Tara Walker LCSW
Gautier,MS
Summary
Compassionate healthcare social worker with background in providing support and guidance to patients navigating complex health systems. Skilled in developing personalized care plans, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for patient needs. Proven ability to improve patient outcomes through effective communication, resource coordination, and emotional support. Demonstrated impact in enhancing patient satisfaction and facilitating community resources access. Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director of Clinical Services
Gulfport Behavioral Health
Gulfport, MS
11.2021 - Current
- Provided education sessions on topics related to clinical services.
- Analyzed data trends to identify opportunities for improvement in service delivery processes.
- Facilitated communication between patients, families and healthcare providers.
- Maintained current knowledge of best practices in clinical services.
- Provided leadership and guidance to staff in the delivery of clinical services.
- Managed daily operations including budgeting, personnel management, scheduling and resource allocation.
- Supervises a team of clinicians providing direct patient care services.
- Participates in interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient care issues and develop solutions.
- Conducts assessments, developed treatment plans and maintained accurate records of client progress.
- Devise training programs to close gaps in nurse and staffs' competencies.
- Explains policies, procedures and services to patients.
- Monitors inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
- Coordinates emergency response activities during times of crisis or natural disasters affecting facilities or transportation services.
- Coordinates and monitors housing, food insecurities, and transportation needs of patients.
Medicaid Waiver Case Manager
Southern MS Planning and Development District
Hattiesburg, MS
08.2019 - 06.2022
- Monitored changes in client's physical and emotional condition and provided appropriate referrals when needed.
- Coordinated health care services including doctor appointments, hospitalizations, and medication management.
- Identified barriers preventing individuals from accessing needed services or supports.
- Conducted home visits on a regular basis to monitor client's progress.
- Provided crisis intervention when needed.
- Counseled clients regarding available options for long-term care planning.
- Provided case management services and support to Medicaid Waiver recipients.
- Attended trainings related to Medicaid Waiver program policies and procedures.
- Assessed client's functional abilities, medical condition, and living situation.
- Advocates on behalf of the client by acting as liaison between them and community providers and agencies offering assistance programs or services.
- Identified environmental challenges to client progress through interviews with patient and caregivers.
- Collaborated with other professionals to assist with clients housing needs.
Director of County Operations
Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources
Hattiesburg, MS
10.2011 - 07.2019
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational goals were met.
- Reviewed internal reports and identified areas of risk or potential cost savings.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress on strategic initiatives.
- Utilized Applied Behavioral Analysis principles in order to modify behaviors effectively.
- Assisted in the development of annual budgets for the Behavioral Health Court programs.
- Assessed potential risk factors related to grants programs and recommended solutions regarding homeless initiatives.
- Edited existing proposals or drafted new ones from scratch as required by different foundations or corporations.
Program Director
Wesley Inspirations Geriatric Outpatient
Hattiesburg, MS
06.2007 - 09.2011
- Prepares chart audits for JACHO review
- Conducts individual and group therapy
- Completes assessments, treatment plans, and discharge planning
- Participates in weekly treatment team meetings
- Responds quickly and diplomatically to the clients core needs
- Conducted home visits
- Conducted in services to inform the public about programs and services rendered
- Trained new employees
- Answers a high volume of telephone calls
- Responds quickly and diplomatically to the clients core needs
- Administers educational health groups regarding the elderly.
- Participated in various committees related to homelessness prevention initiatives within the community.
- Researched relevant issues related to social work practice including poverty, homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse.
- Directed staff training on technical aspects of programming activities.
- Analyzed data from surveys, focus groups, interviews to inform decision making.
- Supported marketing efforts by providing content for promotional materials.
- Conducted needs assessments and developed program objectives.
- Managed budgeting processes, including creating forecasts and tracking expenses.
- Coordinated transportation for appointments or other necessary errands for clients who lack access to reliable transportation.
- Educated clients on budgeting skills, job search strategies, and life skills development.
