Sonia Barrera
Annville,PA
Summary
Dedicated social work professional with extensive experience in providing comprehensive support to individuals and families. Expertise in developing and implementing tailored intervention plans that effectively address unique needs while fostering strong team collaboration to achieve impactful outcomes. Possesses exceptional analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, demonstrating a proven ability to adapt swiftly to new environments. Committed to contributing to team success and pursuing continuous learning and growth, consistently bringing a positive attitude to every challenge.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
SOCIAL WORKER / INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Commonwealth of PA – OLTL
01.2019 - Current
- Review electronically submitted incident reports to ensure and determine that, before the incident report is closed, service coordinators are effectively supporting the health and welfare of participants receiving home and community-based services offered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL). Follow up with Service Coordinators to ensure that all components of an incident are investigated and acted upon in a timely manner, and that the health, safety, and welfare of the participants are ensured. As necessary, seek additional information, and provide technical support to assist Service Coordinators and Managed Care Organizations (MCO) staff in completing investigations and establishing corrective actions.
- Provide technical assistance and support for any incident reports involving a Protective Services (PS) Report of Need (RON) received for a participant in one of the OLTL waivers or Act 150 program. Provide case management assistance to Service Coordinators and MCOs to secure appropriate services for participants at risk. Provide guidance in developing an effective plan to identify and address short- and long-term risks to participants.
- Providing technical support and guidance to Service Coordinators and service providers, as necessary.
- Investigate complaints received from participants, service coordinators, or supervisors, and provide resolution, seeking supervision when necessary.
- Use established precedents and policy to provide guidance, consultation, and technical assistance to enrollment brokers, service coordinators, and advise supervisors of problems and/or unusual issues as appropriate.
- Identify any operational issues that impede the provision of appropriate, cost-efficient services to individuals, and recommend remedies or necessary changes to the supervisor.
- As a member of a team or division group, participate in developing or revising OLTL home and community-based program policies and procedures.
- Prepare a detailed analysis and summary of current issues, service plans, and critical incident trends, as well as other statistical data, both to support projects and the ongoing management of the program.
- Attend and participate in team meetings, division meetings, and bureau meetings as scheduled.
- Social work or related field experience.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Understand OLTL Medicaid waivers and Act 150 program, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Be knowledgeable about physical disabilities, associated limitations to Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental ADLs, and relevant supports.
- Be technology-savvy and able to work remotely using videoconference and telephonic platforms. OLTL is currently in teleworking status.
- Ability to work independently, follow instructions, and be a self-initiator.
- Ability to prioritize tasks.
- Ability to explain programmatic requirements to participants, providers, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
- Understand and interpret local, federal, and state laws as relevant.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, proficient in HCSIS, SAMS, EIM systems, and CIS.
DIRECT CARE WORKER
REDCO Group Enhanced
10.2017 - 11.2018
- Responsible for the structure and behavioral management of a nonverbal female adult of Autism.
- Implementing positive behavioral skills building with the ABA program.
- Provide opportunities, enabling the quality of life for client.
THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT SPECIALIST
T. W. Ponessa & Associates Counseling Services
04.2016 - 01.2017
- Provide 1:1 service to children of mental health diagnosis and children of autism in the home, school, and community.
- Implementing positive behavioral skills building with clients, enabling him/her stability of emotions and behaviors.
DIRECT SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Community Service Group, Atlas & Lebanon
11.2014 - 03.2016
- Provide 1:1 support with resident to ensure his safety and the safety of others.
- Provide support and assistance for 2 IDD males and one female in a Residential home.
HOUSE SUPERVISOR
Northwestern Human Services
10.2013 - 10.2014
- Supervisor working with two adult IDD females, one Dual Diagnosed with Williams's Syndrome and the other female client with diagnosed mental illnesses.
- Implement daily living skills of house cleaning, cooking, social skills building at home, community, and at work.
- Assist in appointments and volunteer work
- Implement family skills building with female consumer, mother and daughter.
- Administer medications.
- Documentation notes on ADP system.
- HCSIS Reporting
- Scheduler, payroll in Timekeeper, Avatar and LMS trained.
DIRECT SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Mat-Su Activity Respite Center
05.2010 - 07.2012
- ABA trained by Stephanie Bloomfield of Autism Partnership.
- Implemented Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program for severely, nonverbal, autistic male teens.
- Work in group home with 20-year old male of hearing-impaired aiding toward maintaining supported living goals with communication of ASL.
- Provide Respite Care, Day Habilitation, and In-Home services.
- Implementing a variety of programs of Self-help, Language development, Academic Skills, Motor Skills, Tolerance building, and replacement strategies while assisting clients to maintain treatment goals.
- Medication administration.
- Written documentation.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATE
Denali Family Services
06.2011 - 03.2012
- Provided services for SED children in the home, school, and community.
- Implement programs to meet the needs of SED children to ensure progress and stability of emotions and behaviors.
- Documentation of progress notes.
- Complete various trainings to maintain education on diagnosis of consumers.
- De-escalate client ensuring safety of self and peers.
- Monitored progress as clients applied learned skills in the home, school, and community.
DIRECT CARE WORKER / PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
REDCO Group
05.2004 - 12.2007
- Responsible for the structure and behavioral management and care of 7 men in a group home, and 3 women in a separate group home.
- Assistance of daily living skills, home management, and meeting the needs of the consumers.
- Supervisor of a staff of 13 ensuring abilities to assist consumers.
- Educated in medication administration to consumers.
- Responsible for ensuring continued training with staff updating medical and behavioral information for consumers.
- Documentation of progress notes.
- Trained and certified to complete HCSIS reportable incidents of all forms of abuse to the state.
Education
Associates Degree - Healthcare Management
Ultimate Medical Academy
05.2014
Associate degree - Psychology
University of Phoenix
07.2011
High School Diploma - undefined
Service High School
Anchorage, AK01.1978
Skills
- Medication management
- Supportive counseling techniques
- Data Analysis
- Targeted group facilitation
- Treatment Planning/ Analysis
- Enterprise Incident Management System
- Progress reporting and documentation
- Community integration
- Behavioral management
- Program implementation
- Analytical Problem Solving
- HCSIS
- SAMS
- Written documentation
- Client Assessment/ Evaluation
- Diabetes and nutrition education
- Communicating & Presenting
- WELLSKY/HARMONY
- LMS
Timeline
SOCIAL WORKER / INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Commonwealth of PA – OLTL
01.2019 - Current
DIRECT CARE WORKER
REDCO Group Enhanced
10.2017 - 11.2018
THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT SPECIALIST
T. W. Ponessa & Associates Counseling Services
04.2016 - 01.2017
DIRECT SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Community Service Group, Atlas & Lebanon
11.2014 - 03.2016
HOUSE SUPERVISOR
Northwestern Human Services
10.2013 - 10.2014
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATE
Denali Family Services
06.2011 - 03.2012
DIRECT SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Mat-Su Activity Respite Center
05.2010 - 07.2012
DIRECT CARE WORKER / PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
REDCO Group
05.2004 - 12.2007
Associate degree - Psychology
University of Phoenix
High School Diploma - undefined
Service High School
Associates Degree - Healthcare Management
Ultimate Medical Academy