Krista Helferty
Douglas,Ontario
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable populations in Renfrew County. Comprehensive knowledge of the social determinants of health and their impact on individuals and communities coupled with a skilled ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and support clients to navigate community resources.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Worker, Regional Nephrology Program
Renfrew Victoria Hospital
04.2006 - Current
- Support approximately 100 Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis patients across three sites and approximately 150 Pre-dialysis patients.
- Establish strong rapport with patients and families through empathy, active listening, and clear communication skills.
- Mentor and supervise co-op and placement students (high-school, RN, SSW).
- Founder and editor of “Renal Digest” a multidisciplinary newsletter for patients which involves 2-4 issues per year since 2011.
- Chosen as only 1 or 2 Social Workers in Ontario to participate in the Goals of Care tax group with the Ontario Renal Network.
- Responsible for the organization and administration of the in facility and home dialysis transportation grants from the Ontario Renal Network for Renfrew County patients.
- Navigate complex healthcare systems to coordinate optimal care for patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Delivered culturally competent care by adapting interventions to meet the unique needs of diverse populations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for improved patient care and outcomes.
- Assisted patients in coping with acute or chronic illnesses by offering emotional support and appropriate referrals when needed.
- Committee involvement includes: Accreditation, Wellness Committee, Patient and Family Advisory Council, Palliative Care Rounds and various quality Improvement initiatives.
Social Worker, Diabetes Education Program
Renfrew Victoria Hospital
04.2017 - 06.2019
- Provided the Diabetes program with approximately 5-10 hours per week - in addition to full time hours in Nephrology to help cover 0.2FTE
- Met with patients 1-1 to assess needs and provide solution focused interventions.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior and lifestyle modification to manage their chronic illness.
Child Protection Worker
Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex
08.2003 - 04.2006
- Managed a caseload of 20-25 Family and Children in Care files.
- Maintained detailed documentation of all case activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agency policies and procedures.
- Increased positive outcomes for children by establishing strong working relationships with families, schools, and community resources.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, prioritizing cases based on urgency and risk level.
- Provided crisis intervention services to protect children from harm or abuse in emergency situations.
Education
Certificate - Indigenous Canada
University of Alberta
Alberta (online)2021
Master of Public Health -
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, ON (online)2014
Interdisciplinary Certificate in Palliative Care -
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, ON (online)2008
Bachelor of Social Work -
Carleton University
Ottawa, ON2003
Skills
- Supportive Engagement
- Comprehensive Case Management
- Client-Focused Strategies
- Collaborative Conflict Resolution
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Crisis intervention
- Risk assessment
- Effective Resource Navigation
- Outcome-Focused Interventions
- Psychosocial assessment
- Strong Detail Orientation
- Client confidentiality
Certification
- Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (Core, Post, and Mental Health)
- Child Welfare New Worker Training Series # 1 – 11
- Child Welfare Authorized Worker Training Series (various)
- CISM – Critical Incident Stress Management
- ASIST – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention
- Gentle Persuasive Approaches
- Mental Health First Aid
- P.I.E.C.E.S. (physical, intellectual, emotional, capabilities, environment, social)
- Leap Renal – Palliative Care approaches in Renal Care.
- Person-Centered Decision-Making workshop and e-modules, Ontario Renal Network
Timeline
Social Worker, Diabetes Education Program
Renfrew Victoria Hospital
04.2017 - 06.2019
Social Worker, Regional Nephrology Program
Renfrew Victoria Hospital
04.2006 - Current
Child Protection Worker
Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex
08.2003 - 04.2006
Certificate - Indigenous Canada
University of Alberta
Master of Public Health -
Lakehead University
Interdisciplinary Certificate in Palliative Care -
Lakehead University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Carleton University
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