Bernice Harkins
Roanoke,TX
Summary
Reliable Veterans Outreach Specialist offering diplomatic and persuasive communication skills focused on increasing program participation and effectiveness. Maintains open and positive relationships with current and prospective clients with regular follow up. Brings in new contacts through polished presentations and informational workshops. Strong background in supporting client treatment plans. Compassionate and driven with unfailing work ethic and passion for helping others.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterans Outreach Specialist
Department Of Veteran Affairs Readjustment Counsel
Pantego, TX
11.2014 - Current
- Delivers presentations to community partners and stakeholders throughout DFW Metroplex regarding eligibility for Vet Center services.
- Coordinates outreach events and provide resources to community partners and address needs of Servicemembers, Veterans, Retirees, and their families. Establishes outreach service provision with military installations, Reserve Units and National Guard facilities within designated geographical area by providing transitional assistance.
- Assist clients with Vocational Rehabilitation, Employment assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration, Social Security, Homelessness, enrollment into Veteran Health Administration, and financial assistance.
- Work closely with local stakeholders and regional media including television, radio, and print media, to alert newly returning Servicemembers and their families to Vet Center services and activities.
- Provides training and information to VA staff, other federal agencies, and community agencies regarding both Vet Center Services, Combat/GWOT experience.
- Organizes and participates in myriad of community activities and events that have high probability of Combat Veterans present such as “Welcome Home” parades and picnics.
- Provide presentations for suicide awareness by entrusting S.A.V.E. to Veterans and staff members.
- Executes responsibilities as assigned by Vet Center Director to complete reports to include RCSnet, recurring and non-recurring reports in an accurate and timely manner.
- Ensures all pertinent client contact and outreach documentation is performed in a timely manner in accordance with VA and Readjustment Counseling *Services (RCS) policies and procedures. Complies with privacy and confidentiality statues including HIPPA provisions.
Social Work Internship
Center For Clinical Social Work
Arlington, TX
01.2017 - 06.2017
- Independently assessed psychosocial functioning and needs of clients and their family members to formulate and implement treatment plan, identified client's problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and assistance needed, in collaboration with client, family and interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Provided knowledge and experience in use of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. Independently provided counseling and/or psychotherapy services to individuals, groups, and families. Practiced within bounds of internship.
- Provided psychosocial treatment and implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families and groups who are experiencing variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
- Used independent judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving or crisis intervention techniques, managed caseload of 20 clients.
- Completed bio-psychosocial histories and assessments; developed individualized service plans and implementing interventions identified. Conducted clinical case management utilizing motivational interviewing. Provided direct practice in children and families by facilitating psycho-educational parenting-in-recovery groups.
- Conducted home visits; provide therapy for children who have experienced trauma; and assess family functioning.
- Provided peer advocacy by assisting Student Veterans entering or re-entering post-secondary education with guidance, mentorship, and advocacy services, as needed.
- Conducted groups for military children, Veterans, and families with Youth Resiliency Program. Facilitated suicide prevention groups.
- Mediated between family members to facilitate conflict resolution and build healthy family relationships
Social Work Internship
S.A.V.E Program
Arlington, TX
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Coordinated outreach activities with local Arlington Independent School District.
- Facilitated weekly instructional parenting, anger management, and sexual assault groups.
- Conducted home visits and provided resources to families for financial assistance, food programs, women, and children care, etc.
- Performed case management; instructional groups, and implemented engagement skills including motivational interviewing techniques.
- Utilized standardized measures and evidenced-based interventions when working with research and clients.
- Completed macro project with Arlington Independent School District for National Child Abuse Prevention Month by organizing puppet presentation to second graders.
- Worked with community partners to provide resources for families in need of food, shelter, education, and clothing.
Program Specialist
Department Of Veteran Affairs
Dallas, TX
08.2013 - 11.2014
- Researched and/or analyzed problems, issues, or program requirements. Routinely researched and analyzed data submitted by clinical and non-clinical services for reports complied for Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) including Readjustment Counseling Services (RCS) and RNS reports.
