Cynthia James
O'Fallon
Summary
Experienced LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MO) with robust background in healthcare~ providing comprehensive support to individuals and families within the healthcare system. Skilled in developing and implementing tailored intervention plans to address specific needs. Adept at providing support, advocacy, and resources to diverse populations. Demonstrates collaborative approach and adaptability to changing needs. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and effective communication.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Transplant Social Worker
SSM SLUH Abdominal Transplant
12.2023 - Current
- - Psychosocial assessments for potential liver and kidney transplant assessments
- - Management of patients active on transplant list
- - Discharge planning post transplant
- - Relapse prevention/sobriety support
- - Presentation of patients at weekly selection meetings
Renal Social Worker
Fresenius Kidney Care
12.2017 - 12.2023
- - Psychosocial assessments, support services, and facilitation of outside referrals/resources
- - Optimize patient and family adjustment through advocacy, skill building, and counseling
- - Ensure compliance of CMS regulations pertaining to social work, documentation and special projects led by social work
- - Interdisciplinary team cooperation and communication
- - Patient and staff education and in-services
- - Transplant and treatment option education and counseling
- - Coordination of care with referring institutions and outside acute and long term care facilities/hospitals
Renal Social Worker
USRC
12.2013 - 12.2017
- - Psychosocial assessments, support services, and facilitation of outside referrals/resources
- - Optimize patient and family adjustment through advocacy, skill building, and counseling
- - Ensure compliance of CMS regulations pertaining to social work, documentation and special projects led by social work
- - Interdisciplinary team cooperation and communication
- - Patient and staff education and in-services
- - Transplant and treatment option education and counseling
- - Coordination of care with referring institutions and outside acute and long term care facilities/hospitals
Renal Social Worker
Davita St. Louis/Washington University
12.2013 - 12.2016
- - Psychosocial assessments, support services, and facilitation of outside support resources for chronic hemodialysis patients.
- - Collaborated with healthcare team on daily basis and in patient care conferences
- - Assisted patients in accessing and maintaining maximum insurance coverage
- - Accessed funds and managed budget for patient resources
- - Awarded Gold Grant from Missouri Kidney Program to pilot online and streaming educational opportunities for patients and families
- - Developed monthly empathy and teamwork training program for staff, helping to increase both empathy and professionalism CAHPS outcomes as well as patient and personal satisfaction.
Clinical Financial Coordinator-Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant
Barnes Jewish Hospital
10.2011 - 12.2013
- - Insurance authorization/precertification for transplants, clinical trials, transplant related services
- - Patient Advocacy – worked with insurance companies, provided case management, and accessed financial assistance programs
- - Maintained compliance with contractual guidelines –insurance companies, accreditation agencies, CMS guidelines, etc.
- - Obtained alternative or additional funding for transplant
- - Worked with patients regarding Medicare/Medicaid/High risk pool/transition of insurance coverage as well as SSD and employer based disability programs.
- - Minimized loss of reimbursement due to lack of authorization, notification, or proper communication
- - Remained informed and up to date on legislation and policy affecting reimbursement and insurance coverage
- - Effectively communicated with Transplant Team to facilitate timely progression to transplant.
Social Worker/Chronic Condition Management Program (CMP)
HealthCare USA
09.2008 - 10.2011
Renal Social Worker
Davita St. Louis/Washington University
03.2007 - 09.2008
Renal Social Worker
Fresenius/St. Louis Renal Care LLC
08.2003 - 06.2007
Hospital Social Worker
St. Luke’s Hospital
01.2000 - 01.2003
Education
Masters Degree in Social Work - Social and Economic Development and Health Studies
Washington University
St. Louis01.2000
BA in Psychology - undefined
Webster University
St. Louis01.1998
Skills
- Case management
- Conflict resolution
- Multidisciplinary care planning
- Resource Management
- Discharge Planning
- Clinical Assessment Skills
- Time Management
- Priority Management
Accomplishments
- Reduction in SUD relapse rates post liver transplant to 6% monthly
- Developed resource catalog and referral process with relapse prevention professionals across Missouri and Illinois
- Completed over 250 in depth comprehensive psychosocial assessments to take to selection committee with recommendations
- Developed new education for pre-transplant patients/caregivers and comprehensive caregivers contracts to better prepare for the transplant process and recovery period
Affiliations
- LCSW MO
- NKF
- STSW
- Social Workers in HealthCare
- National Association of Social Workers
Timeline
Transplant Social Worker
SSM SLUH Abdominal Transplant
12.2023 - Current
Renal Social Worker
Fresenius Kidney Care
12.2017 - 12.2023
Renal Social Worker
USRC
12.2013 - 12.2017
Renal Social Worker
Davita St. Louis/Washington University
12.2013 - 12.2016
Clinical Financial Coordinator-Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant
Barnes Jewish Hospital
10.2011 - 12.2013
Social Worker/Chronic Condition Management Program (CMP)
HealthCare USA
09.2008 - 10.2011
Renal Social Worker
Davita St. Louis/Washington University
03.2007 - 09.2008
Renal Social Worker
Fresenius/St. Louis Renal Care LLC
08.2003 - 06.2007
Hospital Social Worker
St. Luke’s Hospital
01.2000 - 01.2003
BA in Psychology - undefined
Webster University
Masters Degree in Social Work - Social and Economic Development and Health Studies
Washington University