Alison Kay Pacifici
Detroit,Michigan
Summary
Compassionate professional known for delivering quality service in an array of clinical settings with diverse populations. Highly trained clinician skilled in assessing needs, leveraging distinct perspectives, identifying resources and developing effective interventions. Strong background in fostering human connections and interdisciplinary collaboration. Passionate individual considered an expert communicator and a dedicated patient advocate with supervisory and management experience.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Specialist
PACE Southeast Michigan
2020.11 - Current
- Complete comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, individual psychotherapy, substance use disorder treatment, urgent consultations and crisis interventions, and psychiatric hospitalizations for diverse geriatric population.
- Developed personalized treatment plans focusing on each client''s unique situation and goals, leading to better therapeutic results.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by utilizing evidence-based practices and tailoring interventions to individual needs.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms that contributed to sustained behavioral changes and improved overall wellbeing.
- Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to address negative thought patterns and promote healthier thinking habits among clients.
- Consulted regularly with psychiatrists regarding medication management recommendations for shared clients, ensuring optimal pharmacological interventions complementing therapy approaches.
- Created progress reports, assessments and charting within required timeframes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care, resulting in improved treatment planning and coordination.
- Served as a mentor for new behavioral health specialists, sharing knowledge and expertise to support their professional growth.
- Contributed to program development initiatives aimed at improving service delivery within the organization''s behavioral health division.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry best practices and enhance clinical skills.
Nephrology Social Worker
Fresenius Medical Care North America
2012.01 - 2020.01
- Conduct psychosocial assessments of end stage renal patients with attention to adjustment to illness and skills for effective disease management
- Develop Care Plans to identify interventions to support patient in meeting treatment goals and improving quality of life
- Lead interdisciplinary team conferences to enhance collaboration and understanding of patient perspective and to clarify focus on outcome based team interventions
- Provide outcome driven counseling education to improve treatment adherence, and to support patients in meeting vocational/educational and quality of life goals
- Act as a liaison with regional renal transplant programs to coordinate clinic based transplant education activities, and support and encourage patient follow up with transplant centers
- Patient advocacy and referral to community resources and entitlement programs to alleviate psychosocial stressors
- Development of quality improvement processes to enhance patient experience and insure efficient use of clinic resources.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through consistent communication and empathetic support throughout the treatment process.
- Addressed psychosocial issues with patients, fostering a supportive environment for emotional well-being during treatment.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings for cohesive patient care, ensuring all medical professionals were informed of patients'' progress and concerns.
Supports Coordinator
Macomb Oakland Regional Council
2010.01 - 2012.01
- Care management for nursing home level of care program participants in the Michigan Choice Waiver program
- Completed initial assessments to determine medical and financial eligibility for enrollment
- Created plans of care detailing services to be provided to sustain independent living in the community
- Sourced direct care providers with agency contracted vendors
- Quarterly home based assessments with attention to physical and psychosocial functioning, management of health condition, and adequacy of care environment.
- Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving support issues.
- Managed high-volume caseloads, ensuring timely completion of tasks and effective communication with clients.
- Developed tailored support plans for diverse clientele, identifying unique needs and goals.
- Enhanced team efficiency through facilitating regular meetings, sharing updates, and discussing strategies for improved service delivery.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client interactions and progress toward goals, providing a clear record of care provided.
Medical Social Worker
Residential Home Health
2003.01 - 2011.01
- Completed psychosocial assessments with attention to medical conditions and ability to recover well in the home environment
- Provided clinical interventions to support emotional adjustment to illness and debility, and strengthen support system
- Counseling education around long term care planning including eligibility for state and federal entitlement programs and community resources
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to insure continuity of care and optimal outcomes
- Completed documentation necessary for regulatory compliance and Medicare standards of care.
- Improved patient outcomes by conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team collaboration for optimal patient care through regular case conferences and communication.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during critical health situations, promoting coping mechanisms and resilience.
- Connected patients with community resources, ensuring access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
- Educated patients on available treatment options and assisted in informed decision-making regarding their healthcare plan.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to advocate for the unique psychosocial needs of each patient within a holistic care approach.
Contractual Emergency Services Social Worker
Psychological Services P.C.
2001.01 - 2002.01
- Provided crisis intervention services for seriously mentally ill adults and adolescents via 24 hour hotline
- Completed mental status exams and assessed for suicidal/homicidal ideation and ability to provide for immediate self-protection and self-care
- Collaborated with treating psychiatrists, Common Ground Clinicians and Easter Seals Case Managers, and facilitated hospitalizations.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Provided crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute mental health or substance abuse issues.
