Social Assistant

Debra Darby MSW L.I.S.W

Cell: 612-***-**** Email: ***********@*****.***

EXPERIENCED SOCIAL WORKER

Hospice bereavement counseling, long-term care social work and school social work service

Bachelor of Science Speech, Theatre, English, Winona State University

Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Minnesota L.I.S.W.

Information Technology: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Point-Click Care, Home Care Home Base

Understanding of stages and theories of development throughout the lifetime, family dynamics, issues of attachment, abandonment, transition.

Understanding of the holistic impact of decline in health, the dying process and death on the emotional mental and spiritual health of individuals and families.

Knowledge of theories of grief, anticipatory grief and complicated grief.

Skills in individual and family counseling working within the “systems” paradigm; individual and family assessment skills, formulating social-emotional assessments and goals, assessing risk factors.

Demonstrated ability to manage crisis, organizing a coherent response and providing follow-up.

Demonstrated ability to navigate and advocate through systems. Superior resource and referral skills.

Demonstrated leadership of inter-disciplinary teams within long-term care and school settings

Demonstrated originality n the creation and leadership of a volunteer organization serving the elderly population.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ST. CROIX HOSPICE – Bereavement Coordinator (7/16/18 – currently furloughed due to virus)

Provided long-term counseling to low, medium and high-risk bereaved families, partners, relatives and friends, utilizing the grief companionship model for 13- month period following death.

Intensive counseling at frequency needed for medium and high-risk clients.

Provided compassionate and skilled crisis support, referrals to crisis resources, referrals to groups.

Developed risk assessments, and created care plans.

Communicated with social workers, chaplains and teams in the field to problem solve any misunderstandings or hospice service delivery issues.

Participated in team meetings, offered suggestions for improving bereavement services.

Attended seminars, groups and conferences, ongoing individual study of grief theories and complicated grief.

WALKER METHODIST HEALTH CENTER – Long Term Care Social Worker (7/15 – 7/18)

Counseling for residents and families. Quarterly assessments for residents.

Developed individualized psychosocial assessments and care plans for residents.

Compassionate and skilled crisis support.

Vulnerable adult referrals to county Adult Protection services.

Led Parkinson’s group for residents, their families and community.

Synthesized advocacy and problem solving for residents and families.

Facilitated inter-disciplinary team care conferences.

Assisted residents with financial, family and community concerns, obtaining guardians, conservators, Power of Attorney, Advanced Directives.

FIREFLIES - Owner and Teacher (2008 – 2015)

Created and owned small business in the creative arts developing curriculum, teaching classes and workshops for preschool and primary age students.

MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS -Paraprofessional Teacher (2011 – 2015)

Developed curriculum, organized calendar, taught arts and activities for 40 students; problem solving, conflict resolution.

SPRING HILL WALDORF SCHOOL - Assistant Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher (2006-2007)

MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS - School Social Worker (eleven years)

Worked with students individually to help them understand learning difficulties or social skill problems and assisted them in overcoming issues and maximizing learning. Facilitated I.E.P meetings.

Individual and family counseling with students and families.

Provided consultation to classroom teachers regarding social-emotional issues and learning styles of students.

Staff resource for child abuse/neglect. Crisis intervention and follow-up.

Led social skills learning groups, family change groups, and developed and led special presentations to enhance family involvement.

Made referrals to internal and external resources, advocated for students and families.

Volunteer and Leadership Experience

Creator, Coordinator and Volunteer - Adopt-A-Grandparent-A-Grandchild Program.

Assistant teacher and teaching/healing storyteller in Golden Eagles Program at American Indian Center, Anderson Community School and Stonebridge Global School.

People Serving People Homeless Shelter.

North Side Family Nurturing Center.

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