Sarah Acker
Kingston
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Proven ability in critical thinking and problem-solving, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing client satisfaction. Skilled in documentation and communication, adept at managing complex cases and fostering strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Income Maintenance Caseworker
Pennsylvania Department Of Human Services
05.2022 - Current
- Ensured client confidentiality through strict adherence to privacy policies when handling sensitive personal information.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate information regarding benefits eligibility and program requirements.
- Gathered information via telephone, mail, or in person from clients applying for assistance.
- Identified potential instances of fraud or abuse within the income maintenance system by carefully reviewing case documentation for inconsistencies or discrepancies.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing income maintenance programs to ensure compliance.
- Determined if applicants met eligibility for public assistance programs.
Aging Care Manager
Area Agency on Aging
04.2019 - 04.2022
- Assessed clients and developed plans to meet needs.
- Managed complex caseloads, ensuring timely assessment, intervention, and documentation for optimal care outcomes.
- Communicated with healthcare providers to facilitate continuity of care.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided support to promote client safety and wellbeing.
- Maintained high level of client confidentiality, following strict guidelines, and recommendations.
- Conducted home visits to assess living environment and provided appropriate referrals.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
- Maintain a professional tone.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
- Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
- Uncovered critical evidence by meticulously analyzing financial records and other documents related to investigations.
Transition Specialist
Community Options Inc
08.2017 - 04.2019
- Monitored client progress and adjusted job coaching strategies to meet needs and navigate challenges.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources to support job coaching.
- Offered ongoing support to clients throughout their job search process, leading to increased levels of motivation and self confidence.
- Kept detailed records of individual histories, scores, and documents.
- Developed and maintained partnerships with local businesses, creating job placement opportunities for clients.
- Evaluated client skills and job readiness, providing constructive feedback and actionable advice.
Direct Support Professional
Keystone Community Resources
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
Therapeutic Support Staff Member
Newstory School
11.2016 - 05.2017
- Supported clients'' emotional well-being through empathetic listening and tailored coping strategies.
- Conducted crisis intervention as needed to ensure the safety and stability of clients in high-risk situations.
- Assisted school staff with implementing targeted interventions within classroom settings for improved academic performance among students receiving therapeutic support.
- Developed and implemented individualized behavior modification plans to reduce challenging behaviors and promote positive change.
- Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills.
Mental Health Technician
Kidspeaceinstitute
04.2015 - 11.2016
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Developed strong rapport with patients, establishing trust and fostering positive relationships conducive to healing.
- Educated patients on coping strategies and self-help techniques to better manage their mental health symptoms.
- Monitored patients'' progress, documenting changes in behavior and updating treatment plans accordingly.
- Assisted in the development of individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and promote recovery.
Education
No Degree - Sociology
University of Delaware
Newark, DENo Degree - Sociology
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PAAssociate of Science - Sociology
Luzerne County Community College
Nanticoke, PA08-2010
Skills
- Customer service experience
- HIPAA compliance
- Verbal and written communication
- Clerical skills
- Schedule management
- Data archiving
- Interviewing techniques
- Teamwork
- Professionalism and boundaries
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Flexibility
- Active listening
- Decision-making
- Documentation and paperwork
- Computer proficiency
- Documentation skills
Timeline
Income Maintenance Caseworker
Pennsylvania Department Of Human Services
05.2022 - Current
Aging Care Manager
Area Agency on Aging
04.2019 - 04.2022
Transition Specialist
Community Options Inc
08.2017 - 04.2019
Direct Support Professional
Keystone Community Resources
05.2017 - 08.2017
Therapeutic Support Staff Member
Newstory School
11.2016 - 05.2017
Mental Health Technician
Kidspeaceinstitute
04.2015 - 11.2016
No Degree - Sociology
University of Delaware
No Degree - Sociology
Saint Joseph's University
Associate of Science - Sociology
Luzerne County Community College
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