Michelle Alvarez

Medical social work intern for DaVita during my 1 year Master of Social Work Program at University of Southern California. I worked under my social work supervisor where we assessed the social-emotional well-being of the patients. We assist the patients with their care plan and also discuss this with their caretakers/family members.

• Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
• Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
• Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
• Improved patient outcomes by conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments and developing individualized care plans.
• Facilitated therapeutic groups focused on topics such as stress management, coping skills development, and grief processing for improved mental well-being of participants.
• Provided emotional support to patients and families, addressing their concerns related to medical conditions, treatments, and coping strategies.
• Advocated for patients'' rights within the healthcare setting, promoting self-determination and autonomy throughout their treatment process.
• Collaborated with medical professionals to develop treatment plans addressing both physical and psychosocial needs of patients.
• Connected patients with appropriate community resources, facilitating access to financial assistance, housing, and support groups.
• Assisted patients in navigating complex healthcare systems, ensuring they received timely care and necessary services.
• Educated patients and families on available resources, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction by consistently delivering compassionate, client-centered care that addressed unique needs and preferences.
• Evaluated patient progress towards goals and adjusted care plans accordingly for optimal results.
• Developed strong rapport with diverse patient populations by demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity during all interactions.
• Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine most suitable needs and services.
• Participated in clinical supervision to maintain professional development.

Worked at La Sierra University Church helping with housing situations and health care needs for homeless individuals; planned a fair for the Riverside community with another intern bringing in various vendors to assist with housing information, health care needs, portable showers, self-care kits donated to the church, as well as food and games. In addition, worked with families and individuals who are experiencing abuse at home and assisting them in finding suitable shelters.

• Managed caseload efficiently, prioritizing tasks and maintaining timely communication with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
• Consulted with other professionals to gain insight and advice and build strong network within organization.
• Conducted outreach to local referral sources to build strong partnerships for supportive services.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of social work.
• Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing individualized service plans.
• Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine most suitable needs and services.
• Assessed program effectiveness using feedback from participants and data analysis techniques, making recommendations for improvement as needed.
• Implemented evidence-based interventions to address diverse client needs including mental health, addiction, trauma, and family dynamics.
• Supported families in addressing parenting challenges through education, resource connection, and skills training workshops.
• Coordinated referrals for specialized services, ensuring timely access to essential supports such as housing or medical care.
• Educated clients on their rights and responsibilities within various social service systems, empowering them to make informed decisions.
• Developed strong rapport with clients by establishing trust and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the internship experience.
• Maintained detailed case notes, documenting progress towards goals and critical incidents for accurate reporting.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop appropriate interventions.

• Administered medications safely and accurately, adhering to strict protocols for dosage and administration.
• Improved patient care by diligently monitoring and recording vital signs and symptoms.
• Assessed patients'' needs and developed individualized care plans to enhance recovery.
• Applied evidence-based practice principles in providing high-quality nursing care for optimal patient outcomes.
• Actively sought feedback from clinical instructors and preceptors to continuously improve nursing practice and professionalism.
• Provided compassionate care to diverse populations, addressing unique cultural and language barriers.
• Enhanced communication with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring seamless coordination of care.
• Monitored patient vital signs, reporting any changes to experienced nursing staff.
• Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.