Tammy Sever
Henderson,Nevada
Summary
I have a 35-year career in Social Work. My social work experience has been serving vulnerable adults age 18-59 and persons 60 years and older. During my 30-year career at the Division of Aging Services Division, I have been part of the project team for several grants awarded to Nevada’s Adult Protective Services program: Enhance State Adult Protective Services Grant. The project goal was to support the development of Elder Protective Services to a full Adult Protective Services to serve vulnerable persons, age 18-59, in addition to person 60 years and older. Administration on Community Living APS and Opioid Misuse Grant. The project goal was during this two-year project, educate staff and community members regarding opioid misuse and services available, expand National Adult Maltreatment Reporting Systems data collection and demonstrate APS outcomes related to opioid misuse. Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act of 2021: Grants to Enhance Dault Protective Services to Respond to Covid-19. The project goal was to enhance, improve, and expand the ability of Nevada Adult Protective Services (APS) to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the context of COVID-19 and to respond to the needs of vulnerable adults experiencing such abuse, neglect, and exploitation. American Rescue Plan 1 and 2 (ARP) for APS under SSA Title XX: The project goal is to enhance, improve, and expand the ability of APS to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to respond to the needs of vulnerable adults experiencing such abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Elder Justice Act: The project goal of this grant is to assist the needs and challenges of the Nevada APS program.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Work Supervisor/Adult Protective Services (APS) Succession Coordinator
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
10.2023 - Current
- Train new Adult Protective Services Chief
- Provide case staffing with Adult Protective Services Supervisors and investigators
- Provide APS training to community members
- Participate in community events and provide APS information
- Organize Vulnerable Adult Fatality Review Committee meetings
- Upon my official retirement date, to prepare APS staff for a change in leadership, I transferred from the role of APS Chief and for the first time in APS history, became the APS Succession Coordinator
- My retirement date is September 5, 2024.
Elder Protective Services (EPS) Social Work Supervisor 1
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
11.2005 - 12.2023
- Collaborate with other Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) programs, community and social service programs to coordinate services for APS clients
- Communicate, both verbally and in writing, effectively and professionally with a variety of audiences
- Supervise a team of Social Worker 2s who maintain a high proportion of complex and sensitive casework in adult protective services, investigations, and interventions
- Assign work, provide training, complete performance evaluations, and administer appropriate discipline when necessary
- Evaluate completed work to confirm accuracy and timeliness of assigned work
- Ensure proper licensing documentation is on file
- Manage job recruitment process and fill vacancies based on applicant merit by following State Personnel and Division Policy and Procedure
- Assist with creating an annual training plan, facilitation, and coordination of CEUs
- Track and ensure staff meet annual training requirements
- Ensure completion of investigations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, abandonment, and self-neglect of persons 60 years and older according to the Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) and the Division's EPS Policy and Procedures
- Complete Quality Assurance (QA) case reviews monthly in accordance with the EPS policy and procedure
- Ensure observations and actions are documented thoroughly, concisely, accurately, and timely while following prescribed policy and guidelines
- Ensure services referred and services provided are appropriate
- Ensure referrals to regulatory agencies and professional licensing boards are accurate and submitted in a timely manner
- Review and ensure written law enforcement referrals for further criminal investigation and possible prosecution are completed thoroughly, timely, and as needed
- Receive subpoenas, notify the Deputy Attorney General, and take immediate action to ensure a timely response
- Ensure appropriate preparation and redaction of necessary case documents are completed for litigation
- Prepare to provide testimony and be present to testify at court hearings
- Review and refer cases in need of guardianship, including preparation of guardianship petition and backup documentation
- Receive emergency calls from law enforcement and first responders and take appropriate action to assist or open a case
- Arbitrate conflicts and discrepancies from volatile callers
- Provide presentations and Community Outreach
- Identify and participate in workshops within the community
- Work with EPS staff to develop, provide, and maintain educational materials that are up to date with the most current information on the maltreatment of vulnerable adults.
