Mental Health Social Worker

Location:

Birmingham, AL

Salary:

Negotiable

Posted:

June 06, 2025

Contact this candidate

Resume:

Jessica D. Murphy

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

Riverdale, Georgia 30274

205-***-****

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

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

• LMSW 1994, Georgia Composite Board for Social Workers, Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, Secretary of State, Licensing Division

• Master of Social Work,(MSW) 1993, Clark Atlanta University, Specialization: Health and Mental Health

• Bachelor of Science, Sociology,1985, Alabama State University

• High School Diploma, 1980, Holt High School, Tuscaloosa, Alabama PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Social Worker, Tuscaloosa Veterans Administration Hospital, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, January 2008 - March 2015 Full Time

Accepted initial assignment to the Outpatient Mental Health Department and assumed brief responsibility in other departments as needed. Writer then relocated to the Geriatric Extended Care Unit for several years. Successfully managed a caseload of approximately 100 geriatric veterans in a multifaceted social work role which required extensive knowledge skills and abilities. The electronic medical records were kept within compliance to the federal and state accreditation standards. Developed effective treatment plans for admissions and discharges as discussed with the multidisciplinary treatment team. Provided linkage to VAMC programs and/or community resources. Communicated with veterans individually and family members upon consent to provide ongoing education about medical and mental health diagnoses. Facilitated group psychotherapy for veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Planned and executed monthly meetings with geriatric residents in the community living program to identify pertinent problems. Devised typewritten meeting reports and submitted to Program Director to address issues and immediate concerns. Managed veterans diagnosed with Dually Diagnosis, Substance Abuse and Drug Addictions, Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Macular Degeneration, Diabetes Mellitus Type I and Type 11, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Traumatic Brain Injury, Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Terminal Cancers, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and other mental health illnesses. Promoted social stimulation to maximize quality of life and optimize veteran's ability to adapt and cope with health challenges for the purpose of enhancing self-esteem and coping skills. Advocated for clients as needed and engaged veterans upon request to discuss and plan end of life Jessica D. Murphy, 205-***-****, *********@*****.*** P a g e 2 5

decisions. Initiated and scheduled family and individual appointments with the multidisciplinary treatment team for veterans who elected to participate in their treatment planning. Medical Social Worker, DaVita Jonesboro, Atlanta, Georgia, August 2003 - December 2007, Supervisor - Vascille Durham, RN, CNN, FA, 770-***-**** Full Time

Utilized writing, and computer skills to prepare a variety of reports, progress notes, and informational materials in Microsoft Word, company specific software and other mediums. Provided educational literature to assist patients and their families through the physiological and psychological issues related to transition to hemodialysis. Assisted patients with answering billing questions, enrolled for insurance coverage, and generating patient financial evaluations, as needed. Participated in monthly patient care conferences and facility team meetings and initiated prescription assistance program applications. Reported information to the multidisciplinary team about psychosocial issues and external problems that may interfere with vocational abilities, social adjustment, and addressed issues related to non-compliance with scheduled treatments. Developed treatment goals; advocated for patients via telephone and completed referrals for kidney transplant, assisted with identifying community, private, state, and federal resources based on psychosocial need. Complied with DaVita policy and procedures in accordance with state and federal regulation for patient care and services. Provided educational literature about End Stage Renal Disease/ CKD and facilitated ongoing education as needed to Pre- ESRD and Home Dialysis clients.

Medical Social Worker,(Gambro Healthcare), DaVita Dialysis, (Current Facility Name), Decatur, Georgia, June 2001 - November 2002, Supervisor - LaKangela Harris, RN, CNN, FA, 404-***-**** Full Time

Reinstated and implemented pharmaceutical prescription assistance programs and NKF and AKF grants for indigent patients. Successfully combined efforts with Financial Support Coordinator and provided social work intervention for clients with financial and/or insurance issues for the purpose of reducing client liabilities, increasing number of secondary insurances, and increasing facility revenue. Provided a wide range of services for two facilities and a caseload of 95 to 110 consumers. Maintained all social work responsibilities and additional tasks, which included kidney, transplant referrals, requests for durable medical equipment, transportation arrangements, transient/guest patient visits, and ESRD education. Clientele consisted of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds and socio economic classes. Social Worker, DaVita Jonesboro Dialysis Center, Jonesboro, Georgia, May 1999

– June 2001, Supervisor - Vascille Durham, RN, CNN, FA, 770-***-**** Full Time

Revised and implemented new patient admission packet and pertinent social work forms to expedite the admission process. Compiled a community resources list for clientele to use as a reference guide and educational component. Updated deficient social work Jessica D. Murphy, 205-***-****, *********@*****.*** P a g e 3 5

documentation in 75% of the medical records according to corporate and HCFA standards within six months.

