Case Management Social Worker
Resume:
JAMES HOMERDING, LCSW
Pittsburgh, PA *****
***********@*****.***
SUMMARY
Experienced Senior Social Worker with a strong track record of over 10 years specializing in homeless veteran care, including their families with children of all ages. Proven success, ensuring accurate screenings, timely referrals, and excellent annual ratings in client care. Dedicated advocate for veterans, bringing expertise in conducting psychosocial assessments, providing diverse treatment interventions, and organizing gender-sensitive treatment services. Effective in collaborating with leadership, the business office, and clinical service/care lines to evaluate and improve services. Adept at publicizing services available within the Healthcare for Homeless Veteran (HCHV) department, conducting outreach activities, and actively participating in community events to enhance the visibility of HCHV services.
SKILLS
Clinical Expertise
Treatment Modality Expertise
Policy Implementation
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Emergency Room Coverage
Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Public Awareness Campaigns
Outreach and Public Relations
Advocacy and Support
Training and Consultation
Community Resource Knowledge
Technology Proficiency
Communication and Coordination
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Publicizing and Visibility
Crisis Intervention
Supervision and Leadership
Networking and Collaboration
EXPERIENCE
LIFE’S WORK OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh, PA
Hours worked per week: 40, Full-Time 2/2024 to 10/2024
Supervisor: Ken Davison, 412-***-**** Please do not contact
Community Case Manager for Family Services
Notable Accomplishments:
Intensive Community Case Management
Provide intensive case management to parents as referred by Children Youth and Families, specializing in serving immigrant/refugee families
Documentation and Advocacy:
Document 120 hours of direct care every month which includes meeting with parents at their residence as well as providing reports both written and in person to courts regarding custody.
Exceptional Networking Skills
Utilize a well-developed network of community partnerships to ensure all families are receiving any benefits they are eligible for. I advocate for those assigned to me with enthusiasm and empathy.
PITTSBURGH VA MEDICAL CENTER
Pittsburgh, PA
Hours worked per week: 40, Full-Time 11/2019 to 11/2022
Supervisor: Mary Frances Pilarski, 412-***-**** Yes, you can contact
Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Liaison, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans GS-12
Notable Accomplishments:
Oversight of VA Contracted Transitional Housing:
Directed VA-contracted transitional housing sites, optimizing efficiency by improving adherence to grant guidelines, resulting in a 20% increase in the number of veterans receiving comprehensive care. Conducted weekly treatment team meetings and periodic resident check-ins, resulting in a 15% improvement in overall resident satisfaction and progress towards independent living.
Staff Evaluation and Annual Site Inspections:
Led staff evaluations, implementing performance improvement strategies that resulted in a 25% increase in successful treatment outcomes. Spearheaded annual inspections, achieving a 95% compliance rate with clinical care, dietary standards, and living conditions outlined in grants.
Referral Coordination and Treatment Planning:
Managed referrals from VA inpatient psychiatric programs, streamlining the placement process and reducing placement times by 30%. Drafted initial treatment plans, contributing to a 20% increase in treatment plan adherence.
Efficient Inpatient Placements During COVID:
Recognized by VA leadership for swift action during the bed shortage caused by COVID, resulting in a 40% increase in the efficient placement of inpatient veterans. Freed up critical beds in the hospital, ensuring timely care for all veterans.
Community Relationship Building and Resource Linkage:
Established and nurtured relationships with community agencies, resulting in a 25% increase in available resources for veterans. Facilitated resource linkages, contributing to a 30% improvement in overall resident support and outcomes.
Team Leadership and Protocol Development During COVID:
Led a team in developing and implementing COVID protocols, resulting in a 90% reduction in infection rates among residents. Utilized CARES Act funding to secure hotel accommodations for isolated cases, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment.
PITTSBURGH VA MEDICAL CENTER
Pittsburgh, PA
Hours worked per week: 40, Full-Time 11/2012 to 11/2019
Supervisor: Maria Marsico, 412-***-**** Yes, you can contact
Social Worker, Housing & Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) GS-11
Notable Accomplishments:
Homeless Veterans Case Management:
Provided exceptional case management to 25-35 homeless veterans and families, implementing cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. Consistently achieved excellent ratings in yearly case management reviews, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality service.
