3/17/2025
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Posted by Shao Y., Fidelis Care
I cherish being a social worker. It has helped me become a better person who is more patient and resilient. I started in the social work profession as an HIV caseworker at an organization that assisted the immigrant population. My role involved addressing barriers to healthcare access. I then transitioned into the role of a medical social worker at a community health center. This experience allowed me to work with patients across different age groups, including children, adults, and the elderly.
After stops as a field-based behavioral health care manager for WellCare's Managed Long Term Care team, visiting members in their homes to assess their needs, including essential concerns such as housing, food security, bill payments, and access to healthcare, I started working as a Health and Recovery Plan (HARP) care manager at Fidelis Care, which gave me the opportunity to work with individuals managing chronic mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
In my current role as a behavioral health care manager, I assist Fidelis Care members by identifying their behavioral and physical health needs through internal and external referrals. This includes ensuring they have a mental health provider and a primary care provider, addressing any difficulties in obtaining medication, arranging transportation for medical appointments, and identifying available community support systems such as family, friends, or community agencies. These referrals may come from an internal nurse care manager, an external provider’s office, or a care manager from a community organization.
A member recently expressed their appreciation for my efforts in helping them access community resources and connecting them with a psychiatry provider who had availability. I felt happy knowing I had helped my member, but more importantly, I witnessed their resilience in overcoming personal barriers.
By sharing my experience, I feel that I am also honoring my fellow social workers, care managers, and caseworkers who dedicate themselves every day to supporting their clients, members, and patients.