Social Worker Behavioral Health

HEIDI K VENDEGNA

*** ******** **** **

Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124

Cell: (303)

***-****

**********@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:

My goal is to create stability and acceptance in any population I work with, by straight forward communication to the client, patient, family and or agency involved with the clientele I serve

I have 35 years' experience in case management, behavioral health, medical social work, and complex patient/family needs with the ability to Innately coordinate service through a multi-systems approach.

My experience includes excellent medical, hospice, behavioral health and addiction knowledge including diagnostic formulation, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Disability and other insurance and payment resources

17 years’ experience in sub-acute (SNF), long -term acute (LTAC) and long-term care, involving Perspective Payment Systems, Minimum Data Set and nursing facility level of care assessments. I have worked in acute Hospital as well as a Hospital Ventilator unit. I am proficient in medical hospital record review, utilization review and managed care.

State level Utilization Review for the PASRR process in Colorado.

Strong documentation skills and the ability to think critically, utilize instinct, compassion and intuition

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Presbyterian Rust Medical Center (April 2022-Present)

Inpatient Medical Social Worker III

Primary Social worker with experience working on all inpatient units in the hospital to include PCU, Oncology, Family Birthing Center, OR and Emergency Room.

Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center (October 2018-March 2022)

Inpatient Medical Social Worker

Primary Social worker for all units in the hospital to include inpatient PCU, Family Birthing Center, OR, Emergency Room and Urgent Care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (October 2014-October of 2018)

Member Care Coordinator

Physical health care coordinator providing comprehensive assessments to members in their home settings to establish needed services, provide education and to assist clients with comprehensive care coordination to prevent medical destabilization.

Experienced and trained with utilizing the Aerial system data base, Lotus notes and other record sources for the documentation and communication to support the centennial care model.

Life Healing Center of Santa Fe (April 2014-October 2014)

Admissions Intake Coordinator (MSW)

Position coordinates admissions for this Trauma & Addiction treatment center.

Communicate with potential clients, therapists, insurance companies and families.

Leads therapeutic psycho-educational groups weekly.

Affinity Hospice of Life, Aurora, CO (April 2013 to December 2013)

Medical Social Worker

Primary social worker providing end of life care to clients. Supported families through counseling and grief support. Provided resources, education and referrals as needed.

Experience with advanced directive counseling, trauma, drug dependency and pain management. Collaboration with various agencies for service provisions and resources.

VIBRA Healthcare, Thornton, CO (January 2008 to December 2013)

Case Manager, VIBRA Hospital Long Term Acute Care (September 2011 to December 2013)

Provided PRN case management, discharge planning, utilization review, and continued stay reviews (CSR) to medically complex and ventilator patients on the LTAC Unit

Social Service Director, VIBRA Hospital, SNF & Ventilator Unit (January 2008 to September 2011)

Position coordinates admission process, psychosocial assessments, financial education, and extensive discharge planning, for medically complex and ventilator patients. This role also included frequent end of life and goals of care discussions.

Utilization Review and continued stay reviews (CSR’s) with (PPO or HMO, and Medicare Managed Care)

PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Brookshire House, Denver, CO (October 2005 to December 2007)

Social Service Director

Broomfield Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, Broomfield, CO, (Sep 2002 to Sep 2005)

Social Worker

Woodridge Terrace, Commerce City, CO (December 1998 to September 2002)

Social Service Director

Adams County Social Services, Commerce City, CO (June 1997 to October 1998)

Social Case Worker III, Adult Protective Services

Colorado Foundation for Medical Care Aurora, CO (January 1996 to June 1997)

Coordinator, PASRR

Adams Community Mental Health Center, Commerce City, CO (May 1990 to October 1995)

Coordinator, OBRA/PASRR

EDUCATION:

Master of Social Work, University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work, Denver, Colorado 2013

Bachelors in Community Health, Minor Social Work, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 1987

CERTIFICATIONS:

Current active New Mexico LCSW License. (#C-10443) Expiration July 2026, NPI (# 110*******)

AWARDS/COMMUNITY SERVICE:

University of Denver Faculty merit Scholarships awarded 2011/2012 & 2012/2013 academic years

PROGRESS Scholarship, Awarded by University of Denver for outstanding work with older adults

Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society Member 2013

Front Range Community Hospice, Volunteer, 2011

INTERNATIONAL STUDY: Spring/Summer 2012, Social Work in Post-War Bosnia; Focused on trauma, mental health, resilience & political issues.

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