Child Protection Specialist
Department of Human Services
Hattiesburg, MS
01.2006 - 06.2007
- Investigates reports of alleged abuse and/or neglect of children and vulnerable adults
- Conducts individual and family team meetings
- Answers a high volume of telephone calls
- Responds quickly and diplomatically to the clients core needs
- Trained new staff members
- Developed and implemented child protection strategies for at-risk children.
- Utilizes computer skills
- Performs public speaking to recruit foster parents
- Transported clients to and from appointments
- Assisted clients with available community resources to enhance their quality of life
- Monitored court proceedings related to child welfare cases and reported findings as necessary.
- Completes court reports and testifies regarding client's care
- Advocated on behalf of client's to ensure fair and equal treatment
- Participates in foster care support groups.
- Assisted clients in completing applications for rental assistance programs and other forms of support.
- Assisted low-income households with applying for government subsidies designed to help them maintain stable living arrangements.
Internship Intake Worker
The Domestic Abuse Family Shelter
Hattiesburg, MS
08.2003 - 12.2005
- Conducted individual, group, and family therapy
- Monitored and answered phone calls from the abuse hotline
- Completed intake and discharge paperwork
- Transported clients to and from appointments
- Connected clients with available community resources to improve their quality of life
- Assisted clients with legal issues
- Conducted interviews with personnel to obtain qualifying information/documents
- Interfaced with management regarding upcoming inspections and training
- Conducted research, compiled data, and prepared papers for consideration and presentation
- Contacted and coordinated with other health care facilities to request records.
- Organized outreach activities to inform community members about available services.
- Provided crisis intervention and supportive counseling for clients experiencing homelessness.
- Assessed clients' eligibility for public assistance benefits or other programs.
- Assisted families with locating appropriate housing options that meet their needs.
Drug and Alcohol, Child and Adolescence Counselor
Pine Grove Mental Health
Hattiesburg, MS
10.1996 - 08.2003
- Assisted patients with daily living skills
- Conducted individual, group, and family therapy
- Completed treatment plans
- Conducted follow up appointments
- Testified in court regarding commitments to the state hospital
- Conducted parenting classes
- Answered telephone calls and faxed pertinent information
- Completed intake and discharge paperwork
- Interacted with other agencies to provide high quality services to the patients
- Completed reports regarding alleged abused and/or neglect of patients
- Connected clients with available community resources to improve their quality of life.
- Educated clients about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.
- Advised families on how best to support their loved one's recovery process.
- Collaborated with social service providers in order to refer individuals who are experiencing homelessness or substance abuse issues into treatment programs.
Education
Master's Degree of Social Work -
University of Southern Mississippi
05-2006
B.S in Exercise Physiology -
University of Southern Mississippi
Skills
- Excellent leadership, organizational and multi-project management skills
- Superb analytical and problem-solving ability
- Family and Children Services
- Domestic Abuse
- Self-directed
- Excellent communicator
- Relates to diverse groups in various settings
- Outstanding small group facilitation and communication skills
- Managed projects and client's cases with professionalism
- Client Needs Assessment
- Discharge Planning
- Client Advocacy
- Substance Abuse Knowledge
- Suicide Prevention
- Disability Services
- Claims Processing
Certification
- AMSR Instructor for Suicide Prevention- 6/08/2023
- LEAPS Trainer( Law Enforcement Peer Support Training) -January 2024
- CPI (Crisis Prevention and Intervention)- April 2024
- The State of Homelessness Certification- March 2024
Accomplishments
- LCSW- License number C10716
- AmeriCorps Education Award
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Director of Clinical Services
Gulfport Behavioral Health
11.2021 - Current
Medicaid Waiver Case Manager
Southern MS Planning and Development District
08.2019 - 06.2022
Director of County Operations
Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources
10.2011 - 07.2019
Program Director
Wesley Inspirations Geriatric Outpatient
06.2007 - 09.2011
Child Protection Specialist
Department of Human Services
01.2006 - 06.2007
Internship Intake Worker
The Domestic Abuse Family Shelter
08.2003 - 12.2005
Drug and Alcohol, Child and Adolescence Counselor
Pine Grove Mental Health
10.1996 - 08.2003
Master's Degree of Social Work -
University of Southern Mississippi
B.S in Exercise Physiology -
University of Southern Mississippi
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