CARMEN L. RIVERA
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Strategic nonprofit leader with 10+ years of experience overseeing behavioral health and social service programs serving high-risk and vulnerable populations. Proven expertise in executive leadership, program operations, regulatory compliance, and multidisciplinary team management. Strong background in working with government systems, contract compliance, and community partnerships. Recognized for driving organizational growth, improving service delivery, and leading high-performing teams in complex, regulated environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Director – ORR Behavioral Health Program
A New Leaf
Phoenix, AZ
04.2022 - 12.2025
- Provide executive-level oversight of a federally funded behavioral health program serving 100+ high-risk youth annually
- Lead strategic operations including program development, compliance, staffing, and performance management
- Collaborate with federal stakeholders (ORR) and external partners to ensure contract compliance and program integrity
- Oversee multidisciplinary teams of 20+ staff, including case management, clinical, and support services
- Direct crisis response systems and ensure adherence to trauma-informed and behavioral health best practices
- Manage program operations aligned with regulatory requirements, audits, and corrective action plans
- Strengthen partnerships with community agencies, improving access to resources and continuity of care
- Contribute to organizational planning, process improvement, and operational efficiency initiatives
Lead Case Manager
A New Leaf
Phoenix, AZ
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Led case management operations supporting youth and families with complex behavioral health and social service needs
- Conducted assessments, coordinated services, and ensured compliance with program and regulatory standards
- Supervised case management processes, documentation accuracy, and audit readiness
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to support client outcomes
Case Manager / Clinician
Sage Counseling
Phoenix, AZ
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Conducted behavioral health and substance use assessments for court-mandated clients
- Coordinated referrals across behavioral health, housing, and workforce systems
- Maintained compliance with documentation and clinical standards
Victim Advocate
New Life Center
Goodyear, AZ
12.2019 - 05.2021
- Provided crisis intervention, safety planning, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence
- Built partnerships with community organizations and coordinated support services
- Facilitated outreach initiatives and support programs
Education
Bachelor of Social Sciences - Criminal Justice
University of Puerto Rico
Paralegal Studies - Litigation Concentration
University of West Los Angeles
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Board Relations & Governance
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Behavioral Health & Human Services
- Contract Compliance (State/Federal)
- Budget Oversight & Financial Management
- Program Development & Expansion
- Community & Government Partnerships
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Organizational Operations
- Staff Leadership & Development
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
Certification
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Crisis Intervention
- Suicidal Ideation & Risk Assessment
Languages
Bilingual: English & Spanish
EXECUTIVE HIGHLIGHTS (ALIGNMENT WITH ROLE)
- Experience working within government-regulated systems (federal ORR programs)
- Strong background in compliance, audits, and contract-driven environments
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and complex operations
- Experience building community partnerships and stakeholder relationships
- Demonstrated leadership in high-acuity behavioral health environments
Timeline
Program Director – ORR Behavioral Health Program
A New Leaf
04.2022 - 12.2025
Lead Case Manager
A New Leaf
06.2021 - 04.2022
Case Manager / Clinician
Sage Counseling
04.2021 - 09.2021
Victim Advocate
New Life Center
12.2019 - 05.2021
Paralegal Studies - Litigation Concentration
University of West Los Angeles
Bachelor of Social Sciences - Criminal Justice
University of Puerto Rico