Carmen Balandran
Westminster,CA
Summary
Detailed oriented with the ability to multi-task and maintain a strong focus on quality and accuracy. Resolve problems with tact and diplomacy. Function well independently and as part of a cooperative team effort. 30 Years of experience in the mental health field. Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and HMIS programming. Efficient self-motivated, detailed-oriented with superb time management skills. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Program Director
Mental Health Association Of Orange County
01.2014 - Current
- Act as Supervisor on assigned days to ensure the smooth operation of the Multi-Service Center.
- Provide direct supervision to assigned Multi-Service Center staff, conduct performance reviews, and assist in the implementation of Individual Service Plans.
- In the absence of the Program Director, assume responsibility for overall programmatic administration.
- In conjunction with Program Director, develop budget and weekly schedules for Center staff.
- When necessary, serve as liaison with Care Coordinators and other staff in County Outpatient Mental Health System and contract provider system.
- Facilitate weekly group activities, and complete special assignments as agreed upon with the Program Director.
- Create and maintain a positive atmosphere of acceptance for Consumers.
- Ensure services such as showers, laundry, meals, clothing, transportation, resources, reading materials and other activities are offered to Consumers.
- Review case files to ensure they are updated in an accurate and timely fashion.
- Help to ensure that daily statistics are submitted on appropriate forms in an accurate and timely fashion.
- Attend weekly staff meetings and other designated meetings with Orange County Healthcare Agency and other service providers.
- Oversee Probable Cause Hearing and serve as Patients Rights Advocate in court hearings.
- Provide prompt intervention in the event of a crisis.
- Successfully meet and exceed productivity each month
- Collect data documentation of consumers by utilizing HMIS (Homeless Management Information System).
- Maintained accurate records related to client participation, progress tracking, and outcome reporting for internal use and Orange County Healthcare Agency Performance Outcomes.
- Facilitated strong relationships with community partners, collaborating on initiatives to improve program reach and impact.
- Managed human resource goals by recruiting, training, coaching and disciplining employees.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in developing comprehensive plans that address clients' unique goals while promoting overall wellbeing.
- Conducted performance reviews to provide feedback to staff for improvements.
- Exceeded productivity, quality and customer service standards by resolving problems, completing audits, identifying trends and determining system improvements.
- Coached and trained newly hired employees so that each understood job responsibilities and requirements of positions.
- Worked with nurse manager to develop nursing staff through education, evaluation, performance management, and competency improvement.
- Provide ongoing case management to patients to implement appropriate treatment plan, adhere to quality models and maximize utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Coordinated with external community partners such as medical healthcare companies, food donor representatives, and substance use treatment referral sources to ensure continuity of care for patients.
- Participated in community outreach activities to promote awareness and collaboration serving chronic homelessness and persistent mental health disorders.
- Directed crisis intervention services when necessary; provided support during critical incidents, and ensured the well-being of all involved parties.
Personal Service Coordinator – Choices FSP
01.2001 - 01.2014
- Responsible for providing mental health services that allow for intensive integrated service delivery
- Assessment of clients for enrollment in the program and medi-cal related services
- Responsible for process and paperwork required for outreach and reenrollment in the FSP
- Completed paperwork necessary to open, maintain and close a case in a timely and accurate manner
- Advocated for clients in all areas of treatment and helped them apply for and receive plethora of services
- Safely transported clients and other passengers to and from appointments and activities using own or agency vehicle.
Counselor
Mental Health Association Of Orange County
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Provided support to the homeless mentally ill population by working one-on-one to try and reintegrate them into mainstream society
- Completed consumer intakes, individual service plans, and refer consumers to the housing and employment department
- Assisted with day-to-day operation and functions such as cooking, assisting with clothing drives, and leading groups
- Regularly met with consumers to follow up with chart notes and individual service plans
- Trained interns and volunteers with consumer’s intakes, mental status examination form, and various duties.
Probable Cause Hearing Advocate
Patients' Rights Advocacy
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Inform and interview patients in an inpatient psychiatric facility of their rights as it relates to a 5250/ 5270 hold
- Review the patient’s certification to ensure it is in compliance
- Receive permission from the patient to review their chart to support them during the hearing
- Attain a plan of discharge and confirmation by making appropriate phone calls
- Notify patients of WRIT of Habeas Corpus process and option
- Express and advocate the patient’s wishes regarding the hold during the Probable Cause Hearing
- Document notes, and submit Patients’ Rights Assessment form.
Outreach Worker
Mental Health Association Of Orange County
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Assessed needs and eligibility for consumers in order to determine criteria
- Met and build rapport with mentally ill homeless adults on their terms
- Link consumers with county mental health, detox, and other basic needs resources
- Transport consumers to mental health clinics; detox centers, medical services, and social service agencies.
Mental Health Worker
Royale Therapeutic Center
01.1995 - 01.2000
- Referred patients and their families to community resources for housing and treatment
- Assisted in recovery from mental illness, and followed through to ensure service efficacy
- Ensured the safety of patients, and coordinated daily activities for the clients
- Provided basic administrative support for the head nurse.
Intern
Metropolitan State Hospital
01.1992 - 01.1993
- Served as an intern under the direction of the Program Supervisor
- Provided encouragement for the patients to actively participate in identifying his or her needs and goals
- Assist in selecting appropriate therapeutic and rehabilitation service intervention.
Education
Certificate Psychiatric Technology -
Cypress College
Cypress, CA01.1993
Certificate, Medical Assistant -
Bryman College
Anaheim, CA01.1988
Skills
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Counseling
- HIPAA
- Crisis Response
Accomplishments
United to End Homelessness- Unsung Hero Award 2022
Congressman Lou Correa 46th Congressional District- Woman of the Year Award 2023
Orange County Healthcare Agency- 1st Place Winner Behavioral Health Services Contract Staff 2024
Timeline
Assistant Program Director
Mental Health Association Of Orange County
01.2014 - Current
Personal Service Coordinator – Choices FSP
01.2001 - 01.2014
Counselor
Mental Health Association Of Orange County
01.2001 - 01.2002
Probable Cause Hearing Advocate
Patients' Rights Advocacy
01.2000 - 01.2001
Outreach Worker
Mental Health Association Of Orange County
01.2000 - 01.2001
Mental Health Worker
Royale Therapeutic Center
01.1995 - 01.2000
Intern
Metropolitan State Hospital
01.1992 - 01.1993
Certificate Psychiatric Technology -
Cypress College
Certificate, Medical Assistant -
Bryman College
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