Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Personal Information
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Dewun Foster

Metairie,NM

Summary

Talented Case Manager adept at handling high caseloads without sacrificing quality of care. Operates in high-pressure environments while recommending best resources and courses of action to benefit patient needs and return each to optimal quality of life.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications

Work History

Peer Support Specialist

Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority
Marrero, LA
4 2024 - Current
  • Provide emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Develop trusting relationships with clients by maintaining confidentiality, respect, and non-judgmental attitudes.
  • Enhance client recovery by providing emotional support and practical guidance.
  • Build relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
  • Collaborate with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
  • Coordinate with treatment providers on individual client cases ensuring continuity of care throughout the entire process.
  • Foster relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build pipeline of supportive services.

Disaster Case Manager

Catholic Charities
Metairie, LA
05.2023 - Current
  • Manages complex caseloads of 80 survivors while maintaining high levels of organization and attention-to-detail throughout recovery process.
  • Conducts outreach activities within affected communities to identify potential clients in need of case management services.
  • Develops strong relationships with community partners to facilitate resource sharing and collaboration, enhancing overall service delivery capabilities.
  • Maintains updated knowledge of available disaster assistance programs and eligibility requirements in order to provide accurate guidance to clients.
  • Provides emotional support to clients during crisis situations, demonstrating empathy and professionalism under challenging circumstances.
  • Maintains accurate records of client interactions, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with relevant regulations and policies.

Housing Advocate

Start Corporation
New Orleans , LA
07.2023 - 01.2024
  • Provided advocacy on behalf of 200+ residents working with community-based systems such as law enforcement, courts, social services, mental health providers, substance abuse services, etc.
  • Collaborated with various community organizations to address systemic barriers contributing to homelessness or unstable housing situations.
  • Improved tenant satisfaction by addressing housing concerns promptly and efficiently.
  • Provided support to social service clients in navigating available resources.

Case Manager

NAMI
New Orleans , LA
04.2022 - 04.2023
  • Provided rapid response and intervention for individuals experiencing encounter with NOPD officers in 8th district, provide initial and ongoing assessments, case management, supportive services to program participants in community-based settings, and help clients to navigate criminal legal system.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
  • Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
  • Developed comprehensive discharge plans to transition clients to appropriate service providers in community.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to determine timely delivery of services.

Mental Health Specialist

Wish Health Services
New Orleans , LA
06.2018 - 09.2018
  • Provided individual Psychosocial Skills Rehabilitation services for 30+ individuals in community setting, assisted clients in restoring, rehabilitating, and developing social and interpersonal skills, helped improve each client's self-management of negative effects of psychiatric or emotional symptoms.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Provided compassionate support during times of crisis or acute distress while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards.
  • Promoted client self-advocacy by assisting them in understanding their rights within mental health system.
  • Developed strong relationships with community partners, enhancing access to additional resources and support services for patients.

Direct Care Provider

Action Resources Total Care Inc
New Orleans , LA
02.2018 - 04.2018
  • Assisted patients with personal requirements for housekeeping and grooming assistance.
  • Assisted patients with self-administered medications.
  • Helped clients maintain optimal health by overseeing medication administration and doctor's appointments.
  • Arranged transportation and accompanied patients to doctors' offices and errands.
  • Helped patients care for themselves by teaching proper, safe use of ambulation assistive devices such as canes or walkers.
  • Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
  • Served as advocate for patients' rights, ensuring their voices were heard during medical appointments or care team meetings.

Mental Health Specialist

NOLA Pride (WFH)
Metairie, LA
04.2017 - 06.2017
  • Provided 20+ adolescent clients with recommendations to community resources.
  • Documented client progress in confidential files.
  • Performed client assessments and developed treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans.
  • Promoted client self-advocacy by assisting them in understanding their rights within the mental health system.
  • Developed rapport with diverse patient populations, fostering trust and open communication during therapy sessions.

Mental Health Specialist

A Better way Healthcare
New Orleans, LA
1 2017 - 5 2017
  • Provided individual Psychosocial Skills Rehabilitation services in community setting with 20+ individuals.
  • Performed client assessments and developed treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans.
  • Promoted client self-advocacy by assisting them in understanding their rights within mental health system.
  • Enhanced quality of care for patients through ongoing assessment, monitoring, and adjustment of treatment interventions.

Recovery Support Staff

Odyssey House Louisiana
New Orleans , LA
08.2016 - 01.2017
  • Staff monitored behavior of over 40 treatment recipients in residential setting, staff was responsible for facilitating daily activities and weekend group sessions, staff organized conflict resolution and provided crisis intervention, staff was responsible for administering medications as instructed by individual treatment plans
  • Staff facilitated smooth transitions between levels of care within treatment continuum by maintaining open communication lines among providers involved in each client's case coordination efforts.
  • Staff served as positive role model for healthy living practices by maintaining professional demeanor and exemplifying self-care habits essential for long-term recovery success.
  • Staff connected clients with peer support networks to further enhance social connections conducive to maintaining sobriety long term.
  • Staff organized recreational activities designed to promote holistic wellness through building camaraderie among participants while imparting important life skills related to healthful behaviors outside of treatment settings.
  • Staff promoted environment of mutual respect and empathy within group sessions, created safe space conducive to honest sharing and personal growth among participants engaged in recovery support activities.
  • Staff offered guidance on community resources available to clients, including housing options, employment opportunities, educational programs, or additional treatment services as needed.

Behavior Interventionist

Jefferson County High School
Fayette, MS
08.2014 - 05.2015
  • Conducted behavior interventions with student population (300+) according to established behavior plan, facilitated daily in-school suspension activities via disciplinary referral system, performed one-on-one and group counseling sessions with students, collaborated with guidance counselors to establish protocol for testing sites
  • Developed intervention plans based on established guidelines and individual needs.
  • Met with teachers to establish goals for students in intervention program.
  • Helped students build skills to navigate typical academic and social situations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive support strategies for students in need.

Education

B.S. in Social Work - Social Work

Alcorn State University
Lorman, MS
05.2014 - 05.2014

Skills

  • Medical terminology

  • Relationship cultivation

  • Problem-solving skills

  • Computer skills

  • Public health

  • Communication skills

  • Leadership skills

  • Experience with children

  • Crisis intervention

  • Time management

  • Service navigation

  • Adaptability and Flexibility

Certification

CPR Certification

Personal Information

Willing To Relocate: Anywhere

Accomplishments

    Registered Peer Support Specialist

    Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health

    Completed May 2024

Timeline

Registered Peer Support Specialist

05-2024
CPR Certification
12-2023

Housing Advocate

Start Corporation
07.2023 - 01.2024

Disaster Case Manager

Catholic Charities
05.2023 - Current

Case Manager

NAMI
04.2022 - 04.2023

Mental Health Specialist

Wish Health Services
06.2018 - 09.2018

Direct Care Provider

Action Resources Total Care Inc
02.2018 - 04.2018

Mental Health Specialist

NOLA Pride (WFH)
04.2017 - 06.2017

Recovery Support Staff

Odyssey House Louisiana
08.2016 - 01.2017

Behavior Interventionist

Jefferson County High School
08.2014 - 05.2015

B.S. in Social Work - Social Work

Alcorn State University
05.2014 - 05.2014

Peer Support Specialist

Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority
4 2024 - Current

Mental Health Specialist

A Better way Healthcare
1 2017 - 5 2017
Dewun Foster