Caregiver Support Social Worker
Resume:
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https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/document/resumes/ Page 1 of 11
MRS. Dawn A Hooks
Choctaw, Oklahoma 73020 United States
Mobile: 405-***-****
Evening Phone: 405-***-****
Email: ****.*****@***.***
Availability:
Job Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full-time
Desired locations:
ALL, Oklahoma, United States
Work experience:
Caregiver Support Program Clinical Social Worker
Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Health Administration (This is a federal job) 921 NE 13th St
Oklahoma City, OK
5/2023 - Present
Hours per week: 40
Series: 0185 Social Work
Pay Plan: GS - General Schedule (Ch. 51, 5 U.S.C.). Grade: 09
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
As a Caregiver support program caregiver clinical Social Worker I provide clinical evidence-based services and interventions; provide caregiver, Veteran and staff education on caregiver issues; engage in community outreach and resource development; continuous quality-improvement activities, and evaluation/consultation. Closely works with the Caregiver Support Program Coordinator and/or designee to complete program required home visits, telephone contacts, wellness visits, Veteran and Caregiver assessments, annual evaluations, and respond to Caregiver Support Line calls. Functions with supervision in support of caregivers, Veterans and family members throughout the Medical Center and in the community and support the development and implementation of caregiver services. This includes implementing education, wellness, and support groups. Skilled communicator capable of developing positive, effective relationships with Veterans, caregivers, local, state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations. Provides clinical services as part of the program, completing notes and gathering/monitoring data related to the day-to- day functioning and evaluation of the program with daily supervision. Adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics, all local social work policies, and maintain an unrestricted, unsuspended license to practice social work. Assists in the day-to-day operations of the Caregiver Support Program specific to his/her area of assignment and insures compliance and collaboration with local facility and the VA Central Office Caregiver Support Program initiatives. This includes completing tasks in the Caregiver Support Program IT system CARMA. These tasks include, but are not limited to, institutionalization tracking tasks, address notifications, and rework tasks. Participates with supervision in direct caregiver and Veteran contacts to identify and assess caregiver stress/burden and the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions. Advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on caregiver issues. Creates educational tools, develops programs and implements training focused on specific caregiver Print Resume 5/19/25, 11:34 AM
https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/document/resumes/ Page 2 of 11 needs/issues. Provides education and in-service training to VAMC employees, Veterans, families and caregivers. Provides ongoing consultation and support to colleagues regarding caregiver support. Develops and facilitates caregiver support groups (face-to-face or VANTS telephone line) and educational programs. Distributes educational materials provided by VA, local, state and national caregiver organizations. Conducts caregiver and family clinical interventions with supervision to facilitate the identification of caregiver stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress and social needs as treatment issues. Uses professional judgment, including the knowledge of normal and abnormal behavior, is an inherent competency applied in daily interactions with caregivers and the Veterans they care for. Involved in responding to calls from the National Caregiver Support Hotlines, responding to other phone calls and general inquiries regarding the Caregiver program, and assist with general tasks associated with the program. Provides referrals to VA medical and mental health treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits, community-based social services and other non-VA entitlement programs. If appropriate, he/she provides referrals or consults, or in some cases facilitates direct admission of a Veteran to other VA programs including but not limited to the Community Residential Care Program, Respite Program, Community Health Care Coordination Program, Hospice, Home Based Primary Care, Telehealth and the Community Nursing Home Program. Stays informed regarding current federal and state legislation directed at assisting caregivers to continue to provide caregiving in an environment that is safe for both themselves and the Veteran. Maintains a knowledge base of current theory and treatment modalities by reading professional journals, attending conferences, clinic seminars and teleconferences, and materials distributed through VA and private sector sources. Collaborates with the VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), mental health, and geriatric primary care clinicians to provide Veteran and staff education on caregiver issues. Coordination includes hands-on support group work involvement, and training of patient aligned care team clinical social work staff in the development and facilitation of such groups. In conjunction with the Caregiver Support Program Coordinator, I assists in coordinating events and programs for the annual National Family Caregivers Month in November, which includes announcements and advertising of month-long activities, mobilization of participants, educational sessions, caregiver recognition events and caregiver support programs. Supervisor: Amber Welch 405-***-****)
