Pamela Barr
South Bend
Summary
Empathetic Peer Support Specialist with proven ability to build trusting relationships with clients. Caring with genuine concern for wellbeing of peers. Hands-on Peer Support Specialist known for helping people in challenging situations and achieving recovery successes. Offering more than 18 years of sobriety and ready to help others reclaim their lives through the use of proper services.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Support Professional
Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
415 E. Madison Street, South Bend, IN 46615
09.2022 - 02.2024
- Advocated on behalf of clients to ensure access to appropriate resources and services within the community.
- Empowered clients by teaching effective problem-solving skills that they can apply in real-life situations.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to promote continued growth and success.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Enhanced client recovery by providing emotional support and practical guidance.
- Communicated with individuals' family members, offering information, and insight into support services available at community level.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals and provided support during their journey towards achieving them.
- Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
- Promoted a strengths-based approach for clients through active listening and empathy.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, utilizing de-escalation techniques to maintain safety for all involved parties.
- Educated family members about mental health conditions and available resources, fostering understanding and support networks for clients.
- Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build pipeline of supportive services.
- Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
- Developed trusting relationships with clients by maintaining confidentiality, respect, and non-judgmental attitudes.
- Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
- Increased awareness of and supported participation in self-help and advocacy organizations.
- Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage clients to engage in healthy behaviors.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Direct Support Professional
Mosaic
1415 Lincolnway W, Osceola, IN 46561
11.2020 - 05.2022
- administered medication as directed by the physician.
- Guided patients to restrooms to support bladder and bowel relief requirements.
- Laundered items, changed sheets and made bed to keep patients' bedroom clean.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Educated clients and family members on relevant topics to support independent living.
- Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
- Completed regular check-ins and progress report for each client.
- Entrusted to handle confidential and sensitive situations in professional matter.
- Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for clients.
- Replaced bandages, dressings, and binders to care for wounds and encourage healing.
- Adapted support approaches based on individual client preferences, fostering increased trust and rapport over time.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.
- Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.
- Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Assisted patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene care both in private residences and facilities.
- Monitored clients' overall health and well-being and noted significant changes.
- Promoted physical well-being by supporting clients in engaging in regular exercise routines or therapeutic activities suited to their abilities.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
- Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
- Transported clients to and from medical appointments with safety and efficiency.
- Implemented individualized behavior management plans, reducing incidents of challenging behaviors within the residence.
- Updated patient files with current vitals, behaviors, and other data relevant to treatment planning.
- Provided compassionate and patient-focused care to cultivate well-being.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Improved client self-sufficiency through teaching essential skills such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and financial management.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
Education
AACP LOCUS Certification Training - LOCUS
American Association For Community Psychiatry
3615 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 2001612.2024
Certificate - Cultural Competency
MHA Training Institute11
1441 N. Delaware St. Indianapolis, IN 4620201.2024
Certification - Indiana Certified Crisis Peer
Division of Mental Health And Addiction
Indianapolis, IN01.2024
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training - ASIST- Workshop
ASIST
South Bend, IN06.2023
Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach I - CAPRC1
ICAADA
1441 N. Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 4620210.2022
Skills
- Intervention Support
- Patient Referrals
Interpersonal abilities
- Mental Health Advocacy
- Peer Support Ethics
- Community resources specialist
- Motivational Interviewing
- Empathy Development
- Providing direction
- Wellness Recovery Action Plan
- Mental Health Support
- Relationship cultivation
- Stress reduction techniques
- Interpersonal Communication
- Recovery guidance
- Coping Methods
- Relapse Prevention
- Problem-solving skills
- Self-Care Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Intervention Planning
- Recovery planning
- Crisis Response
- Resource Navigation
- Substance abuse awareness
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Documentation And Reporting
- Client Needs Assessment
- Communication abilities
- Effective collaboration and interaction
- Emotional Support
- Crisis Intervention
- Calm Under Pressure
- Networking
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Self-Directed
Timeline
Peer Support Professional
Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
09.2022 - 02.2024
Direct Support Professional
Mosaic
11.2020 - 05.2022
AACP LOCUS Certification Training - LOCUS
American Association For Community Psychiatry
Certificate - Cultural Competency
MHA Training Institute11
Certification - Indiana Certified Crisis Peer
Division of Mental Health And Addiction
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training - ASIST- Workshop
ASIST
Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach I - CAPRC1
ICAADA