BRANDY HURD
VENTURA,US
Summary
Dedicated behavioral health professional with extensive hands-on experience in residential treatment and high-acuity mental health environments. Recognized for calm and confident leadership, complemented by strong clinical support skills that ensure smooth operations while delivering compassionate, recovery-oriented care. Expertise in group facilitation, crisis de-escalation, care coordination, scheduling, and meticulous documentation within multidisciplinary teams enhances overall service delivery. Committed to ongoing professional development with credentials in the substance use disorder counseling pathway (CCAPP in progress), demonstrating a steadfast dedication to ethics, compliance, and trauma-informed practices.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Lead Clinical Specialist
Amend Treatment
02.2024 - Current
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Engaged with colleagues in treatment team meetings to promote positive patient treatment outcomes.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping strategies and social skills.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss progress and treatment plans of clients.
Client Care Coordinator
4 KIDS 2 KIDS
05.2023 - 04.2024
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new team members in order to ensure they had the necessary knowledge required for their role
- Assessed customer feedback regarding products and services received in order to make improvements where necessary
- Provided excellent customer service to clients, maintaining positive relationships and resolving any issues promptly
- Schedule and provide group instruction pertaining to recovery and coping skills for teen female clients.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Determined need for special assessment activities for complex cases, effectively handling care plans.
- Trained staff on operating procedures and company services.
SPED PARAEDUCATOR
Oxnard School District
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Supervised students on school grounds and on field trips
- Worked one-on-one with students to reinforce learning of materials
- Supervised students during cooling-off time, monitoring behavior.
Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist
4 KIDS 2 KIDS
02.2024 - 05.2023
- Developed strategies to help patients cope with emotional issues related to their disability or illness
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists to develop a holistic approach to patient care
- Assessed patient's functional status through observation and standardized tests such as range-of-motion exercises or gait analysis.
Recovery Support Group Facilitator
AdLiBLA
02.2022 - 07.2022
- Evaluated effectiveness of programs by collecting feedback from participants regarding their experience
- Assisted participants in creating individualized action plans to achieve their goals and objectives
- Integrated evidence-based practices into daily programming activities.
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONAL ASSISTANT
Dr. Kathleen B Gates
05.2019 - 02.2022
- Personally assist the Doctor with her affairs, such as Managing and organizing the calendar and scheduling appointments, meetings, and events
- Monitor reporting and analytics through Zendesk.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
People Creating Success
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Provided gentle care for homebound and disabled clients
- Assisted with activities of daily living and providing comfort and compassion.
MENTAL HEALTH WORKER
Sacramento California Mental Health Treatment Center
04.2004 - 06.2009
- Provide primary care to patients with various mental disorders in a hospital setting, working closely with an interdisciplinary team, such as psychiatrists, doctors, and nurses.
EVENT COORDINATOR/CATERER
Catering Events
07.2002 - 09.2006
- Planned and catered parties and special events, including weddings, birthdays, and business events
- Prepared and cooked menu items for diverse cultural groups
- Researched and reserved venues
- Managed resources within client budget.
GROUP HOME MANAGER
Tabula Rasa Treatment Homes Inc.
10.1998 - 09.2001
- Improved care by identifying and resolving individual and group care deficiencies
- Instruct students on lesson plan concepts, enhancing comprehension and engagement
- Utilize technology and AV equipment to facilitate interactive learning
- Mentor struggling students, improving their understanding and problem-solving skills
- Develop individualized learning plans, boosting academic performance and motivation And following IEP Assist SPED teachers in classroom activities, fostering an inclusive learning environment and promoting student independence
- Facilitated support groups in substance abuse centers, ensuring objective focus on group dynamics
- Enhanced group cohesion, resulting in improved participant engagement and recovery outcomes
- Utilized active listening and conflict resolution skills to address group challenges effectively
- Managed administrative and operational requirements concerning budgetary, recordkeeping, and facilities maintenance needs
- Oversaw team of 8 staff supporting 6 residents with developmental delays and mental health conditions.
Education
Associate of Arts - PSYCHOLOGY/ADS
Oxnard College
US06-2027
A.A. - ARTS HUMAN SERVICES/PSYCHOLOGY - HUMAN SERVICES
American River College
USSkills
- Group facilitation leadership (planning, leading, and guiding therapeutic/psychoeducational groups)
- Quality improvement and process development (creating smoother systems, checklists, and procedures to improve client care and team efficiency)
- Team coordination and cross-functional collaboration
- Client-centered decision-making and advocacy
- Crisis de-escalation and calm leadership under pressure
- Staff scheduling, workflow prioritization, and shift coverage management
- Training, onboarding, and mentoring new staff
- Clear, professional communication and conflict resolution
- Clinical documentation oversight and attention to compliance (HIPAA, policies)
- Problem-solving and rapid response to urgent operational needs
- Program support and group facilitation leadership
- Accountability, reliability, and follow-through on deadlines and tasks
Accomplishments
- Coordinated scheduling for clients/staff weekly
- Trusted to train new hires
- Led groups on relapse prevention / coping skills / mindfulness
- Recognized for documentation accuracy/compliance
Affiliations
NAADAC, ASAM, CCAPP, Helping Hands, SAMHSA, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Certification
CPR/First Aid, CPI/PMAB, HIPAA training, RADT Tech, SUD ASAM Module 1 and Module 2, Relias training certificates.
Timeline
Lead Clinical Specialist
Amend Treatment
02.2024 - Current
Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist
4 KIDS 2 KIDS
02.2024 - 05.2023
Client Care Coordinator
4 KIDS 2 KIDS
05.2023 - 04.2024
SPED PARAEDUCATOR
Oxnard School District
08.2022 - 06.2023
Recovery Support Group Facilitator
AdLiBLA
02.2022 - 07.2022
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONAL ASSISTANT
Dr. Kathleen B Gates
05.2019 - 02.2022
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
People Creating Success
10.2017 - 03.2019
MENTAL HEALTH WORKER
Sacramento California Mental Health Treatment Center
04.2004 - 06.2009
EVENT COORDINATOR/CATERER
Catering Events
07.2002 - 09.2006
GROUP HOME MANAGER
Tabula Rasa Treatment Homes Inc.
10.1998 - 09.2001
A.A. - ARTS HUMAN SERVICES/PSYCHOLOGY - HUMAN SERVICES
American River College
Associate of Arts - PSYCHOLOGY/ADS
Oxnard College