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Veterans Service Representative (Rating)
Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Benefit Administration (This is a federal job) 125 S Main Street
Muskogee, OK
1/2023 - 5/2023
Hours per week: 40
Series: 0996 Veterans Claims Examining
Pay Plan: GS - General Schedule (Ch. 51, 5 U.S.C.). Grade: 12
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
As a Veterans Service Representative (Rating), I analyzed claims to determine if diseases and/or injuries were incurred or aggravated by military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, treatment, or hospitalization. I determined service-connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, pension, burial, dependency indemnity compensation, special monthly compensation and vocational training, medical and dental treatment, automobiles, or other conveyances, insurance, specially adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits. I assured proper application of the Rating Schedule and other applicable instructions, fully accountable for proper Print Resume 5/19/25, 11:34 AM
https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/document/resumes/ Page 3 of 11 analysis, appropriate development, and final rating determinations. I directly communicated and interacted with Veterans and their representatives/advocates to facilitate timely, proper decisions. As dictated by the circumstances of each case, the RVSR may conduct interviews or hearings in person or by telephone with Veterans, eligible individuals, representatives, and advocates to obtain or clarify information. I communicated with other VSRs and other employees in the regional office, employees of VA medical centers, and other regional offices. I actively participated in meetings, assist with training, employing my expertise in developing VSRs' skills as they relate to evidence gathering for rating decisions. Spends a significant portion of time in reviewing and approving the broad range of "unusually complex" veterans benefit claims. Provided technical guidance, issue instructions or interpretations of laws and implementing regulations; find and correct sources of defective work. Conducted studies and prepares reports regarding significant problem areas and/or trends in types of claims. Utilized superior technical proficiency to assure consistent application of all governing laws, regulations, and other criteria, including Federal and State laws and Veterans Administration implementing regulations, policies, and practices. Has final signatory authority for allowing or disallowing the novel or unusually complex claims, as well as all other veterans benefit claims. Was responsible for the propriety and technical sufficiency of authorization actions, coordination with rating board personnel, and identification of those cases requiring legal precedent decisions, and certification of appeal actions. Ensured the Government was paying the veteran and his dependents and beneficiaries no more than is appropriate, and that the veteran and their dependents had been fully and accurately informed in order to make the most advantageous designation of benefits to themselves. Planed, organized, coordinated, directed, and controlled the work of the division. Directed staffing, placement, assignment, and training of division personnel to manage division workflow/productivity. Directed program activities for the delivery of VA benefit programs for veterans, their dependents, and beneficiaries. Exercised final authority for the full-range of division's personnel actions. Ensured proficient resource utilization and quality of work performed and services rendered; writes/establishes policies and procedures within division. Maintained the highest technical and professional authority to make final decisions in the types of claims considered most difficult or critical which commit the Federal Government to unusual liability. Forecasted both short and long range workload of the division so adequate funds, staffing, space, equipment and supplies will be planned for, budgeted, and provided. Approved written responses to Congressional, White House, and other special inquiries concerning VA benefits. Served as technical advisor to Regional Office Director for the administration of Compensation and Pension programs. Established and maintains effective relationships with various civic and veteran organizations. Ensures equal opportunities for all division employees and supports Equal Employment Opportunity policy/goals. Reviewed the most complex cases prior to final claims determination. Analyzes and made the final determination of the competency of veterans and other VA beneficiaries and provides the final notification of the determination. Generated the award for the retroactive payment release, once a fiduciary is established, as well as other award actions needed by the Fiduciary Program. Authorized, reviewed, and approved the pending award action for technical accuracy, clarity, and thoroughness. Ensured that estate protection is in place, when appropriate, before releasing large retroactive payments and in other cases where the VA beneficiary's funds may not be adequately protected. Provided training to other members of the Hub, VARO employees, service organization personnel, and other stakeholders, as needed. Served as a Veterans Service Representative and Legal Instruments Examiner. Supervisor: Supervisor: Allison Plunkett 918-***-****) Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Child Welfare Specialist Supervisor
