Amy E. Jensen
Redondo Beach,CA
Summary
A seasoned healthcare professional with 28 years of experience as a Recreation Therapist and manager. Proficiencies in multiple settings and populations including behavioral health, dementia care/ older adults, physical rehabilitation, substance abuse/ recovery, and at- risk youth. Currently studying at Pepperdine University with the goal of obtaining licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recreation Therapist
Southern California Hospital at Culver City
07.2018 - Current
- Complete individualized assessments and treatment plans for adults 18- 75 needing inpatient behavioral health care experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal ideation.
- Plan and lead therapeutic programming with emphasis on managing stress, healthy lifestyle choices, and recovery
- Development and implementation of meditation program teaching mindfulness practices to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Weekly interdisciplinary team meetings to communicate patient response to treatment
Program Director/ Consultant
West Coast Healing, LLC
02.2022 - 01.2023
- Development of programming and therapeutic recreation protocols for new Mental Health Rehabilitation Center to serve adults 18-65 with severe mental illness.
- Direct involvement in initial screening and interviewing of management team, nursing, and programming staff for MHRC
- Consultant to COO with staffing needs, scheduling, and pre-employment process
Assistant Program Director
Harborview Center for Behavioral Health
03.2021 - 02.2022
- Provided supervision, guidance, and training for employees and Psychology student interns in the Program Department
- Ensure staff compliance of department protocols, policies, and coordination of daily operations, including the oversight of facility staffing, therapeutic groups, and client treatment planning
- Directly assists with the hiring and training of new employees
- Certified instructor for Crisis Prevention to provide training to staff on de-escalation techniques and safe physical intervention strategies to safely identify, manage, and reduce violent situations with clients
Activities Director
HCR ManorCare
07.2013 - 06.2018
- Planned and organized therapeutic leisure programming for 166 bed long term/ short term skilled nursing facility and secure dementia care unit
- Supervised and provided daily mentoring of department staff in leading therapeutic programs and independent recreation activities to promote exceptional quality of life for residents
- Completed clinical documentation on each resident including initial, quarterly, annual progress notes to ensure programming in support of resident treatment goals
- Organized volunteers from local community to assist with facilitation of programming including religious services, pet therapy visits, & educational programs
- Instituted Summer internship program for Recreation Therapy students from Slippery Rock University
- Developed monthly Pet Therapy program through coordination with local animal shelter and Therapy Dogs International
- Lead interdisciplinary team members to successfully complete company Quality Assurance measures
- Recognized achievements in development of resident art program with highlight in monthly company newsletter
Recreation Therapist
WEIRTON MEDICAL CENTER
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Developed and facilitated therapeutic programs for older adult patients in an acute care behavioral health unit
- Accomplishments: Community outreach programming to educate local seniors on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Included exercise routines, managing stress, healthy coping strategies, leisure education, and identifying symptoms of mental illness
- Developed an animal assisted therapy program to reduce anxiety, depression, & feelings of isolation
Recreation Services Supervisor
LIFE Pittsburgh
07.2007 - 09.2012
- Supervision of Recreation Assistants, center based Personal Care Assistants, and volunteers, to plan, organize, and lead therapeutic programming to promote cognitive, physical, emotional, and spiritual health for senior citizens living in the community
- Working in conjunction with Interdisciplinary Treatment Team, clients, and the client's families to assure clients functional needs are met through the recreation activities provided at day center, discussing leisure options in the community to help maintain independence
- Management and oversite of staff in providing a safe and caring environment for the clients through scheduling, educational training, and daily mentoring
Recreation Therapist
The Eddy-Cohoes Rehabilitation Center / Nursing Facility
09.2005 - 05.2007
- Provided educational and leisure based programming to adults in an in-patient Physical Rehabilitation setting
- Individual Leisure Counseling provided to patients recovering from CVA's, knee/hip replacements, or other traumatic physical injuries to support healthy leisure choices to maintain optimal health
- Assisted Activity Aides in development of therapeutic programming for long term care unit
- Planned and facilitated community outings for inclusion and integration.
- Conducted thorough assessments to evaluate patient needs and develop appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Recreation Therapist
Albany Medical Center
04.1998 - 12.2002
- Planned and organized therapeutic group programming and individual counseling for adults 18-75 on an acute Behavioral Health unit
- Emphasis of group topics focused on Life Skills, Anger Management, Stress Management, Healthy Relationships, and Leisure Education
- Managed case load of 13 patients to observe and document behavior changes in groups and on unit during short term admission
- Frequent communication with Interdisciplinary Team to discuss progress and response to treatment
- Supervision and training of Recreation Therapy college student interns
Recreation Leader
Vanderheyden Hall
05.1997 - 04.1998
- Planned and organized team building and recreation based activities for At-Risk Youth to increase self-esteem, healthy interpersonal relationships, and emotional regulation
- Therapeutic groups developed and facilitated at various group home locations and the main campus for children ages 6-12 and 13-18 with emotional and conduct disorders
- Community Leisure outings planned weekly along with clients input to promote healthy choices and responsibility
- Organization and implementation of monthly special events including camping trips, dances, Prom, and fundraisers to support the organization
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Counseling
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA01-2026
Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation
Utica University
Utica, NY05-1997
Certification
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) - National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
- CPI Certified Instructor April 2021 to April 2023 Facilitator of verbal de-escalation techniques & physical intervention strategies for staff & client safety.
Timeline
Program Director/ Consultant
West Coast Healing, LLC
02.2022 - 01.2023
Assistant Program Director
Harborview Center for Behavioral Health
03.2021 - 02.2022
Recreation Therapist
Southern California Hospital at Culver City
07.2018 - Current
Activities Director
HCR ManorCare
07.2013 - 06.2018
Recreation Therapist
WEIRTON MEDICAL CENTER
09.2012 - 06.2013
Recreation Services Supervisor
LIFE Pittsburgh
07.2007 - 09.2012
Recreation Therapist
The Eddy-Cohoes Rehabilitation Center / Nursing Facility
09.2005 - 05.2007
Recreation Therapist
Albany Medical Center
04.1998 - 12.2002
Recreation Leader
Vanderheyden Hall
05.1997 - 04.1998
Master of Arts - Clinical Counseling
Pepperdine University
Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation
Utica University
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