to obtain social histories and assess intake needs.
- Reno, Nevada
Insurance Sales Agent
Dolan Allstate
Reno, Nevada
12.2014 - 08.2017
- Determined client needs and financial situations by scheduling fact-finding appointments.
- Analyzed customer data to identify suitable insurance options.
- Responded to customer inquiries and requests relating to insurance.
- Generated new sales, retained existing members and grew the book of business through multiple product offerings.
- Reno, Nevada
Education
Master Of Arts (M.A.) - Social Work
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV05-2023
Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.) - Social Work
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV05-2022
Minor - Additive Treatment Services
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV05-2022
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Social Work
Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, Nevada05-2020
Skills
- Community Outreach Programs
- Bereavement counseling
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Referrals and Networking
- Case Management
- Stress reduction techniques
Certification
- Licensed Master Social Worker
Timeline
MSW
1Care Hospice
03.2026 - Current
Social Worker 2
Aging and Disability Services Department
06.2024 - 03.2026
Master Of Social Work Intern
Volunteers of America ReStart
08.2022 - 05.2023
Bachelor Of Social Work Intern
Life Care Center of Reno
08.2021 - 08.2022
Insurance Sales Agent
Dolan Allstate
12.2014 - 08.2017
Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.) - Social Work
University of Nevada-Reno
Minor - Additive Treatment Services
University of Nevada-Reno
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Social Work
Truckee Meadows Community College
Master Of Arts (M.A.) - Social Work
University of Nevada-Reno
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- US Army Veteran
- UNR Veterans Alumni Chapter
- UNR School of Social Work Alumni Chapter