State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services
2400 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK
Print Resume 5/19/25, 11:34 AM
https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/document/resumes/ Page 4 of 11 1/2022 - 1/2023
Hours per week: 55
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
As a Child Welfare Supervisor, I monitored a team of 5 child welfare specialists and the team’s program performance compliance of 15 caseloads per specialist. Provided regular guidance and consultation to staff. Met federal and state program standards. Provided continuous feedback to employees using specific terms regarding work performance. Ensured that placement decisions complied with policies and procedures and child welfare best practices. Documented all steps of the recruitment process in an automated system to create an electronic audit trail. Prepared referral lists for fellow supervisors using an automated process. Conducted annual staff performance appraisals according to policy. Served as a human resources specialist performing operational assignments involving employee relations and labor relations. Used human resources methods, principles, practices and evaluative methodologies to advise on and resolve the full range of operational problems. Attended Job fairs, interviewed and hired qualified applicants. Advised fellow supervisors on human resources issues to help them meet their strategic goals. Utilized appropriate disciplinary or other corrective techniques responsive to a range of conduct and performance problems. Advised on agency-wide labor relations policies and procedures to management and staff. Explained rules and procedures to employees to help them understand rights and obligations while maintaining and encouraging objectivity in situations. Prepared written communication for briefings, projects, staff reports, and correspondence. Oversaw investigative and assessment processes according to policy. Ensured that every child found to be unsafe at any point during an investigation or assessment process had a corresponding voluntary safety plan immediately upon determination of unsafe 100% of the time. Oversaw required contacts for children in the custody or supervision of Oklahoma Department of Human Services and parents were completed 95% of the time as measured through monthly reports. Oversaw children in out-of-home care 15 months or longer had a request for termination made or an exception documented as measured through review of cases and monthly reports. Ensured children in out-of-home care are placed with their siblings. If not, documentation by worker includes the reason for sibling separation and the efforts to reunite. Ensured that Indian Child Welfare Act “ICWA” eligible children in out-of-home care are placed in resources that conform to ICWA placement preference guidelines. If not, a good cause finding is documented in the case record and at least one monthly contact includes efforts to locate a resource that conforms to ICWA. Briefed fellow supervisors on human resource related topics, processes and programs. Responded to applicant related inquiries in a manner that answers the question to the satisfaction of the recipient. Observed an interview or court testimony for each worker at least quarterly and provided feedback through use of the supervisor/worker observation guide regarding effectiveness of interview techniques or court testimony. Reviewed child welfare grants and made recommendations to address grantees needs and problems. Provided direct project assistance to child welfare grantees under the supervision of a director. Ensured family meetings were conducted as directed by policy, measured by documentation in reports. Ensured that all supervisory responsibilities regarding supervisory framework strategies and supervisor quality worker visit reviews were fulfilled as outline in quality assurance system procedures. Assessed district directors in the timely development, implementation, monitoring, and ongoing refinement of a district and statewide child welfare strategies for the improvement of child welfare services. Pro-actively addressed child welfare specialist’s deficiencies through a clear successful corrective action plan. Participated in community activities, serve on committees, task forces and resource development. Partnered within the agency with adult and family services, childcare licensing, child support services, adult protective services, developmental disabilities service division as well as community partners such as resource parents, tribes, judges, district attorneys, service providers, law enforcement, court appointed special advocates, post adjudication review boards, youth and parents. Along with other internal or external partners or stakeholders. Performed a variety Print Resume 5/19/25, 11:34 AM
https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/document/resumes/ Page 5 of 11 of complex program analysis assignments and studies applying qualitative and quantitative methods to the analysis and evaluation of program operations and line programs to determine their efficiency and effectiveness. Briefed fellow supervisors on human resource related topics, processes and programs. Responded to applicant related inquiries in a manner that answers the question to the satisfaction of the recipient.