Strengths-Based Housing Plans and Training Leadership:
Led a team in assessing the needs, strengths, and barriers of veteran households, resulting in the development of strengths-based plans leading to suitable permanent housing with Section 8 vouchers. Trained new hires, contributing to a 20% improvement in onboarding efficiency.
Resource Specialist and Community Engagement:
Served as the Resource Specialist for the VA homeless veteran department, showcasing exceptional resource networking skills. Presented regularly at monthly staff meetings, bringing in community partners and contributing to a 30% increase in resource utilization efficiency.
Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF) Committee Co-founder:
Co-founded and managed a committee overseeing the Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF) grant in collaboration with community grantees. Achieved a 25% increase in successful program outcomes, providing vital support to homeless veterans.
HUDVASH Directive 1161 Compliance and Policy Development:
Developed program policies to comply with HUDVASH Directive 1161, pioneering the assignment of acuity levels to HUDVASH veterans. Resulted in a 15% increase in case management effectiveness, identifying veterans ready for independent living without regular home visits.
Evening/Weekend Emergency Department Coverage:
Provided coverage for evening/weekend shifts at the Emergency Department during call-offs, conducting biopsychosocial assessments and crisis evaluations. Contributed to a 20% reduction in emergency admissions through effective crisis intervention.
Social Work Leadership Council Membership and Committee Involvement:
Served as a Member of the National Social Work Leadership Council Best Practices Committee and Community Based Care Subcommittee. Facilitated national-level discussions on effective interventions, establishing a reputation as a clinician and mentor.
Facilitation of Group Psychotherapy
Provided coverage of therapeutic groups on weekends in the Community Transitions Center with a focus on promoting readiness for veterans who are preparing for discharge from residential treatment and those who recently were discharged. Groups were a discussion format and broad in scope covering issues relating to substance use disorders and mental illness.
VETERANS PLACE OF WASHINGTON BOULEVARD
Pittsburgh, PA
Hours worked per week: 40, Full-Time 10/2011 to 11/2012
Supervisor: Jared Souder, 412-***-**** Retired
Transitional Housing Case Manager and Program Coordinator
Notable Accomplishments:
Program Coordination and Collaboration:
Successfully coordinated a 48-bed program in collaboration with the VA Liaison, overseeing a team of three resident assistants. Promoted a therapeutic, client-centered community, resulting in a 25% improvement in resident satisfaction and engagement.
Comprehensive Case Management and Treatment Planning:
Provided comprehensive case management, conducting biopsychosocial assessments and developing tailored treatment plans for a diverse clientele. Achieved a 20% increase in treatment plan adherence and positive client outcomes.
Therapeutic Creative Writing Series and Qualitative Study:
Initiated and designed a therapeutic creative writing series in collaboration with graduate students of writing. Conducted a qualitative study during the series, interviewing participants at regular intervals. The study revealed a positive impact, with participants reporting a significant decrease in symptoms of their primary diagnosis. Subsequently, the program was replicated in other sections of the VA
Diversified Programming Implementation:
Coordinated and implemented a diversified portfolio of programming for residents, focusing on recovery from addiction, PTSD treatment, budget management, creative writing, and recreation. Achieved a 25% increase in resident participation and positive engagement.
Substance Use Disorder Group Oversight
Collaborated with the Domiciliary Aftercare Social Worker to implement a weekly evening open discussion group with residents and non-resident veterans well attended by an average of 30 veterans per group. Provided coverage for the group as needed when the Aftercare Social Worker was unavailable.
EDUCATION
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK 2011
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
3.91/4.00 GPA
BACHELOR OF ARTS, ANTHROPOLOGY
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
University College Dublin semester abroad, Dublin, Ireland
3.08/4.00 GPA
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Over the past eleven years, my focus has mostly been on treating homeless veterans, and during this time, I've developed expertise in addressing a wide range of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), with an emphasis on rapport building and integrating current best practices to optimize positive outcomes
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