Tierra Garner
City,NC
Summary
Master of Social Work (MSW) student and Advanced Medical Support Assistant with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, bringing strong experience in care coordination, client advocacy, and healthcare systems navigation. Demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice, trauma-informed service delivery, and improving access to care for vulnerable populations. Seeking a general MSW internship to further develop direct practice, assessment, and intervention skills.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Care in the Community Department
City, State
01.2024 - Current
- Coordinate and process primary care and dental consults to ensure Veterans receive timely access to community-based medical services
- Serve as a liaison between Veterans, VA providers, and community care vendors to resolve barriers to care
- Assist Veterans in navigating complex healthcare systems using a client-centered and advocacy-focused approach
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation in compliance with HIPAA, VA regulations, and ethical standards
- Utilize trauma-informed and culturally responsive communication when interacting with diverse Veteran populations
- Support continuity of care by tracking consult outcomes and addressing delays or access concerns
- Processes urgent dental referrals and ensures completion within a required 72‑hour turnaround time, including documentation, provider coordination, and follow‑up to confirm timely scheduling
Dental Assistant
Department of Defense
Fort Bragg, NC
10.2015 - 01.2024
- Assisted in patient management, ensuring comfort and addressing concerns during dental procedures.
- Prepared treatment rooms by sterilizing instruments and organizing supplies for efficient workflow.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices, contributing to improved health literacy and engagement.
- Recorded patient information accurately in electronic health records, enhancing data integrity and accessibility.
- Collaborated with dental team to streamline appointment scheduling, reducing wait times for patients.
- Trained new staff on office protocols and equipment usage, fostering a cohesive team environment.
- Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
- Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Social Work
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2028
Bachelor of Arts/Science - Psychology
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina, NC12-2022
Skills
- Care Coordination & Systems Navigation
- Client Advocacy & Engagement
- Ethical Decision-Making (NASW-aligned)
- Trauma-Informed Communication
- Cultural Humility
- Confidential Documentation
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Time Management & Organization
Timeline
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Care in the Community Department
01.2024 - Current
Dental Assistant
Department of Defense
10.2015 - 01.2024
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Social Work
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Arts/Science - Psychology
Fayetteville State University
POPULATIONS SERVED
- - Military Veterans
- - Individuals with complex medical and dental needs
- - Underserved and at-risk populations