Patricia Stroner
Kankakee
Summary
Dynamic Human Services Caseworker with a proven track record at the State of Illinois-Department of Human Services, adept in disability services and medical coordination. Skilled in enhancing client outcomes through tailored service plans and crisis intervention, while fostering strong relationships and maintaining confidentiality. Committed to continuous professional development and community engagement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Services Caseworker
State of Illinois-Department of Human Services
07.2023 - Current
- Adhered to strict client confidentiality laws and site-specific procedures to uphold privacy and provide best experience possible.
- Prepared documents for review and completion by service applicants, supporting completion and responding to questions.
- Inputted information and obtained quantitative and qualitative data on client details to provide services requested.
- Established positive relationships with aid recipients and assessed goals, working hard to address individual needs and tailor services to suit them.
- Acted as mandatory reporter of abuse.
- Interviewed applicants for services and supported application completion as necessary.
- Described procedures, requirements, and benefits to clients and interested parties.
- Utilized complex client management systems, both digital and manual and maintained sensitive information in highly encrypted databases.
- Assessed barriers, strengths and needs of each family and worked quickly to remediate.
- Understood and recognized signs of physical and substance abuse patterns and other debilitating circumstances.
- Kept and established comprehensive case files to support proper documentation and record retention.
- Navigated complex benefits systems on behalf of clients to ensure they received entitled financial assistance.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices and emerging trends within the human services field.
- Developed strong relationships with local service providers, streamlining referrals and increasing access to necessary programs.
- Maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive client information, adhering to all relevant privacy regulations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure a holistic approach in addressing clients'' needs.
- Reduced case processing time with diligent paperwork completion and timely submission of required documents.
- Enhanced community partnerships for effective resource coordination, leading to an increase in available services for clients.
- Delivered cultural sensitivity training for staff members to foster an inclusive environment for diverse clientele.
- Managed a caseload of over 50 clients, prioritizing needs and maintaining accurate records.
- Improved client outcomes by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized service plans.
- Provided crisis intervention services, deescalating situations and connecting clients to appropriate resources.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
Activity Aide
State of Illinois-Department of Veteran Affairs
11.2005 - 06.2023
- Visited with residents to enhance sensory stimulation and reality orientation and meet individual needs as outlined in activity care plan.
- Facilitated community outings for groups of residents, providing opportunities for social integration within the broader community setting.
- Enhanced resident engagement by organizing and leading daily activities tailored to their interests and abilities.
- Promoted mental stimulation for residents with memory-focused activities such as puzzles and trivia contests.
- Assisted in maintaining a safe and clean environment, ensuring all activity areas were organized and properly equipped for scheduled events.
- Managed inventory of recreational supplies to ensure adequate resources were available for all planned activities without exceeding budgetary constraints.
- Supported physical wellbeing of residents by assisting with exercise programs and encouraging participation in activities.
- Spearheaded volunteer recruitment efforts to enhance program offerings and further engage the community in supporting resident wellbeing.
- Enriched residents'' cultural experiences by incorporating diverse music, food, and traditions into activity offerings.
- Reported hazardous conditions to supervisor or nurse to maximize safety and well-being of residents.
- Documented daily activities and intake in nursing notes, care plans and communication books to fulfill state requirements.
- Advocated for resident needs during interdisciplinary meetings, ensuring the provision of appropriate resources and support to maximize participation in desired activities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop individualized care plans addressing each resident''s unique needs and preferences.
- Empowered residents in decision-making processes by involving them in planning committees or soliciting feedback on preferred programs or events.
- Identified appropriate films and documentaries to be shown at [Event Name].
- Coordinated special events such as holiday celebrations or themed parties, creating memorable experiences for both residents and their families.
- Planned and implemented activity programs, special events and outings for residents to improve cognitive functions and emotional and mental health.
- Transported residents on outings to facilitate community activity initiatives.
- Implemented creative art projects that encouraged self-expression, supporting cognitive development while fostering a sense of accomplishment among participants.
- Encouraged full participation in activities from all attendees, which helped drive excitement.
- Assisted resident with maintaining personal hygiene and grooming to optimize dignity and self-esteem.
- Provided emotional support to residents during challenging times, offering empathy and reassurance while engaging them in appropriate coping mechanisms through activities.
- Developed monthly activity calendars catering to diverse interests, ensuring a wide array of options for residents to choose from.
- Evaluated effectiveness of current programming through regular assessment and feedback collection from residents, staff, and family members, implementing necessary improvements as needed.
- Documented resident progress by tracking attendance, participation levels, and personal achievements in various activities.
- Trained new Activity Aides on facility protocols and best practices in delivering engaging programming for the resident population.
- Boosted social interaction among residents through coordinating group games, discussions, and shared hobby sessions.
- Promoted exceptional quality of life for residents by innovating, organizing, and conducting entertaining and stimulating activities.
- Documented preferences and helped develop relevant activities.
- Communicated with family members and other caregivers to provide updates on well-being and care of residents.
- Helped residents build and maintain interpersonal relationships, social skills, mental abilities, and confidence.
- Evaluated supplies and requested purchases to meet activity plans.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to improve quality of life for residents.
- Engaged residents through events, small groups, and personal attention.
- Scheduled movies, entertainment, and other special events.
- Planned, coordinated, and implemented activities to address needs of participants with varying abilities.
- Assisted with physical therapy exercises to help residents regain strength and mobility.
- Assisted in preparing recreational materials and supplies for each activity.
- Ordered and maintained all recreational equipment.
- Kept track of allergies and dietary restrictions, verifying correct meals and snacks were given to campers.
- Transported and escorted program participants to and from activities and on field trips.
- Kept athletic and games equipment and facilities organized and maintained.
- Planned weekly activities schedule for assigned group and facilitated smooth transitions for on-time arrival.
- Developed and monitored budgets for recreational activities.
- Developed and monitored safety policies and procedures to facilitate safety of participants.
- Monitored participation in recreational activities to provide assistance to participants.
- Implemented and developed programs to promote physical fitness, teamwork and healthy living.
- Supervised activities to address behavioral issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
- Provided clear instruction to activity and program participants to deliver fun and maintain safety.
- Resolved conflicts that arose between by listening to complaints and finding appropriate solutions.
- Factored-in abilities, needs and interests of participants in development of events and programs.
- Trained staff members on conducting events and following safety procedures.
- Provided feedback and guidance to program participants regarding progress and development.
Education
No Degree - Social Work
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, ILPhycology, Law , Chemistry, And All Gen Ed Classes
Lourdes Private High School
Chicago, IL05-1984
Skills
- Disability services
- Medical coordination
- AKA Adult Medical
- AABD Medical
- Family Care
- All Kids Assist
- Long Term Care
- SNAP benefits
- Federal Market Place
Upper Mobility allowing credible training to transfer as a bachelor's degree.
I was employed with child support of Cook County for 5 years (1984-1989) and 17 years with Department of Veteran Affairs. While I was going to Prairie State College, I tested through Upper Mobility for the title of Human Services Caseworker and that transfers to a bachelor's degree in Human Services for the state of Illinois.
Timeline
Human Services Caseworker
State of Illinois-Department of Human Services
07.2023 - Current
Activity Aide
State of Illinois-Department of Veteran Affairs
11.2005 - 06.2023
No Degree - Social Work
Prairie State College
Phycology, Law , Chemistry, And All Gen Ed Classes
Lourdes Private High School
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