Supervisor: Jessica Kennedy 405-***-****)
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Veterans Service Representative (Rating)
Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Benefit Administration (This is a federal job) 9700 Page Ave
St Louis, MO
1/2022 - 2/2022
Hours per week: 40
Series: 0996 Veterans Claims Examining
Pay Plan: GS - General Schedule (Ch. 51, 5 U.S.C.). Grade: GS12
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
As a Veterans Service Representative (Rating), I analyzed claims to determine if diseases and/or injuries were incurred or aggravated by military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, treatment, or hospitalization. I determined service-connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, pension, burial, dependency indemnity compensation, special monthly compensation and vocational training, medical and dental treatment, automobiles, or other conveyances, insurance, specially adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits. I assured proper application of the Rating Schedule and other applicable instructions, fully accountable for proper analysis, appropriate development, and final rating determinations. I directly communicated and interacted with Veterans and their representatives/advocates to facilitate timely, proper decisions. As dictated by the circumstances of each case, the RVSR may conduct interviews or hearings in person or by telephone with Veterans, eligible individuals, representatives, and advocates to obtain or clarify information. I communicated with other VSRs and other employees in the regional office, employees of VA medical centers, and other regional offices. I actively participated in meetings, assist with training, employing my expertise in developing VSRs' skills as they relate to evidence gathering for rating decisions. Spent a significant portion of time in reviewing and approving the broad range of "unusually complex" veterans benefit claims. Provided technical guidance, issue instructions or interpretations of laws and implementing regulations; find and correct sources of defective work. Conducted studies and prepares reports regarding significant problem areas and/or trends in types of claims. Utilized superior technical proficiency to assure consistent application of all governing laws, regulations, and other criteria, including Federal and State laws and Veterans Administration implementing regulations, policies, and practices. Had final signatory authority for allowing or disallowing the novel or unusually complex claims, as well as all other veterans benefit claims. Responsible for the propriety and technical sufficiency of authorization actions, coordination with Rating Board personnel, and identification of those cases requiring legal precedent decisions, and certification of appeal actions. Ensured the Government is paying the veteran and/or his dependents and beneficiaries no more than is appropriate, and that the veteran and/or their dependents have been fully and accurately informed in order to make the most advantageous designation of benefits to themselves. Planed, organized, coordinated, directed, and controlle the work of the division. Directed staffing, placement, assignment, and training of division personnel to manage division workflow/productivity. Directed program activities for the delivery of VA Print Resume 5/19/25, 11:34 AM
https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/document/resumes/ Page 6 of 11 benefit programs for veterans, their dependents, and beneficiaries. Exercised final authority for the full-range of division's personnel actions. Ensured proficient resource utilization and quality of work performed and services rendered; writes/establishes policies and procedures within division. Maintained the highest technical and professional authority to make final decisions in the types of claims considered most difficult or critical which commit the Federal Government to unusual liability. Forecasted both short and long range workload of the division so adequate funds, staffing, space, equipment and supplies will be planned for, budgeted, and provided. Approved written responses to Congressional, White House, and other special inquiries concerning VA benefits. Serves as technical advisor to Regional Office Director for the administration of Compensation and Pension programs. Established and maintained effective relationships with various civic and veteran organizations. Ensured equal opportunities for all division employees and supports Equal Employment Opportunity policy/goals. Reviewed the most complex cases prior to final claims determination. Analyzed and made the final determination of the competency of veterans and other VA beneficiaries and provides the final notification of the determination. Generated the award for the retroactive payment release, once a fiduciary is established, as well as other award actions needed by the Fiduciary Program. Authorized, reviewed, and approved the pending award action for technical accuracy, clarity, and thoroughness. Ensured that estate protection is in place, when appropriate, before releasing large retroactive payments and in other cases where the VA beneficiary's funds may not be adequately protected. Provided training to other members of the Hub, VARO employees, service organization personnel, and other stakeholders, as needed. Served as a Veterans Service Representative and Legal Instruments Examiner. Supervisor: Rhonda Garrett 314-***-****)
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Survivor Benefit Plan/Casualty Counselor/Transition Assistance Program Counselor TAP program Manager
Department of the Air Force (This is a federal job) 6001 Arnold Street
Tinker AFB, OK
10/2017 - 1/2022
Salary: $49,000.00 USD Per Year
Hours per week: 40
Series: 0901 General Legal And Kindred Administration Pay Plan: GS - General Schedule (Ch. 51, 5 U.S.C.). Grade: 11
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Counselor-Hand selected by the director to fill a vacancy that would have caused a work stoppage. Trained by HQ, AFPC Casualty Services Branch; fully knowledgeable of the regulatory, statutory and legal requirements under Title 10 USC 1447 - 1455; and Public Law 92-425. Maintains professional development; receives quarterly updates from HQ AFPC Casualty Services Branch, monthly SBP Counselor guidance updates. Accurately planes and prepares the DD Form 2656, Data for Payment of Retired Personnel, for 200 plus retiring military members annually to include the Beneficiary for Unpaid Pay, calculating federal and state taxes, dependent information and their SBP election. Ensures100% accuracy as the DD Form 2656 is a legally binding document. Organizes the SBP briefings by month of retirement and gave the briefing approximately 120 days prior days to retirement, IAW higher headquarters guidance. Retired Pay and SBP Cost Estimates – Selects the appropriate guidelines using either, Air Force Instruction
