Carmen Contreras
Salem,OR
Summary
Dedicated Direct Support Professional with a proven track record at Sunny Oaks, skilled in compassionate caregiving and behavior redirection. Successfully organized engaging activities that enhanced client participation and independence. Adept at building relationships and collaborating with healthcare teams to implement effective care plans, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all clients.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Sunny Oaks
03.2023 - 04.2025
- Organized recreational activities to boost client participation.
- Trained new staff on best practices for client support, safety protocols, and documentation procedures.
- Monitored client behavior and provided timely interventions to prevent crises or escalate situations.
- Advocated for client needs by coordinating with families and external resources for comprehensive support services.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
Mental Health Technician
Oregon State Hospital
03.2016 - 01.2019
- Monitored patient behavior and emotional well-being in accordance with treatment plans.
- Assisted in daily living activities to promote patient independence and recovery.
- Documented patient progress and provided updates to healthcare team during meetings.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions under supervision, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Supported crisis intervention efforts, de-escalating situations to ensure patient safety.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with patients, fostering trust and respect.
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
Direct Support Professional
Sunny Oaks
Salem, OR
10.2006 - 06.2016
- Supported individuals in daily tasks to enhance autonomy.
- Supported clients in developing social skills through organized group activities and one-on-one interactions.
- Recorded client progress and behaviors precisely to facilitate team communication.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to implement personalized care plans for diverse needs.
Education
High School Diploma - General Studies
North Salem High School
Salem, OR06.2004
Skills
- Time management
- First aid and safety
- Behavior redirection
- Client support
- Compassionate caregiving
- Medication administration
- Behavioral management
- Client documentation
- Housekeeping tasks
- Health and safety requirements
- Decision-making support
- Relationship building
- Direct patient care
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Sunny Oaks
03.2023 - 04.2025
Mental Health Technician
Oregon State Hospital
03.2016 - 01.2019
Direct Support Professional
Sunny Oaks
10.2006 - 06.2016
High School Diploma - General Studies
North Salem High School