Thalaura Pace Relf
Chicago,IL
Summary
Case Manager with 21 years of functional case management leadership experience. Enacts strong and collaborative approach across care continuum and manages workflow to support dynamic teams. A dedicated Social Worker provides exceptional professional care and implements appropriate interventions. Utilizes a variety of resources to identify unique needs and assist vulnerable populations. Adept at establishing a strong rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Worker Intern
Chicago Public Schools
09.2023 - Current
- Provide crisis intervention and support to students experiencing behavioral health or medical crises, ensuring they are connected to appropriate clinical providers for assessment and treatment.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of students in need and work closely with teachers, parents, and guardians to develop personalized care plans.
- Actively participate in IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings to advocate for students' unique educational and social needs.
- Maintain a safe and inclusive school environment that fosters the well-being and success of all students.
- Assisted in providing counseling services to students, helping them navigate academic, personal, and social challenges.
- Participated in IEP meetings, contributing to the development of tailored plans for students with special needs.
- Supported the implementation of school-wide positive behavior interventions and support (PBIS) programs.
- Conducted individual and small-group counseling sessions under the guidance and supervision of the school social worker.
- Enhanced student support by conducting comprehensive assessments and implementing individualized interventions.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop strategies for addressing students'' social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Improved school climate by fostering positive relationships among students, staff, and families through effective communication and conflict resolution techniques.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for students struggling with various emotional or behavioral issues, resulting in improved coping skills and overall wellbeing.
- Contributed to the school''s crisis response team by providing immediate support during emergencies or critical incidents involving students or staff members.
- Evaluated student progress using data-driven approaches to inform ongoing intervention strategies that led to improved outcomes.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary case conferences involving parents, teachers, administrators, mental health professionals, and other service providers as necessary for collaborative problem-solving efforts.
Case Management Coordinator
Aetna Better Health Of Illinois, CVS Health
01.2021 - Current
- Collaborate with medical and behavioral health professionals to influence appropriate member care.
- Maintain minimal hospitalization utilization while ensuring member health.
- Utilize advanced clinical judgment and critical thinking skills to support member's physical and mental health.
- Perform crisis intervention with members experiencing behavioral health or medical crises, referring them to appropriate clinical providers for assessment and treatment.
- Conduct assessments of members/clients in nursing home settings and report suspected elder abuse.
- Ensure members and long-term care facilities meet HEDIS measures.
- Develop care plans in collaboration with members, their families, power of attorney, or guardians.
- Enhanced patient care by coordinating services and resources for optimal case management outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Managed high caseloads, prioritizing tasks and maintaining organized records for timely follow-ups and accurate reporting.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of patients'' needs, adjusting care plans as necessary to address changing circumstances or conditions.
- Provided education on available resources and support services to empower patients in managing their own health goals.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings, promoting open dialogue among various healthcare professionals involved in each patient''s case.
Program Specialist II
Illinicare Health, Centene Corporation
01.2015 - 12.2020
- Conducted screening and risk assessment interventions per program guidelines.
- Acted as the primary liaison for members and staff, assisting with medical and non-medical aspects of member care, including referrals to community resources. - Identified special needs of members through health screens and assessments.
- Worked with community outreach/member advocates to coordinate member care.
- Educated providers and community resources on program components and support services.
- Maintained a 90% or better audit score.
- Conducted thorough needs assessments to identify gaps in service delivery and inform program development efforts.
- Achieved successful outcomes for multiple projects through effective project management and collaboration with stakeholders.
Case Coordinator
University of Illinois Case Management Unit
10.2010 - 12.2014
- Provided comprehensive assessments of elderly clients' needs through in-home or in-hospital interviews.
- Developed care plans and established client eligibility for services.
- Coordinated with various service providers, professionals, and governmental units to meet clients' in-home living needs.
- Assisted older adults in choosing community-based services as alternatives to institutional care.
- Developed individual plans of care, including help with activities of daily living, personal hygiene, and household chores.
- Arranged in-home non-medical care for 10-15 older adults daily.
- Assisted clients in achieving self-sufficiency by connecting them with relevant community resources and support services.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Aurora University
Aurora, IL05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
Governors State University
University Park, IL05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL05.2001
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Care Plan Development
- Motivational Interviewing
- Risk Assessment
- Individual Counseling
- Trauma-informed care
- Clinical Assessment
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Individualized Care Planning
- IEP Development
- Advocacy
Certification
Professional Educator License
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
School Social Worker Intern
Chicago Public Schools
09.2023 - Current
Case Management Coordinator
Aetna Better Health Of Illinois, CVS Health
01.2021 - Current
Program Specialist II
Illinicare Health, Centene Corporation
01.2015 - 12.2020
Case Coordinator
University of Illinois Case Management Unit
10.2010 - 12.2014
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Aurora University
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
Governors State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Tuskegee University
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