Victoria Wilder
Decatur,IL
Summary
Seasoned Human Services Caseworker with background in social work and community outreach. Experience includes managing caseloads, evaluating client needs, coordinating services and advocating for individuals within the legal system. Strong interpersonal skills coupled with knowledge of crisis intervention strategies. Proven ability to foster positive relationships, contribute to team objectives and effect meaningful change in clients' lives.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Services Caseworker
Department of Human Services
Decatur, IL
02.2016 - Current
- Provided case management services to clients, including assessing client needs and developing individualized service plans.
- Coordinated referrals between various agencies when necessary.
- Attended trainings related to human services best practices in order to stay up-to-date on relevant information.
- Advocated on behalf of vulnerable populations in order to promote their rights and interests.
- Responded promptly and appropriately to inquiries from internal, external stakeholders regarding caseworker duties, responsibilities.
- Assisted with the development of resources for clients in order to help them achieve their goals.
- Educated family members on strategies for providing effective support for their loved ones.
- Collaborated with other social service providers to ensure continuity of care for clients.
- Maintained confidentiality standards according to agency policies and procedures.
- Provided counseling services to individuals and families in crisis situations.
- Discussed rights and responsibilities associated with public assistance with applicants.
- Supported applicants in completing documents with accuracy for human service programs.
- Processed benefit computations and under or overpayment adjustments.
- Attended meetings and participated in staff development training activities.
- Contacted applicants to discuss discrepancies and referred questionable cases to department for follow-up.
- Obtained income, asset and financial information to determine program eligibility.
- Analyzed numerical and narrative data from automated system to interpret eligibility determinations.
- Interviewed applicants to verify information eligibility for public assistance.
- Prepared documents necessary to initiate, continue and modify public assistance.
- Completed accurate legible documentation for client profile as outlined by policy, reports and observations.
- Acted as role model for clients by exhibiting positive behaviors.
- Evaluated and addressed individual client needs and concerns.
- Assisted and advocated for clients obtaining financial resources and government entitlements.
- Collaborated with state agencies and benefits coordinators to develop individualized plans for each case.
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
- Composed or prepared correspondence, case notes and narratives with computer-based applications.
- Led family therapy sessions between children and siblings to remediate conflict and build healthy relationships.
Voluntary Caregiver
House Of Miracles
Decatur, IL
06.2019 - 04.2023
- Transported clients to medical appointments and social outings.
- Provided respite relief for family members caring for an elderly relative at home by providing temporary assistance with caregiving tasks.
- Developed positive relationships with family members of clients in order to ensure their comfort level with the level of care being provided.
- Encouraged participation in activities designed to improve overall well-being and quality of life for the client.
- Engaged in meaningful conversations with clients to help them feel connected to the world outside their home environment.
- Prompted medication reminders when necessary.
- Demonstrated compassion and empathy towards all clients while maintaining professionalism at all times.
- Helped patients transfer from bed-to-chair and wheelchair using appropriate equipment safely.
- Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
- Drove clients to shop for groceries, attend doctor appointments and run errands.
- Encouraged residents to participate in activities of daily living to enhance personal dignity.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Improved patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Obtained sources of entertainment for clients to provide full and enjoyable daily activities.
- Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ministry & Leadership
Grace Bible College
Grand Rapids, MI10-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL05-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Richland Community College
Decatur, IL05-2008
Skills
- Motivational Interviewing
- Individual Counseling
- Disability Services
- Financial Planning
- Suicide Prevention
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Behavioral Health
- Grief counseling
- Family Counseling
- Active Listening
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Interpersonal Skills
- Behavioral therapy
- Relationship Building
- Analytical Skills
- Trauma Informed Care Framework
Affiliations
- Volunteer at Nursing homes on weekends
- Lead self-reflective book club that targets inner healing
- Create positive affirmation's on clothing and donate them to people in need
Accomplishments
- Received High Honors Degree in Leadership & Ministry
Languages
English
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Voluntary Caregiver
House Of Miracles
06.2019 - 04.2023
Human Services Caseworker
Department of Human Services
02.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Ministry & Leadership
Grace Bible College
Bachelor of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Eastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Richland Community College
Similar Profiles
David KenslerDavid Kensler
Chief of Staff at NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesChief of Staff at NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Hilary A. LaskeyHilary A. Laskey
Deputy Executive Director, Operations at Department of Human Services/Social Services AdministrationDeputy Executive Director, Operations at Department of Human Services/Social Services Administration
DONNA MAZYCKDONNA MAZYCK
Regional Staff Nurse Medical Assistance at Department of Human Services/Division of Aging ServicesRegional Staff Nurse Medical Assistance at Department of Human Services/Division of Aging Services
Stacey BreretonStacey Brereton
Senior Practitioner at Safer Family Services, Department of Human ServicesSenior Practitioner at Safer Family Services, Department of Human Services
Lizzy HarleyLizzy Harley
Accounting Assistant at Jimmy John's FranchiseAccounting Assistant at Jimmy John's Franchise