Ricky Stout, MSSW

Master‑level Social Worker and Gerontologist with a strong background in facilitating groups, guiding learners, and delivering education in hospice, long‑term care, and community health settings. Experienced in developing forms, documentation systems, and instructional tools that support clarity and engagement. Skilled in mentoring undergraduate interns, coordinating individualized support, and presenting complex topics in clear, student‑centered ways.

Dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments and preparing students for real‑world professional practice.

Gerontology Intern- Hospice Social Worker at Hearth Hospice (2026-01 – 2026-05)

• Conduct research on long‑term care (LTC) affordability, including cost trends, access barriers, and systemic inequities affecting older adults.
• Analyze LTC insurance availability and enrollment challenges, producing summaries that support program education and community outreach.
• Provide educational guidance to residents and families on LTC options, eligibility requirements, and financial planning considerations.
• Create informational materials that translate complex housing and cost data into accessible, learner‑friendly formats.
• Assign job tasks to undergraduate interns based on their strengths, communication styles, and readiness to conduct home visits, ensuring appropriate learning opportunities and effective service delivery.
• Support hospice services through assessments, care planning, and family instruction, emphasizing clarity and informed decision‑making.

Activities Assistant at Beverly Park Place Health & Rehab (2025-09 – 2026-01)

• Conduct intake assessments to identify resident needs, learning preferences, and engagement barriers.
• Develop individualized activity plans with interdisciplinary input to support cognitive, social, and emotional well‑being.
• Facilitate structured group and one‑on‑one programming for adults with diverse functional abilities.
• Adapt instruction and communication methods for residents with memory loss, mobility limitations, and complex care needs.
• Collaborate with nursing and therapy teams to support person‑centered care and improve resident participation.

Master of Social Work Intern at PJ Parkinson's Support (2024-08 – 2025-04)

• Facilitated support groups for individuals and families, promoting communication, coping strategies, and peer learning.
• Designed and implemented a new intake form to improve assessment consistency and information gathering for incoming clients.
• Created documentation templates and client files to streamline record‑keeping, enhance continuity of care, and support program evaluation.
• Conducted home visits to address individualized needs, provide guidance, and ensure continuity of support outside the group setting.
• Completed biweekly follow‑up calls to monitor progress, provide additional assistance, and reinforce care plans.
• Presented research updates and best‑practice information to interdisciplinary teams, strengthening collaborative education and service delivery.
• Advocated for clients to access appropriate services and community resources, ensuring equitable support.

Bachelor of Social Work Intern at Hearth Hospice (2023-08 – 2024-05)

• Maintained an independent caseload of 20 patients, coordinating services, communication, and ongoing support.
• Provided guidance to patients and families navigating complex care decisions, ensuring clarity and emotional support.
• Participated in interdisciplinary care planning to align services with patient needs, goals, and changing conditions.
• Facilitated family meetings to strengthen communication, improve understanding, and support shared decision‑making.
• Conducted in‑home and facility visits to deliver supportive services, monitor well‑being, and reinforce care plans.

Social Work Student Intern at Chatt Foundation (2019-09 – 2019-12)

• Delivered overnight support and assistance at the men's shelter, ensuring client safety and well-being throughout the night.
• Shadowed case workers to gain insights into client processing methods, enhancing understanding of effective social work practices.
• Assisted case managers in conducting client assessments, formulating care plans, and monitoring client progress with a focus on improvement.
• Engaged clients in the day room by distributing essential supplies, positively impacting client satisfaction and comfort levels.

Master of Science in Global Health – Nova Southeastern University (2028-05)

Master of Arts in Gerontology – University of Nebraska Omaha (2026-05)

Master of Science in Social Work – University of Tennessee (2025-05)

Bachelor of Science in Social Work – University of Tennessee At Chattanooga (2024-05)