Valerie
Harper is a professionally trained and master degreed social worker with over
30 years of service to her community and over 12 years experience as a Director
of Social Services in area nursing homes.
As a director, she was responsible for the bio-psychosocial issues
related to aging, medical needs, discharges, and placements. While working
directly with families and residents, she provided moral and emotional support,
education on community services, and assistance with Medicaid assessments and
applications. Advocacy is her trump card: serving needs with determination,
professionalism, and expertise. Valerie
understands the ravages of elder related medical issues as well as the medical
complications related to the disabled adult.
Her ability to communicate effectively with physicians and nursing staff
bridges the gap and enhances care.
Valerie has successfully created strong relationships within community
based services to provide options for patients and families.
Valerie is
an active member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Florida
Health Care Social Workers Association. She currently holds a state office with
the FHCSWA and is instrumental in making changes in policy through her
political advocacy. In 2003 and 2005, she was awarded “Social Worker of the
Year” by the NASW and the Florida Healthcare Social Work Association. Being
nominated every year for Social Worker of the Year by her peers in Broward County, speaks volumes of her dedication
and commitment to the field of social work. Valerie was invited to Houston, Texas to present her lecture “Caring for
the Caregiver” on a national level for the Society of Social Work Leaders in
Healthcare. This lecture has also been
presented for the past several years on state and local levels. For the past five years, Valerie has been a
presenter at the Florida State NASW conferences. Her published articles have been featured in
such periodicals as Social Work Networker
and the State News Letter for
the NASW. These articles have made profound differences in her profession.
Valerie’s
expertise in geriatrics and care management is well-known throughout the
country. She has successfully met the needs of thousands of individuals: No
problem or issue is too large or complex. She believes that each and
every person has the right to be comfortable and safe. Like shells on the beach, people are unique
in who they are and what they need. She
is committed to keeping humans in the equation of humanity.
