Misty Koulianos
South Hurstville ,NSW
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker with comprehensive knowledge of grief and loss as well as end of life care. Strong ability to form trusting relationships and advocacy for clients, as well as maintaining excellent boundaries. Excellent assessment skills to help identify and assist with appropriate interventions and resources. Ability to remain calm in tense environments and provide proactive support. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to achieve team goals.
Strong leader and mentor to staff in a high paced, stressful environment. Proficient in in understanding patient's needs and ensuring that staff upheld the same standard. Empowered staff to give the highest standard of care and advocacy to patients. Leader with superior communication and collaboration abilities demonstrated over six years of management performance.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Area Manager, Licensed Certified Social Worker
Arkansas Hospice
North Little Rock, Arkansas United States
05.2010 - 08.2013
- Role included clinical supervision of two interdisciplinary hospice teams that comprised of social workers, registered nurses, chaplains, patient care coordinators and certified nursing assistants.
- Coordinated all home care/nursing home services covering 100-150 patients daily. Maintained knowledge of all hospice services, and overseeing delivery of care for patients in accordance with agency standards as well as policies and procedures.
- Assisted in development of policies and procedures.
- Ensured electronic documentation was complete by regularly auditing for compliance and accuracy.
- Executed hiring of all staff and regular evaluations.
- Ensured code of ethics was utilized in all staff members.
- Participated in community education to provide education about hospice and end of life care.
- Provided psychosocial counselling and pre-bereavement to patients and families who were high risk.
- Advocated for patients and families in leadership meetings to maintain high quality care.
- Performed supervisory on call services every month for over five hundred patients.
SW Coordinator, Licensed Master Social Worker
Arkansas Hospice
North Little Rock, Arkansas USA
12.2007 - 05.2010
- Managed performance of social work program for ten locations in Arkansas totaling over 20 social workers.
- Conducted appropriate supervisory visits for clinical observations of social work staff, both LSW and MSW in home, nursing home, or inpatient centre.
- Hired and trained social work staff, as well as audited social work documentation in electronic medical record to ensure compliance and timeliness.
- Ensured code of ethics were demonstrated in all supervised staff and provided corrective action when necessary.
- Managed case loads when short staffed or when patient and/or family had complex needs or high bereavement risk.
- Provided end of life counselling and psychosocial support to patients when necessary.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients when necessary.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Helped patients and /or family develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behaviour modification.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
Licensed Social Worker, BSW
Arkansas Hospice
North Little Rock, Arkansas
05.2004 - 12.2007
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services for patients/families receiving hospice care in home.
- Caseload of up to 40 patients located in nursing home or personal home.
- Visit frequency based on level of need per patient and family.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behaviour modification.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work/Conflict Mediation
University of Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas United States08.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Southeast Missouri University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri United States12.2001
Skills
- Providing psychosocial support and counselling, to high risk patients and families
- Advocating for patients and families served
- Excellent and timely documentation
- Solution-Based Interventions
- Emotional Support
- Grief Processes
- Patient Interaction
- Strengths-Based Solution-Focused Therapy
- Emergency Situations
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
Certification
Previous Social Work certification in Hospice and Palliative Care
Certification in Conflict Mediation
Additional Information
I am an Australian citizen who moved to Sydney almost ten years ago from the US. My intention was to continue my career as a social worker. However, my son was born with a one in one million, severe lung disease. I spent the first six years being a full time caregiver to my son. I owned and operated my own small business up until recently, so that I could be available for his needs. My son is now doing well and I am able to continue my career as a social worker.
I am also in the process of being assessed by the AASW.
Timeline
Area Manager, Licensed Certified Social Worker
Arkansas Hospice
05.2010 - 08.2013
SW Coordinator, Licensed Master Social Worker
Arkansas Hospice
12.2007 - 05.2010
Licensed Social Worker, BSW
Arkansas Hospice
05.2004 - 12.2007
Master of Social Work - Social Work/Conflict Mediation
University of Arkansas
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Southeast Missouri University