Program Coordinator
The Children’s Center of Wayne County
1997.01 - 2000.01
- Supervised and administrated General Outpatient and Chemical Dependency Programs
- Clinical supervision of professional and paraprofessional staff and graduate students providing services to seriously mentally ill children and at-risk youth
- Monitored documentation and billing with attention to regulatory compliance
- Managed four diverse service contracts including treatment and prevention services
- Developed collaborative partnerships with community agencies and schools
- Participated in Utilization Review and Credentialing Committees and served on Quality Improvement Council.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Developed effective communication strategies for improved collaboration among team members, resulting in increased productivity.
Clinician
The Children’s Center of Wayne County
1994.01 - 1997.01
- Provided time limited and long term outpatient therapy for high risk children ranging in age from 4 years to 17 years
- Completed comprehensive diagnostic assessments to determine focus of treatment and goals
- Issues addressed in individual therapy included behavioral disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, as well as adjustment disorders and behavioral manifestations of child sexual and physical abuse trauma
- Provided family therapy to address parent-child problems, behavioral management, problem solving, and communication
- Crisis interventions and facilitation of hospitalizations.
Director
Woodburn CMHC Apartment Program
1989.01 - 1991.01
- Supervised and administrated an 18 bed independent living program for adults with serious mental illness
- Assessed program candidates for eligibility
- Developed plans of care and completed quarterly reviews
- Provided individual and group counseling to support residents in managing serious mental illness, and development of problem solving and interpersonal skills
- Provided crisis intervention services to prevent hospitalizations
- Coordinated services with adjunct service providers to enhance continuity of care
- Acted as a liaison with area hospitals and homeless shelters.
Counselor
Woodburn CMHC Apartment Program
1987.01 - 1989.01
- Provided direct client services in an independent living program for seriously mentally ill adults
- Planned and supervised group social activities and community outings
- Provided case management and advocacy
- Provided crisis intervention services.
Case Manager
Alexandria Community Mental Health
1987.01 - 1988.01
- Provided case management and advocacy services for seriously mentally ill adults
- Coordinated residential, vocational, and social services to support recipients in achieving and sustaining independent living
- Completed documentation necessary for state regulatory compliance.
Education
Masters - Social Work
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois05.1993
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Denison University
Grandville, Ohio05.1986
Skills
- Biopsychosocial Assessments
- Expertise in Crisis Intervention Techniques
- Psychotropic Medications Knowledge
- Individual counseling
- Substance abuse counseling
- Solution-focused therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Multicultural competence
- Motivational interviewing
- Stress reduction techniques
- Dialectical behavior therapy
Qualification Profile
Fully licensed and accomplished Clinical Social Worker with extensive work experience in medical and psychiatric social work. Proficient with clinical interventions to enhance treatment adherence and disease management. Knowledge of Federal and State entitlement programs and community resources. Strong patient advocate. Experienced in collaboration with medical and community service providers including physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and a social service agencies.
Timeline
Behavioral Health Specialist
PACE Southeast Michigan
2020.11 - Current
Nephrology Social Worker
Fresenius Medical Care North America
2012.01 - 2020.01
Supports Coordinator
Macomb Oakland Regional Council
2010.01 - 2012.01
Medical Social Worker
Residential Home Health
2003.01 - 2011.01
Contractual Emergency Services Social Worker
Psychological Services P.C.
2001.01 - 2002.01
Program Coordinator
The Children’s Center of Wayne County
1997.01 - 2000.01
Clinician
The Children’s Center of Wayne County
1994.01 - 1997.01
Director
Woodburn CMHC Apartment Program
1989.01 - 1991.01
Counselor
Woodburn CMHC Apartment Program
1987.01 - 1989.01
Case Manager
Alexandria Community Mental Health
1987.01 - 1988.01
Masters - Social Work
Loyola University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Denison University
Similar Profiles
Rebekah TrivilinoRebekah Trivilino
RN Case Manager at PACE Southeast MichiganRN Case Manager at PACE Southeast Michigan
Aaron MuccianteAaron Mucciante
Public Affairs Philanthropy Lead at PACE Southeast MichiganPublic Affairs Philanthropy Lead at PACE Southeast Michigan
Zeinab McheikZeinab Mcheik
Clinical Dietitian at PACE Southeast MichiganClinical Dietitian at PACE Southeast Michigan