Organized and facilitated patient activities, which included birthdays, holidays, and games to improve patient morale. Sustained sound working relationships with patients, their families, multidisciplinary professionals, and community agencies. Achieved competent knowledge of renal disease, treatment options, patient rights, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Therapist, Charter Behavior Health System of Atlanta-Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, December 1993 - May 1999, Supervisor - Michael Love, LCSW, 770-***-**** Full Time

Facilitated family, group, and individual psychotherapy sessions using Client Centered, Behavior, and Rational Emotive Therapy technique to decrease maladaptive behavior patterns and assisted the clients in learning more constructive behavior patterns. Successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary treatment team and presented weekly clinical assessment of patient's progress, change in mental status, and recommended interventions for optimal psychiatric care. Excelled in placement identification and negotiation for 85% of assigned caseload. Maintained repertoire with past community agencies by networking to foster new marketing contacts to generate revenue and referrals. Surpassed average social work standards and awarded Employee of Month in July 1995. Clientele serviced included persons diagnosed with chronic mental illness and dual diagnosis i.e. victims of child abuse, perpetrators of child abuse, victims of rape, victims of domestic violence, alcoholics, drug addicts, chronic pain patients, prescription drug abusers, and victims of emotional abuse as well as HIV positive adults and persons with AIDS. Human Resource Provider, DeKalb County Crisis Intervention Service, Decatur, Georgia, July 1993 - December 1993, (Concurrent), Supervisor - Jimmie Canady, (Deceased), 404-***-**** Part Time (evenings only) Conducted crisis intervention via telephone. Initiated walk-in interview to assess mental status, compiled data for appropriate treatment and/or referral to community resources. Provided brief therapy and problem solving skills to alleviate distress. Human Resource Provider, Georgia Regional Hospital of Atlanta Georgia, Decatur, Georgia, July 1993 - December 1993, Supervisor - Duane Peil, LCSW (Resigned), 404-***-**** Temporary Position

Collaborated with multidisciplinary treatment team and assisted in the development of comprehensive treatment plans. Conducted individual interviews to determine psychosocial factors contributing to the client's social adjustment, and mental and physical well-being. Assessed referral information to determine appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and/or psychosocial needs. Devised discharge planning.

Jessica D. Murphy, 205-***-****, *********@*****.*** P a g e 4 5

Mental Health Assistant, Crescent Pine Hospital, Stockbridge, Georgia, January 1993 - August 1993 (Concurrent), Supervisor - Nurse Manager, 770-474- 8888 Part-Time (Nights and Weekends Only)

Monitored inappropriate behavior and reported significant behavior change to treatment team. Facilitated group meetings and co-facilitated group sessions. Documented and checked patient's vital signs and recorded progress notes. Student Internship, Community Outreach Support Services, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, September 1992 - February 1993 (Concurrent), Supervisor - Sheila Head, LCSW, 404-***-****

Compiled information from mental status exams and developed treatment plans with supervision from a licensed clinical social worker. Completed psychosocial histories and conducted individual and family therapy sessions.

Mental Health Assistant Ill, Fulton County Health Department, Case Management Program, Mental Health Division, Atlanta, Georgia, June 1990 - August 1992, Supervisor - Ron Turner, MFT (Deceased), 404-***-**** or 404-***-**** Full Time.

Recruited and maintained caseload of 40 clients through identification and outreach from target populations of individuals with diagnosis of chronic mental illness, mental retardation and/or substance abuse. Provided individual assessments and linkage to community services, monitored service delivery, and advocated for clients. Ensured adherence to state regulations for caseload maintenance.

Mental Health Assistant II, Fulton County Health Department, Supportive Living Program, Atlanta, Georgia, April 1989 - June 1990, Supervisor - Earnestine Pittman (Resigned), 404-***-**** Full Time

Assisted clients in locating appropriate community housing. Inspected housing to ensure adequate amenities, etc. Liaison between client, mental health centers, and state hospitals. Provided outreach services for psychiatrically impaired adults. Jessica D. Murphy, 205-***-****, *********@*****.*** P a g e 5 5

REFERENCES

Mike Love, LCSW, Program Director,

Outpatient Peachford Behavioral Health System of Atlanta 2151 Peachford Road

Atlanta, Georgia 30338

770-***-**** (office)

404-***-**** (home)

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

Dr. Ron Stewart, Chairman of Sociology Department

SUNY Buffalo State College

567 Forest Avenue

Buffalo, New York 14222

716-***-**** (mobile)