Seasoned Mental Health Social Worker and Leader

Shannon Atchenson

**** ******** *****, ********, ******* 35023 205-***-**** ****************@*********.***

Objective

To further my career as a Social Worker in the field of Mental Health.

Education

MASTERS IN SOCIAL WORK 8’97 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

·Major: Social Work

·Related coursework: Professional Service Coordinator/ Certified Senior Advisor

BACHELORS OF SOCIAL SCIENCES 5’95 MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

·Major: Sociology

·Skills & Abilities

MANAGEMENT

Supervisor for 2 years at Volunteers of America in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Managed 30 group homes and 40 staff.

SALES

Fundraising is key at non-profit organizations, and all three employers have been non-profit. Each agency held one major fundraiser a year and in order to get the sponsors for these events one had to sell the program / organization. The fundraisers grossed as much as $58,000.

COMMUNICATION

Currently working with a team of 11 and a network of 32 Service Coordinators as well as serving 150

residents; communication is key. Presenting to these groups on a variety of topics monthly has increased

my speaking abilities.

LEADERSHIP

In the past, I served as the President of the Alabama Association of Service Coordinators. Currently my

role is Education Coordinator for the Continuing Education Units. This past year I served on the National Conference Committee for the American Association of Service Coordinators. Several years ago, I served on the Board of AIDs Alabama.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS:

Have spoken at two major conferences with the American Association of Service Coordinators as well with the Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association on one occasion.

EXPERIENCE

UAB KIRKLIN CLINIC ONCOLOGY/ MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER 06/24 TO PRESENT

Assess and provide resources to patients with cancer and family members/caregivers for a variety of community needs. These include transportation, financial assistance, medication assistance, Medicaid, insurance, homemaker, meals, and etc. SW meets face to face, email, text, and by phone. SW is very proficient with the computer. And working within a team.

SERVICE COORDINATOR EPISCOPAL PLACE/SPM 12’05-06/24

Assess and provide resources and services for 150 low income senior citizens and persons with

disabilities. Provide initial assessments as well as quarterly evaluations. Provide monthly programs and presentations on health and educational topics. Ensure that financial, health, safety, nutritional and etc.

needs are met. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams such as Home Health agencies, Hospice agencies, nursing homes, and DME companies to ensure optimal resident health. Coordinate educational services with community health liaisons to empower maximum resident independence and appropriate selections of insurance plans. Prepare reports for the Executive Director and the Quality Assurance Director as well as HUD to demonstrate cost savings for residents by utilizing community resources. Advocate for residents within the local community as well as on the National Level.

GRACE HOUSE GRACE HOUSE 12’04-12’05

Provided counseling and assessments for young girls taken from their family homes by DHR. Worked as a“House Mother” providing assistance with cooking, personal care, and cooking skills.

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA, INC. 1’97-12’04

Provided personal companion services to 10 adults with Mental Retardation who lived independently after being outplaced from Partlow Institution. This included grocery shopping, budgeting, paying bills, transportation, emergency services, cooking, and making appointments. Promoted to monitoring 15 Community Group Homes serving adults with Mental Retardation. Provided assessments and training for the residents and the staff. Ensured each home met the state standards. Promoted to Supervisor over staff who monitored 32 group homes. Completed performance evaluations on 8 staff members annually. Reviewed all assessments and provided training for staff.

CERTIFICATES/AWARDS/LICENSES

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Professional Service Coordinator

Certified Care Manager

Certified Senior Advisor

Service Coordinator of the Year 2016

Program of the Year 2012

Resident Advocate of the Year 2006

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