Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Hobbies
Timeline
Generic

Victoria Deans

Summary

Accomplished Social Worker with a proven track record at the Department of Veterans Affairs, enhancing client well-being through expert case management and compassionate advocacy. Skilled in psychosocial assessment and client confidentiality, consistently achieving positive outcomes in high-pressure environments. Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving veterans' lives, leveraging conflict resolution and cooperative teamwork to exceed service goals.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Social Worker

Department Of Veterans Affairs
01.2014 - 12.2024
  • Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
  • Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
  • Educated families on available commun
  • Educated Veterans and their families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services.
  • Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
  • Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
  • Helped clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns through evidence-based interventions.
  • Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
  • Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.

Mental Health Technician

Department Of Veterans Affairs
01.2009 - 01.2014
  • Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
  • Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
  • Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
  • Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
  • Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified members of treatment team of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
  • Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
  • Maintained detailed records of patient interactions, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients, establishing trust and fostering positive relationships conducive to healing.
  • Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities, and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security.
  • Improved patient well-being by providing compassionate care and support during their mental health journey.
  • Promoted a safe, therapeutic environment by enforcing facility policies and maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members, contributing valuable insights to optimize patient care and outcomes.
  • Contributed to a culture of excellence within the facility by consistently upholding high standards of care and actively seeking opportunities for improvement.
  • Delivered compassionate patient care, focusing on safety, comfort and emotional support.
  • Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Maintained patient records, documenting changes in patient condition.
  • Collaborated closely with mental health professionals with treatment plan implementation.
  • Coordinated with medical and paramedical professionals to provide appropriate input and effectively formulate and implement treatment plans for patients.

Nursing Assistant

Department Of Veterans Affairs
04.2001 - 01.2009
  • Helped patients effectively manage routine bathing, grooming, and other hygiene needs.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Increased patient engagement by providing emotional support, companionship, and encouragement during challenging times.
  • Promoted a safe and clean environment by maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and sanitation standards.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Skillfully operated medical equipment, such as glucose monitors and blood pressure cuffs, ensuring accurate data collection for informed decision-making by healthcare providers.
  • Documented care actions by completing records and logs in medical software system.
  • Agreed to take on additional shifts and extra hours during busy periods and holidays to maintain proper staffing and floor coverage.
  • Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
  • Reported unusual or urgent circumstances in patients' condition or environment immediately to nurse supervisor.
  • Enhanced patient care by effectively monitoring vital signs and accurately documenting medical information.
  • Observed or examined patients to detect symptoms that required medical attention such as bruises or open wounds.
  • Proactively identified changes in patient condition or behavior, alerting appropriate healthcare personnel for prompt intervention when necessary.
  • Assisted nursing staff with wound care procedures for faster healing and reduced infection rates.
  • Engaged in housekeeping tasks by replacing linens and cleaning and sanitizing patient rooms.
  • Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
  • Wiped down equipment with proper cleaning products after each patient transport to reduce instances of infection.
  • Facilitated efficient patient transfers, reducing risk of injury through proper body mechanics and use of assistive devices.
  • Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
  • Identified and reported unsafe situations to maintain adherence to safety protocols.
  • Aided in the prevention of pressure ulcers through diligent monitoring and implementation of appropriate turning schedules for bedridden patients.

Education

Master of Science - Social Work

West Virginia University
Shepherdstown, WV
01.2014

Skills

Compassionate

Case Management

Client Advocacy

Conflict Resolution

Efficient under pressure

Cooperative

Risk Assessment

Case Documentation

Client Confidentiality

Assessment skills

CPR, First Aid, AED

Child Welfare Expertise

Psychosocial assessment

Certification

  • MSW License -

Hobbies

Love to read, work out and spend time with my dog.  Love outdoor activities and attending church.

Timeline

Social Worker

Department Of Veterans Affairs
01.2014 - 12.2024

Mental Health Technician

Department Of Veterans Affairs
01.2009 - 01.2014

Nursing Assistant

Department Of Veterans Affairs
04.2001 - 01.2009

Master of Science - Social Work

West Virginia University
Victoria Deans