Vernita James, LCSW
Oakland,CA
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker with a strong commitment to providing compassionate care and implementing tailored interventions for vulnerable populations in California. Proficient in leveraging a wide range of resources to address unique needs while ensuring meticulous documentation compliance, including conducting quality assessments, developing individualized service plans, and crafting intricate and effective quality hospital discharge plans and housing transitions. Known for establishing genuine connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. A quality-driven, dependable professional excelling in interdisciplinary teamwork, with exceptional organization and time management skills, dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Worker III
County of Contra Costa County
01.2015 - Current
- Carried a Caseload of Family Reunification, Family Maintenance, Permanent Placement and Supportive Transition Cases
- Understanding of Welfare and Institution Laws, regulations and court procedures pertaining to child welfare services
- Utilized advanced principles and techniques of complex investigative social work and the function of public social service agency
- Monitored mandated clients to ensure safety; created and monitored crisis plans as needed
- Interviewed and investigate safety, risk and complex issues of families mandated by the Juvenile Court
- Initiate and maintain appropriate therapeutic linkage between staff and referral sources, collateral contacts and community resources
- Reported family’s compliance through court reports to Juvenile Dependency Court
- Proficient with CWS/CMS, SDM and County databases
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
- Provided crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute mental health or substance abuse issues.
- Fostered increased engagement and support, organizing community outreach events and workshops.
- Responded to APS referrals during on-call shifts, conducting timely and thorough investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
- Completed mandated documentation, risk assessments, and safety plans in compliance with state regulations and agency protocols.
- Coordinated with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community agencies to ensure client safety and appropriate service delivery.
- Maintained detailed case records and provided follow-up services as needed to support ongoing client well-being.
Medical Social Worker II
Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Care Coordination and Care Management
- Knowledge of State and Federal Programs: Familiarity with the Assisted Living Waiver Program in California, as well as other state and federal programs related to healthcare and long-term care
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with clients, families, and other healthcare professionals
- Assess client needs, develop individualized care plans based on assessment findings, and coordinate services is crucial
- Identify suitable assisted living facilities, coordinating transitions, and monitoring care.
- Adhere to professional codes of ethics and legal regulations related to client confidentiality and patient rights.
- Culturally competent and sensitive to the needs and preferences of clients from various backgrounds.
- Proficiency with electronic health records and other relevant software is often required for documentation and case management (EPIC).
- Maintained detailed documentation regarding all contacts with clients and other involved parties in a timely manner.
- Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments.
- Provided direct services to vulnerable adults including crisis intervention, advocacy, education and counseling.
- Collaborated with community partners to ensure appropriate services were provided to individuals in need.
- Analyzed case information to identify potential risks, vulnerabilities, and strengths of the adult population served.
- Facilitated patient assessments to identify psychosocial needs and barriers to care.
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support for patients and families facing health challenges.
- Educated patients on available community resources and navigation of healthcare systems.
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
- Connected patients with community resources, ensuring access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
- Offered crisis intervention services to address urgent concerns related to mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence issues.
Social Worker I
County of Contra Costa County
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Completed assessment and evaluations with families receiving TANF and CAWORKs
- Followed Federal, State and County welfare rules and regulations, functions of public welfare agencies
- Interviewed clients/families in the home/office to assess socio-economic problems/needs
- Assessed home, medical and financial, personal and community factors that may have affect the individual’s ability to receive employment
- Collaborated with other local agencies to provide a comprehensive system of support to develop an appropriate recommendation or case treatment plan
- Referred clients and assisted in utilizing appropriate community resources
- Prepared case records, documents, reports and correspondence
- Organized workload to meet deadlines and maintain accurate records.
Adoption Social Worker
Lilliput Children’s Services
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Interviewed and assessed individuals or couples who were prospective adoptive parents
- Completed weekly in-person home visits and ensured appropriate supportive services were in place
- Gathered information for adoption home studies and psychosocial assessments reports; approved and denied reports when necessary
- Collaborated with county and state adoption agencies to identify available children to be matched with prospective fost/adopt families
- Referred families and children to appropriate services such as, therapy, related trainings, and parenting classes when necessary
- Completed needs, quarterly, and court reports
- Facilitated trainings targeted to adoptive families.
Medical Social Worker Intern
Kaiser Permanente Early Start Program
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Provided individual counseling and support to pregnant women who were at-risk of substance abuse
- Followed the harm reduction model of treatment and utilized the DSM-5 for client diagnoses
- Collaborated with medical team to identify appropriate treatment plans for patients
- Completed bio-psychosocial assessments and referred clients to appropriate services within the community
- Documented all interventions and entered information into hospital database and patient’s medical record
- Assisted with the facilitation of substance abuse groups serving pregnant teens
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments
- Explained medical care options to help families make informed healthcare decisions
- Updated treatment plans on monthly basis with latest intervention strategies and progress notes
- Organized clinical documentation, treatment plans, and referrals
- Provided ongoing counseling to help patients deal with conditions and processes
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification
- Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing medical, emotional and mental health challenges in hospital setting.
Education
M.S.W - Social Work, Individuals, Family And Children
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA01-2007
B.A. - Social Work, Human Development
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA01.2005
Skills
- Referrals and networking
- Crisis Intervention
- Solution-based interventions
- DSM-IV knowledge
- Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP)
- Strengths-based solution-focused therapy
- Child Welfare Services/Case Management System (CWS/CMS)
- Psychosocial assessments expert
- Knowledge of Federal and State Programs/Regulations
- Continuing Education and Compliance
- Proficiency in developing individualized care plans that address the unique needs of each client, including housing transitions and hospital discharge plans
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting assessments, care plans, and communicating with clients and their families
- Cultural Competence
- Collaboration
- Time Management and Organization
- Compassionate and Empathetic
- Problem-Solving Skills
Certification
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, 117957
NPI# 1346134848
Timeline
Medical Social Worker II
Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center
01.2024 - 01.2025
Social Worker III
County of Contra Costa County
01.2015 - Current
Social Worker I
County of Contra Costa County
01.2014 - 01.2015
Adoption Social Worker
Lilliput Children’s Services
01.2008 - 01.2011
Medical Social Worker Intern
Kaiser Permanente Early Start Program
01.2006 - 01.2007
M.S.W - Social Work, Individuals, Family And Children
San Francisco State University
B.A. - Social Work, Human Development
San Francisco State University
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