Tracey Knowles
Missouri Ciy,TX
Summary
Accomplished LCSW-S with a proven track record at the Dept of Veteran Affairs Vet Center, enhancing client well-being through innovative treatment planning and multicultural competence. Excelled in telehealth delivery, achieving significant advancements in mental health support and crisis intervention. Demonstrates exceptional client advocacy and interpersonal skills, fostering substantial improvements in community health resources. Known for teamwork, adaptability, and delivering impactful and empathetic care. Strong communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills. Trusted for reliability and consistent results in dynamic environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Readjustment Counselor, LCSW-S
Dept of Veteran Affairs Vet Center
09.2022 - Current
- Continuously expanded professional knowledge through ongoing training, staying current on industry trends and advancements in treatments for trauma-related disorders.
- Established strong referral networks within the community, improving access to essential services for clients needing additional support beyond readjustment counseling scope.
- Maintained detailed case records, documenting client progress and informing future treatment decisions.
- Enhanced community awareness of available resources by organizing outreach events and presentations.
- Assessed clients'' needs by conducting thorough intake interviews and developing personalized treatment plans.
- Implemented creative therapeutic approaches tailored to individual clients'' needs, promoting personal growth and healing from traumatic experiences.
- Developed trusting relationships with clients, facilitating open communication and encouraging progress in treatment goals.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
Social Work Case Manger-HUD VASH
Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center
03.2012 - 09.2022
- Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored care plans.
- Reduced recidivism rates through targeted interventions focused on addressing underlying factors contributing to repeated crises.
- Diversified service offerings by identifying emerging trends in client needs and adjusting programmatic focus accordingly.
- Advanced cultural competence within the organization through training and consultation on diversity issues.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure optimal physical health outcomes for clients in need of medical attention.
- Promoted self-advocacy skills among clients by providing information, tools, and encouragement to make informed decisions.
- Mitigated crisis situations through active listening, de-escalation techniques, and timely intervention where needed.
- Championed mental health literacy within the community through public presentations on various topics related to social work practice.
- Increased community engagement by connecting clients to appropriate resources and social activities.
- Strengthened organizational partnerships through effective communication, collaboration, and mutual goal-setting with external agencies.
- Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator
Houston Housing Authority
06.2009 - 03.2012
- Served as an advocate for clients when dealing with landlords, employers, or other service providers during their journey towards self-sufficiency.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives within the program, incorporating feedback from both participants and stakeholders.
- Supported families in crisis situations by connecting them with appropriate social services agencies.
- Conducted workshops on life skills, budgeting, and employment readiness to empower clients towards self-reliance.
- Enhanced participant self-sufficiency by assessing needs and creating individualized service plans.
- Maintained a high level of professionalism and confidentiality while handling sensitive client information.
- Developed comprehensive case management services, fostering family independence and financial stability.
- Managed a diverse caseload of families with varying levels of needs, prioritizing efforts based on urgency and capacity for success.
- Assisted clients in overcoming barriers to employment by identifying skills gaps and providing tailored training opportunities.
- Provided guidance to clients in navigating public assistance programs while working towards self-sufficiency goals.
- Ensured program compliance by adhering to federal regulations and reporting requirements.
- Facilitated successful transitions off government assistance by guiding clients through financial planning strategies.
- Managed heavy caseload using well-developed time management, organizational, and task prioritization skills.
MSW Clinical Intern
Michael E. DeBakey
01.2009 - 05.2009
- Improved coping skills among clients experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms through the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
- Assessed for suicidally, self-harm, or harm to others, implementing appropriate safety planning measures when necessary.
- Promoted client well-being through the provision of supportive counseling and skill-building interventions.
- Improved client outcomes by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Reduced risk factors by providing crisis intervention services to clients experiencing mental health emergencies.
- Developed individualized service plans in collaboration with clients that addressed both short-term objectives and long-term recovery goals.
- Participated in case conferences and clinical supervision sessions to discuss complex cases, receive feedback, and enhance professional development.
- Wrote notes, completed documentation for referrals and maintained case files.
- Conducted evaluations to detect presence of mental health or substance abuse disorders.
- Monitored clients' progress to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
Adult Protective Investigator
Texas Department of Family and Protective Service
07.2006 - 03.2007
- Fostered positive relationships with clients'' families, caregivers, or legal guardians while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Developed comprehensive safety plans for clients at risk, coordinating with community partners to provide necessary resources and support.
- Demonstrated cultural competency by effectively working with diverse populations and addressing unique needs based on cultural backgrounds.
- Streamlined processes for information gathering by utilizing advanced interviewing techniques during home visits and witness interviews.
- Minimized client vulnerability by assessing risk factors present in living environments and recommending appropriate interventions.
- Upheld ethical standards throughout investigative process by adhering to guidelines provided by state regulations, agency policies, and professional codes of conduct.
- Expedited case resolution by effectively prioritizing high-risk situations and efficiently managing caseloads.
- Increased victim support by connecting clients to appropriate resources such as mental health services, legal assistance, or financial management programs.
- Collaborated effectively with medical professionals to address physical health concerns related to allegations of abuse or neglect.
Social Work Resource Specialist
MD Anderson Cancer Center Hospital
01.2002 - 05.2006
- Identified useful resources and coordinated referrals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify resource gaps and create solutions for streamlined operations.
- Streamlined communication channels between departments to improve collaboration on shared projects and resource planning initiatives.
- · Reviewed qualification for Indigent Patient Program.
- · Assisted with Advance Directive referrals after review of referral by social worker.
Education
Doctor of Social Work - Social Work
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA05-2027
Master Degree of Social Work - Social Work
University of Houston
Houston, TX05-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Texas A&M University
Commerce, TX08-2000
Skills
- Telehealth proficiency
- Multicultural competence
- Individual counseling
- Anger management
- Client advocacy
- Mental health support
- Crisis intervention
- Intake assessments
Accomplishments
- Proposed, created, and implemented a successful HUD-VASH Retention Program (adopted system-wide) which identifies system breakdown and proposes specific remedies for improving client retention and participation, as well as program outcomes.
Timeline
Readjustment Counselor, LCSW-S
Dept of Veteran Affairs Vet Center
09.2022 - Current
Social Work Case Manger-HUD VASH
Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center
03.2012 - 09.2022
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator
Houston Housing Authority
06.2009 - 03.2012
MSW Clinical Intern
Michael E. DeBakey
01.2009 - 05.2009
Adult Protective Investigator
Texas Department of Family and Protective Service
07.2006 - 03.2007
Social Work Resource Specialist
MD Anderson Cancer Center Hospital
01.2002 - 05.2006
Doctor of Social Work - Social Work
Tulane University
Master Degree of Social Work - Social Work
University of Houston
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Texas A&M University
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