- Developed training, principles, process and practices associated with adult learning, clinical, general, and administrative education.
- Determined pertinent issues and collected relevant information from a variety of sources to maintain current standards of excellence within the Education Service.
- Operated all phases of computer-based training software applications, specifically Talent Management System (TMS), to design program, track usage, load and edit training materials and courses from inception to completion.
- Coordinated collation and tracing of input from services, working with other services toward complete reports, preparation, and support as required to assure accuracy and reporting by deadline for submission set by VISN and/or Central Office.
- Worked closely with all services, to include Veteran Administration to ensure appropriate actions are taken regarding trainees, Associated Health trainee positions, and residents.
- Worked with Designated Learning Officer (DLO) and Employee Education System (EES) to ensure that Veterans Affairs reviews newly developed guidelines and applies standard analytical techniques in meeting corresponding requirements.
- Developed recommendations and proposals based upon these guidelines. Reviewed and/or prepared correspondence with OAA.
Ombudsman
United States Army MEDCOM
Fort Bliss, TX
01.2008 - 08.2013
- Acted independent, impartial and neutral mediator for Warriors in Transition and their Families by proactively seeking opportunities to interact with Soldiers thereby addressing problems/issues immediately and decisively.
- Provided services to Servicemembers, Veterans, and families who are faced with complex, often overwhelming issues such as healthcare, finance, and physical disability processing.
- Served as liaison between patient, hospital staff, and community for issues pertaining to client's treatment and advocacy.
- Utilized variety of interpersonal, communication, problem solving and negotiation skills to identify, validate, and resolve patient's concerns.
- Provided assistance and consultation to ensure issues were elevated to appropriate channels to expedite resolution when needed. Provided channels through which Soldiers, Veterans, and families can seek solutions to problems, concerns, and unresolved needs.
- Worked with healthcare providers and administrative support staff, throughout local Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), to resolve problems and minimize patient complaints.
- Provided information to clients regarding transitioning from military, Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security Administration, Family Advocacy Program, Military OneSource, etc.
- Mastered understanding of organization's mission, policies, procedures, and services to respond to Soldiers' questions or concerns.
- Direct access to Base Commander and all other elements of Chain-of-Command, provided presentations and briefings of any serious patient care problems, particularly those that have potential for harm to Soldier or others.
- Interviewed patients to determine basis for complaint or inquiry and performs fact-finding to resolve situation. Answered wide variety of questions requiring comprehensive knowledge of overall functioning of MTF and military healthcare system.
- Maintained database to track and monitor issues, resolution, and outcomes. Produced valid and timely reports to MEDCOM Medical Assistant Group for consolidation and posting to Army Knowledge Online (AKO).
- Established and maintained liaison with Commanders of each MTF, representatives from all components, Veterans Administration, and other government agencies to coordinate and resolve medical related issues.
Counseling Internship
United States Army Substance Abuse Program
Fort Bliss, TX
10.2004 - 10.2008
- Applied variety of psychological methods and techniques in screening, assessment, and evaluation of clients.
- Counseled clients to help understand and overcome personal, social and behavioral problems.
- Maintained up-to-date clinical documentation via electronic recordkeeping systems.
- Maintained high level of patient confidentiality to comply with all federal and company regulations.
- Reviewed case files to better assess client needs and proper course of treatment.
- Encouraged participants to open up and share thoughts at group counseling sessions.
- Conducted client consultations and collaborated with other agency professionals to discuss courses of treatment.
Training Facilitator
Medical Simulation Training Center
Fort Bliss, TX
05.2007 - 01.2008
- Evaluated success of training programs and recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
- Collected data on program effectiveness through surveying, data analysis and other methods and implemented solutions for improvement.
- Facilitated dialogue between participants, family and program workers to provide best possible program and individualized program.
- Administered assessments before, during and after courses.
- Collected data on program efficacy through data analysis and implemented solutions for improvement.