(AFI) 36-3006, Survivor Benefit Plan or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) retired pay calculator; estimates projected retired pay, SBP costs and monthly SBP annuity payments. Uses the Print Resume 5/19/25, 11:34 AM
https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/document/resumes/ Page 7 of 11 appropriate application for either medical disability retirees with less than 20-years of service or those retiring with 20 or more years of service. When calculating disability retirement pay, uses the manual calculating procedure outlined in AFI 36-2006, for more flexibility to easily adapt to each individual case. Since medical retirees have less than 20-years of service, it adjusts for minor deviations in their service dates. E-mails retired pay, SBP cost and annuity pay estimates to retiring military. SBP File Plan -SBP records contains the completed Electronic Form DD Form 2656, retired pay estimates, SBP cost and annuity estimates, along with personal information used in processing the SBP briefing. Ensured limited access to the completed DD Form 2656 records due to the privacy act of 1974. The SBP files are securely maintained for three years and then are destroyed in accordance with the SBP file plan. Pre-Retirement Actions - Conducts 26 mass briefings annually, to military of all services, ensured the military member and spouse received accurate and up to date information. Developed metric to gather customer satisfaction with the subject material and the effectiveness of the briefer, always in the top 5 percent in customer satisfaction. Process Improvement - Developed plan to ensure all retirees attend their mandatory SBP briefing prior to out- processing for retirement. Input data into Virtual Military Personnel Flight (vMPF) after completing individuals’ mandatory SBP briefing. Updates AFFIRST, which tracks all aspects of customer visits and includes comprehensive customer assessment and program management tools and reporting members and mails to the spouse in accordance with public law. Assistant Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) – Able to plan and carry out CAR duties as well as the SBP position. Handles deviations in work such as, being on call 24-hours a day for 2-weeks per month. Plan and carry out successive step, such as initial casualty message, notification of next of kin and assisting next of kin with benefits, as well as SBP duties. Capable of solving all casualty or SBP issues in accordance with Air Force Instructions, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs policies. Provides prompt reporting, dignified and humane notification, and efficient, thorough and compassionate assistance to family members of an active duty Air Force deceased. Counsels widows, in person, in writing and on the telephone concerning their benefits and entitlements. Advises on the statutory, regulatory and legal requirements of the Department (Dept) of the Air Force, Dept of Defense, Dept of Veteran Affairs, Office of Personnel Management and Social Security Administration benefits. Assists widow in making decisions on benefit options that are appropriate for their situation. Very knowledgeable of the Air Force organizations functional responsibility to the surviving widow and casualty process. Works to resolve any conflicts concerning the casualty assistance processes with the various government agencies involved. Knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques for assessing program development or execution and improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Knowledge of management principles and processes. Skilled in application of fact finding and investigative techniques. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to develop presentations and reports. As a Community Readiness Consultant, Transition Assistance Program Counselor (TAP program Manager) I assessed the needs of commanders, military personnel and their families, retirees and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees and provide continuing work life services. Supervisor: Gia Easley 808-***-****)
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Child Safety Meeting Facilitator Child Welfare Specialist Oklahoma Department of Human Services
2400 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK
4/2013 - 9/2017
Salary: $3,900.00 USD Per Month
Hours per week: 65
Print Resume 5/19/25, 11:34 AM
https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/document/resumes/ Page 8 of 11 Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
Facilitates Child Safety Meetings. Assists meeting participants in decision making regarding child safety and the least restrictive/intrusive setting for the child. Using competence and expertise in identifying and assessing safety issues, risks, protective capacities, strengths, and needs. Engages families and interacting according to our practice standards will assist us in making better decisions and keep children safer. Puts families at the center of decision making when decisions about Child Safety are being made. Provides a setting to actively engage parents, family members, professionals and interested community members in safety planning and placement related decision making. Allows all voices to be heard during meeting. Assures assumptions are not made about families. Assist the child or children has the opportunity to express what they need to feel safe during the meeting. Assist the child or children to have the opportunity to contribute and have an influence and a sense of control on the decisions made about their lives during the meeting. Assists in articulating to the family the safety concerns that warrant consideration of out of home placement. Assists in identify and support the family’s natural network (relatives and significant others) to participate in safety planning and as placement resources when necessary. Assists in develop specific, individualized interventions that will allow for the children to remain safely in the least intrusive, least restrictive environment. Assists in mitigate safety factors in order to prevent removal from the home by identifying and utilizing the family's natural informal supports. Assists in engaging the family in the identification and enhancement of the parent’s protective capacities. Assists in identifying roles and responsibilities of participants to help the family keep the children safe. Assists in engage family and other supports to
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