February ****

Dear Hiring Committee Member:

I am a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master’s degree in social work and am extremely passionate about my education, foundational social work skills and career opportunities in this exciting field. Prior to graduate school, I had professional experience in the field as a case manager and was able to witness first-hand how many individuals work together to accomplish the same goals.

I am delighted to learn about the social work position at your agency and believe the combination of my experience in case managing and hospital social work positions make me a valuable contribution to your organization.

Upon review of my resume, you will find that my employment, education and internships have provided a positive and well-built foundation to the beginning of my career as a social worker. My experience developed over the past years with human issues and situational problem solving, analytical skills, my professionalism in all settings ranging from social activities to crisis management, as well as my enthusiasm, time management, and strong work ethic sets me apart from others as a valuable addition to your organization. I am a highly organized individual who can adapt to any work environment be it independently or as part of a team.

I am driven to continue to grow professionally focused on dedication to a new job opportunity. My compassion for helping people fuels my determination to find a career to best fit my abilities as well as providing me the opportunity to perfect them along the way.

My experience, skill sets and strengths are not limited to what you find in this cover letter and resume. I am eager to personally introduce myself, learn more about the needs of the open position and have the opportunity to further communicate how I believe you will find me to be a valuable asset joining your already highly regarded organization and staff.

Thanking you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Erika Morrison

Objective

To engage in a career that allows my passion for helping others be the primary role, with an encouraging environment for continued learning and growth, allowing me to utilize the knowledge and skills I have obtained so far as an MSW.

Experience

Sittercity, Inc. 07/2012 to present

Position: Senior Care Advisor

Options In Community Living 4/2010 to 7/2011

Position: Home Support Worker

• In-home support for individuals with mental and physical disabilities assisting with personal care, transportation, emotional support, meal preparation, medication management, supervision, and household chores

Options In Community Living

Position: Caseworker 10/2009 to 3/2010

• Shadowed caseworker for two months prior to taking over caseload independently

• Managed seven unique individuals with disabilities living in their own households; responsibilities included assistance with financials/social security benefits, supervising in-home staff, arrange/ attend medical appointments, provide transportation, supervision of work or outside activities, medication administration, emotional support, housing/legal assistance, and built a community for individuals we supported

Options In Community Living 5/2009 to 8/2009

Position: Fill-in Team Member

• Back-up for Supervisor/Caseworkers during extended leaves; responsibilities included supervision of staff and independent management of caseloads with successful results

Skills

• Ability to manage day-to-day tasks and goals

• Capably handle daily issues or emergencies as they arise turning those experiences into proactive actions to avoid reoccurrences where possible

• Handle crisis situations calmly with successful outcomes

• Ability to organize and achieve goals for an individual on a long-term basis

• Insight regarding the developmental disability system and population

• Experience with adults with mental health and behavioral issues

• Ability to analyze and think critically at a fast pace to achieve short-term goals

• Understanding of discharge planning and hospital case managing

• Understanding of the emotional distress and common challenges older adult face as they age, and the resources available to them to utilize and address their concerns after discharged from a hospital

• Can successfully form meaningful relationships with individuals, as well as help create relationships between the individuals and their community

• State licensure in the State of Wisconsin, working towards my APSW certification

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison September 2010 to May 2011

Masters in Social Work

Internship: Social Work Student at William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital

• Completed a minimum of five bio-psycho-social assessments weekly

• Participated as an interdisciplinary team member in medical rounds

• Facilitated and helped start services in Veterans’ homes including physical and occupational therapy, visiting nurse services and Hospice Care

• Arranged placements in nursing homes for short-term rehabilitation or long term care

• Attended and participated in sensitive Palliative Care cases

• Provided education to Veterans on use of VA benefit systems including assistance in completing Power of Attorney for Healthcare documents, applications for VA Healthcare benefits, etc.

• Set up transportation for Veterans to and from the hospitals/clinics

University of Wisconsin-Madison September 2005 to August 2009

Bachelor of Social Work

Internship: Student at Options In Community Living: a private non-profit agency providing support for individuals with developmental disabilities

• Observed and learned how one of the oldest residential agencies in the state continues to support adults with developmental disabilities

• Attended weekly team meetings and performed various caseworker tasks such as communicating with in-home staff, attending medical appointments, assisting with medication administration, and learning about the developmental disability system as a whole and the benefits/services provided

References available upon request

Contact this candidate