APRIL AUSTIN
Chicago,IL
Summary
Master of Occupational Therapy graduate with clinical experience in acute care, community mental health, employment services, and disability support. Strong ability to deliver client-centered, occupation-based interventions while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Currently serving as a Health Services Advocate with experience in medication coordination, healthcare administration, compliance, documentation management, and patient advocacy. Committed to supporting vulnerable populations, improving care continuity, and promoting meaningful participation in daily activities.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Health Services Advocate
Sertoma Star Services
09.2025 - Current
- Coordinate physician orders (POS), prescription renewals, and healthcare documentation across multiple CILA homes.
- Manage communication with PCP offices, specialists, pharmacies, and behavioral health providers.
- Resolve missing medication issues by auditing pharmacy denials and verifying active medication lists.
- Track and document medication discrepancies, refill needs, and follow-up requirements.
- Schedule PCP visits, specialist appointments, labs, and diagnostic testing.
- Support DSP staff and house managers with health protocols and safe practices.
- Assist with vaccine clinics and compliance tasks under nursing leadership.
- Collaborate with QIDPs, nurses, and administrators to ensure timely follow-up.
- Maintain HIPAA-compliant documentation and secure medical communication.
- Utilize fax platforms, portals, and EHR systems for medical coordination.
Surgery Coordinator
For Women Only Medical Building
01.2023 - 09.2025
- Managed scheduling of surgical procedures and operating room time.
- Coordinated communication between hospitals, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff.
- Verified patient insurance and pre-authorization requirements.
- Coordinated patient appointments and prepared surgical documentation.
- Provided pre-operative instructions and addressed patient inquiries.
- Maintained HIPAA standards and accurate medical documentation.
- Streamlined scheduling processes and reduced patient wait times.
- Optimized operating room utilization and improved workflow efficiency.
Student Occupational Therapist – Level II Fieldwork
Sertoma Star Services
01.2025 - 03.2025
- Completed evaluations and occupation-based interventions focused on vocational skills.
- Led work-readiness groups and individual sessions on interviewing and communication.
- Collaborated with employment specialists on client-centered transition plans.
- Advocated in the community by visiting businesses to establish vocational partnerships.
- Provided on-site coaching and job-site assessments.
- Supported workplace communication, self-advocacy, and role expectations.
- Developed structured routines and visual supports for job success.
Student Occupational Therapist – Level II Fieldwork
Advocate Trinity Hospital
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Performed cognitive, physical, and functional assessments for acute and chronic conditions.
- Collaborated with PT, OT, SLP, and physicians for discharge planning.
- Reviewed labs, medical history, and documentation for intervention planning.
- Created and delivered an in-service training to the therapy team on FND.
- Participated in multidisciplinary meetings and complex care planning.
Education
Master of Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Tennessee State University
Nashville05-2018
Skills
- Patient & Consumer Advocacy
- Healthcare coordination & documentation
- Obtaining authorizations
- EHR Systems
- Scheduling & communication
- Group facilitation
- HIPAA compliance
- Leadership & team collaboration
- Microsoft Office & Google Platforms
- Document Review & Filing
- Training delivery
- Interpersonal skills
Certification
- CPR/BLS – Active
- MOCA Certified – Active
- Mandated Reporter Certification – Active
Timeline
Health Services Advocate
Sertoma Star Services
09.2025 - Current
Student Occupational Therapist – Level II Fieldwork
Sertoma Star Services
01.2025 - 03.2025
Student Occupational Therapist – Level II Fieldwork
Advocate Trinity Hospital
09.2024 - 12.2024
Surgery Coordinator
For Women Only Medical Building
01.2023 - 09.2025
Master of Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
Chicago State University
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Tennessee State University