Adult Protective Services Social Services Chief 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
03.2019 - 10.2023
- Management of the Adult Protective Services (APS) program statewide
- Establish and monitor the activities, operations, and accomplishments of the APS program statewide and program goals and objectives to ensure programs are administered in compliance with federal and State regulations and in accordance with the goals and objectives of the agency
- Develop long-range plans to achieve agency goals and federal and legislative mandates
- Develop and implement program policies and procedures to ensure efficient and timely response to reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, exploitation, isolation, and abandonment of vulnerable persons, age 18-59, and persons 60 years and older
- Make oral presentations to explain and/or promote ideas, procedures, policies, and actions
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with direct and indirect reporting staff, peers, administrators, legal entities, federal officials, other agencies, and businesses
- Serve as a liaison with a variety of groups and individuals, professional advisory groups, community groups, federal staff at the regional and national levels, district attorneys and judges, the media, agency and division administrators, district and regional managers, and government officials to provide and gather information and to explain program policies and procedures
- Forecast program and community needs and develop plans to meet those needs
- Modify or adapt program policies and procedures to meet workload demands or unusual circumstances such as atypical caseload growth or loss of funding.
Elder Protective Services (EPS) Social Services Manager 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
12.2013 - 03.2019
- Collaborate with other Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) programs, community and social service programs to coordinate services for EPS clients
- Manage the activities and operations of the EPS program and ensure division goals are accomplished effectively and efficiently and programs are administered in compliance with applicable regulations and policies
- Ensure program abides by established standards including federal and state laws
- Recommend, develop and update policies and procedures to ensure efficient and timely response to reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, exploitation, isolation, and abandonment of persons 60 years and older
- Advise administration of potential program or staff concerns
- Represent the Division in the community, serve on committees as directed, recognize and respond to community needs and concerns
- Make oral presentations to explain and/or promote ideas, procedures, policies, and actions
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with direct and indirect reporting staff, peers, administrators, legal entities, federal officials, other agencies and businesses
- Respond to requests for information from interested parties such as attorneys, government officials, and the general public
- Respond to client issues and concerns
- Supervise subordinate supervisors, program and support staff
- Delegate authority and responsibility to staff by defining guidelines to accomplish specific assignments, ensure appropriate training is provided, complete performance evaluations, initiate or recommend appropriate disciplinary action when necessary
- Evaluate completed work to confirm accuracy and timeliness of assigned work
- Manage job recruitment process and fill vacancies based on applicant merit by following State Personnel and Division Policy and Procedure
- Develop and maintain up-to-date educational curriculum and ensure EPS supervisors, social workers, and support staff are appropriately trained to perform their job duties
- Ensure Quality Assurance (QA) case reviews are completed monthly in accordance with the EPS policy and procedure
- Review and monitor budget expenditures for grants, contracts, and provider agreements for the EPS program and make recommendations regarding program needs
- Monitor and attend to program expenditures such as travel, equipment, cell phones, state vehicles, etc
- Review and analyze data
- Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness
- Identify trends and make recommendations for improved EPS program processes
- Locate, plan and organize office space as necessary
- Write concise, logical, and grammatically correct analytical reports, correspondence, and program documents
- Ensure data entry is entered into the EPS database within 3 working days of all contacts with clients, service providers, investigating workers, supervisors, etc.
Elder Protective Services (EPS) Lead Social Worker 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
02.2004 - 11.2005
- Review and assign reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, abandonment, and self-neglect of persons 60 years and older
- Provide resource information for reports that did not meet EPS criteria
- Provide case advice and direction to other EPS social workers
- Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, abandonment, and self-neglect and work to resolve identified problems
- Initiate cases within 3 working days from receipt of report or assigned priority response
- Develop a plan to guide investigation, assess potential danger to the client or others involved
- Conduct home visits and assessments within 5 working days or report date
- Utilize person-centered thinking approach to interview client and others involved
- Access and review relevant records
- Identify needed services and initiate referrals
- Make a substantiation decision per ADSD regulations and the 'preponderance of evidence' standard
- Close cases after a thorough investigation, assessment, and appropriate referrals
- Arrive at conclusions that will provide intervention for the safety and well-being of the client
- Develop post-investigation intervention strategies with the goal of improving safety and stability of the client, including needed services and initiation of referrals as appropriate to meet identified needs
- Work with EPS staff to develop, provide, and maintain educational materials that are up to date with the most current information on the maltreatment of vulnerable adults
- Carry out community outreach, develop community rapport, and promote understanding between the client, community, and agency based on requests for information.
