Eugenia Kennedy-Smith

Compassionate and dedicated Associate Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Vocational Nurse with over 15 years of experience providing care and support to individuals and families facing complex medical, emotional, and psychosocial challenges. Experienced in palliative care, hospice, correctional healthcare, behavioral health, crisis intervention, grief counseling, and care coordination. Skilled at building trusting relationships, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and helping patients navigate difficult life transitions with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Committed to advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting whole-person care that addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

PALLIATIVE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER - AccentCare Palliative Care - Ontario, CA

(2023-01)

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify patient and family needs related to serious illness, chronic disease, and changing levels of functioning.
• Provide emotional support, counseling, and education to patients and caregivers as they navigate complex medical conditions and healthcare decisions.
• Facilitate discussions regarding goals of care, advance healthcare planning, and patient-centered treatment preferences.
• Assist patients and families in accessing community resources, financial assistance programs, and supportive services.
• Collaborate closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated, holistic care.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during periods of adjustment, loss, caregiver stress, and disease progression.
• Advocate for patients' rights, dignity, and quality of life while supporting informed decision-making.

HOSPICE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER - VNA of Orange County / Kara Healthcare

(2020-11 - 2023-01)

• Conducted psychosocial assessments and developed individualized care plans for hospice patients and their families.
• Provided counseling related to grief, anticipatory loss, caregiver stress, and end-of-life adjustment.
• Assisted patients and families with advance care planning and navigating available community resources.
• Worked collaboratively with the hospice interdisciplinary team to support patient comfort and quality of life.
• Facilitated bereavement support and follow-up services for surviving family members.
• Responded to crisis situations and provided emotional support during difficult transitions.
• Maintained timely and accurate documentation in accordance with hospice regulations and standards of care.

LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE - California Institution for Women

(2007-01)

• Provide direct nursing care within a correctional healthcare environment serving diverse patient populations.
• Conduct medical and behavioral observations and communicate changes in patient condition to healthcare providers.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and nursing standards.
• Respond to medical and mental health emergencies while maintaining patient safety.
• Perform wound care, chronic disease monitoring, and patient education.
• Document patient care accurately and maintain compliance with institutional policies and healthcare regulations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support continuity of care and positive patient outcomes.

GROUP FACILITATOR - The Path of Life Ministries

(2019-08 - 2020-04)

• Facilitated therapeutic and psychoeducational groups for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges.
• Conducted behavioral health screenings and substance use assessments.
• Utilized motivational interviewing and trauma-informed approaches to promote recovery and personal growth.
• Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to program participants.
• Assisted clients in identifying goals and connecting with housing, healthcare, employment, and community resources.
• Developed and facilitated curriculum focused on life skills, recovery, and wellness.

Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work - California Baptist University (2020-05)

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology - California Baptist University (2017-05)