Supervisor of Department of Medicine
United States Army
Fort Bliss, TX
12.2002 - 08.2007
- Advised Chief, Department of Medicine and Hospital Deputy Commander of Clinical Services on all matters pertaining to welfare, moral, performance and conduct of 24 clinical services, 31 enlisted, 29 officers, and 44 civilian personnel.
- Developed, analyzed, prepared, and delivered detailed executive summaries and briefings relative to all events and reports; ensured briefings and summaries prepared in various formats.
- Provided new employees with training and ongoing guidance on organizational procedures, policies and best practices.
- Responsible for interviewing and counseling military personnel to help them to develop and achieve valid military career goals/subsequent civilian occupations after transitioning from military.
- Ensured Military Treatment Facility (MTF) policies and procedures regarding patient's information are in complaint with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) requirements and Joint Commission Accreditation Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) standards.
- Provided developmental guidance and assisted identification, implementation, and maintenance of organization information privacy policies.
- Logistic Manager of budget valued at $6.8K.
- Knowledge of different diagnostic assessment process used in rehabilitation and personal adjustment counseling and effect of disabilities.
Senior Flight Personnel Supervisor
United States Army
Wheeler Army Airfield, HI
07.2000 - 12.2002
- Supervised 14 Soldiers during Aero Medical Evacuation Missions for island of Hawaii.
- Managed budget and medical equipment valued over $600K. Maintained nine UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, vehicles maintenance programs, records, prevented maintenance checks and services (PMCS).
- Conducted over 300 hours of Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic (MAST) in support of patient care.
- Led Company as unit First Sergeant and was responsible for training 200 Soldiers and Officers. *Maintained 100% Basic Life Support certification within unit, nine of which were trained as CPR Instructors.
Emergency Room Director
United States Army
West Point , NY
06.1998 - 07.2000
- Supervised and managed 10-bed emergency room/acute care clinic.
- Worked with nurses to assess patients and prepare for tests and procedures.
- Oversaw staff operations, business planning and budget development.
- Ensured services are in compliance with professional standards, state and federal regulatory requirements. *Conducted related ongoing compliance monitoring activities in accordance with Military Treatment Facility (MTF) compliance program and JCAHO. *Supervised comprehensive medical care for over thousand patients each month.
- Senior Advisor to Chief, Emergency Medical Service, supervised 19 enlisted personnel, and 12 civilian personnel.
- Requisitioned all medical and administrative supplies and maintained annual budget of 480K.
- Maintained three EMS vehicles worth $150K each. Provided developmental guidance and assisted in identification, implementation, and maintenance of organization information privacy policies.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, TX05.2017
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Webster University Kansas City, MO United States
Kansas City, MO United States05.2005
Skills
- Client Engagement and Assistance
- Educational Outreach
- Client Privacy
- Customer Relationship Management
- Dynamic Communication Skills
- Community Events
- Outreach Strategies
- Patient Health Information Privacy
- Admissions Intake
- Prepare Reports
- Mental Health Crisis Response
- Career Development
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers - member
- Phi Alpha Social Work - member
- The Key Veterans Ministry - President
- National Association of Black Military Women - member
Certification
- Licensed Social Work - March 31, 2023
- Certified Lean Six Sigma White and Yellow
Timeline
Social Work Internship
Center For Clinical Social Work
01.2017 - 06.2017
Social Work Internship
S.A.V.E Program
01.2016 - 06.2016
Veterans Outreach Specialist
Department Of Veteran Affairs Readjustment Counsel
11.2014 - Current
Program Specialist
Department Of Veteran Affairs
08.2013 - 11.2014
Ombudsman
United States Army MEDCOM
01.2008 - 08.2013
Training Facilitator
Medical Simulation Training Center
05.2007 - 01.2008
Counseling Internship
United States Army Substance Abuse Program
10.2004 - 10.2008
Supervisor of Department of Medicine
United States Army
12.2002 - 08.2007
Senior Flight Personnel Supervisor
United States Army
07.2000 - 12.2002
Emergency Room Director
United States Army
06.1998 - 07.2000
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of Texas Arlington
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Webster University Kansas City, MO United States
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