Elder Protective Services (EPS) Social Worker 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
12.2003 - 02.2004
- Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, abandonment, and self-neglect and work to resolve identified problems
- Initiate cases within 3 working days from receipt of report or assigned priority response
- Develop a plan to guide investigation, assess potential danger to the client or others involved
- Conduct home visits and assessments within 5 working days or report date
- Utilize person-centered thinking approach to interview client and others involved
- Access and review relevant records
- Identify needed services and initiate referrals
- Make a substantiation decision per ADSD regulations and the 'preponderance of evidence' standard
- Close cases after a thorough investigation, assessment, and appropriate referrals
- Arrive at conclusions that will provide intervention for the safety and well-being of the client
- Develop post-investigation intervention strategies with the goal of improving safety and stability of the client, including needed services and initiation of referrals as appropriate to meet identified needs
- Complete referrals to regulatory agencies and professional licensing boards
- Accurately and timely complete written law enforcement referrals for further criminal investigation and possible prosecution
- Collaborate with other Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) programs, community and social service programs to coordinate services for EPS clients
- Receive subpoenas and notify EPS Supervisor or Unit Manager
- In coordination with EPS Supervisor, prepare to provide testimony and be present to testify at court hearings
- Review monthly/quarterly/annual reports with supervisor to identify areas of improved or training needs
- Work with EPS staff to develop, provide, and maintain educational materials that are up to date with the most current information on the maltreatment of vulnerable adults
- Carry out community outreach, develop community rapport, and promote understanding between the client, community, and agency based on requests for information.
Compliance Investigator 2 (Long Term Care Ombudsman Program)
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
07.1997 - 12.2003
- Receive and input reports into the database
- Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and isolation of residents of nursing homes, group homes, and assisted living facilities
- Assist residents in exercising their rights under state and federal law by coordinating available senior services
- Provide elder abuse training to facility staff, residents, family members, and community members
- Maintained an Elder Protective Services caseload when deemed necessary by the EPS supervisor
- Served as lead Ombudsman/EPS Social Worker when supervisor was out of the office.
Community Base Care-Social Worker 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
07.1995 - 07.1997
- Maintained a caseload of 45 clients and conducted monthly home visits to assess and monitor ongoing personal care and homemaking services
- Advocate and mediate between clients and service providers
- Advocate for client's other needed services, i.e.: Medicaid and VA assistance
- Have knowledge of and complete Medicaid, Clark County, and VA financial assistance forms.
Director of Social Services
Henderson Healthcare
12.1993 - 07.1995
- Maintain a caseload of 80 or more residents
- Receive complaints and investigate complaints from residents and family members
- Advocate for resident's rights, liaison between residents and administrator
- Coordinate monthly Resident Counsel meetings
- Directly supervise Social Services Social Workers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) - Social Work
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
05.1989
Skills
- Customer Service
- Data Entry
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Relationship Building
Accomplishments
Certificate of Commendation from Senator Catherine Cortez Masto March 8th, 2023
Congressional Recognition March 8, 2023
Certificate of Recognition from governor Joe Lombardo Compass Rose dignity award
Certification
- State of Nevada Licensed Social Worker, 0119-S
- Certified Person-Centered Thinking Trainer
- Certified by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, as an instructor to Law Enforcement for the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program
- Certified by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, as an instructor to Victim Services Providers for the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program
- Certificate of Completion of the University of Nevada-Reno, School of Social Work’s Academy on Aging, 06/22/2022
Awards
University of Nevada-Reno, Celebrating Social Work Leaders Compass Award for Dignity, 03/08/2023
Timeline
Social Work Supervisor/Adult Protective Services (APS) Succession Coordinator
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
10.2023 - Current
Adult Protective Services Social Services Chief 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
03.2019 - 10.2023
Elder Protective Services (EPS) Social Services Manager 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
12.2013 - 03.2019
Elder Protective Services (EPS) Social Work Supervisor 1
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
11.2005 - 12.2023
Elder Protective Services (EPS) Lead Social Worker 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
02.2004 - 11.2005
Elder Protective Services (EPS) Social Worker 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
12.2003 - 02.2004
Compliance Investigator 2 (Long Term Care Ombudsman Program)
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
07.1997 - 12.2003
Community Base Care-Social Worker 2
State of Nevada-Aging and Disability Services Division
07.1995 - 07.1997
Director of Social Services
Henderson Healthcare
12.1993 - 07.1995
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) - Social Work
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- State of Nevada Licensed Social Worker, 0119-S
- Certified Person-Centered Thinking Trainer
- Certified by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, as an instructor to Law Enforcement for the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program
- Certified by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, as an instructor to Victim Services Providers for the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program
- Certificate of Completion of the University of Nevada-Reno, School of Social Work’s Academy on Aging, 06/22/2022
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