Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteerismandprofessionaldevelopment
Professionallicensure
Hobbies
Personal Interests
Timeline
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Cayla Smith

Cedar Falls,IA

Summary

An aspiring Marriage and Family Therapist with a systemic, trauma-informed, and culturally-sensitive lens passionately dedicated to improve the human experience through the development of an authentic therapeutic relationship built through genuine curiosity, safety, trust, and unconditional positive regard.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Marriage & Family Therapy Internship

LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWA
12.2023 - Current
  • Provide Community-Based In-Person and Telehealth Co-Therapy to couples, families, adults and children under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional (i.e LISW, LMHC, LMSW, LMFT).
  • Improved family communication by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
  • Enhanced clients' coping skills through solution-focused, dialectical-behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapeutic techniques.
  • Collaboratively developed individualized treatment plans to address specific needs and goals of clients.
  • Implemented crisis intervention strategies for individuals and families in distress, leading to stabilization and improved functioning.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care coordination and optimal client outcomes.
  • Provided psychoeducation to clients on mental health conditions, fostering understanding and self-awareness.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to determine appropriate therapeutic approaches in collaboration with client systems to meet the needs of each client's unique circumstances.
  • Continuously observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment, and adjusted therapeutic intervention as appropriate to meet client needs.
  • Served a diverse population of children, adults, couples and families.
  • Supported the development of individual treatment plans and assisted in managing treatment plan oversight to fully address each client's holistic needs.
  • Displayed professionalism, authenticity, unconditional positive regard, curiosity, flexibility, compassion, respect, honesty, and accountability when working with client systems, clinical staff, and external resources.
  • Received weekly individual supervision with a licensed mental health professional (i.e. LISW).
  • Gained valuable experience working within the mental health industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
  • Collaborated effectively with team members across departments, fostering a cohesive work environment conducive to accomplishing shared objectives.
  • Empowered clients by teaching effective problem-solving strategies and building resilience within the family unit.
  • Established rapport with diverse clientele, creating a safe environment for open dialogue and growth.
  • Utilized play therapy techniques with children to facilitate expression of emotions and processing of traumatic experiences.
  • Assisted families in developing healthy boundaries, resulting in stronger relationships among members.
  • Supported parents in navigating challenging situations such as divorce or custody disputes, reducing stressors in the family system.
  • Increased parental involvement through education on child development stages and parenting strategies, fostering positive change throughout the family unit.
  • Created customized behavioral modification plans for children experiencing disruptive behavior issues at home or school environments.
  • Addressed intergenerational trauma within families by implementing culturally sensitive interventions that promote healing across generations.
  • Connected clients with community resources such as support groups or additional services when needed.
  • Continually developed professional skills by participating in ongoing trainings and staying informed about current research in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.
  • Maintained accurate and thorough documentation in notes and client records in accordance with licensing standards.
  • Collaborated with other mental health professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans.
  • Facilitated ongoing assessment of client and family needs and implementation of therapeutic treatment plan.
  • Conducted therapeutic individual and family therapy sessions.
  • Conducted intake and needs assessments to set therapeutic goals and establish professional therapeutic relationships with clients.
  • Delivered counseling services to families and couples dealing with familial issues.
  • Mediated conflicts within couples and family systems to clarify and resolve underlying issues.
  • Educated clients and families on importance of mental health and self-care.
  • Counseled clients on concerns such as unsatisfactory relationships, familial concerns, financial difficulties, grief/loss, chronic illnesses, etc.
  • Developed and implemented creative interventions to engage individuals, couples and families to promote therapeutic progress.
  • Countered problematic behavior with healthy alternatives to enhance mental, emotional and physical wellness.

Social Worker

ABCM REHABILITATION CENTERS OF INDEPENDENCE (ABCM CORPORATION)
07.2023 - Current
  • Complete the comprehensive psychosocial assessment and corresponding evaluations of residents.
  • Evaluate resident’s emotional, social, financial and environmental resources.
  • Assist resident and family in developing goals and interventions of care.
  • Develop and maintain individualized and person-centered social services care plans.
  • Initiate and follow up on referrals for additional services/supports identified for residents and/or families.
  • Facilitate discharge planning processes and procedures.
  • Facilitate Care Plan Conferences with residents, families and the interdisciplinary team.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all resident protected health information.
  • Collaborate with community partners to ensure high quality of care is provided for each resident.
  • Interview residents, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
  • Educate families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
  • Support residents and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
  • De-escalate stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
  • Advocate for residents to assure respected rights and wishes.
  • Improve resident well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
  • Monitor residents' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
  • Advocate for residents' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
  • Display professionalism, flexibility, compassion, respect, honesty, and accountability when working with residents, family members, and all personnel.

LTSS Community-Based Case Manager

AMERIGROUP IOWA (ELEVANCE HEALTH)
04.2022 - 07.2023
  • Performed face-to-face program assessments for identification, coordination, and management of an client Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waivers.
  • Utilized tools and pre-defined identification processes, identify members with potential clinical health care needs, and coordinate the member’s case with the clinical healthcare management and interdisciplinary team in order to provide care coordination support.
  • Served as mentor, subject matter expert and/or preceptor for new staff, assisted in the formal training of new staff, and maintained involvement in process improvement initiatives.
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
  • Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
  • Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
  • Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
  • Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
  • Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
  • Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing concerns or grievances in a timely manner.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
  • Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
  • Fostered open lines of communication with clients' families and support networks, involving them in the case management process as appropriate.
  • Strengthened relationships with community organizations to increase access to supportive resources for clients in need.
  • Evaluated treatment plans against individual goals and healthcare standards.
  • Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to determine timely delivery of services.
  • Promoted a safe environment for vulnerable populations by reporting suspected abuse or neglect as mandated by law.
  • Provided education on health and nutrition for patients to maintain healthy habits and wellbeing.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.

Social Services Coordinator

PINNACLE SPECIALTY CARE (CARE INITIATIVES)
02.2021 - 12.2021


  • Evaluated resident’s holistic physical, emotional, social, spiritual, financial and environmental needs and resources.
  • Developed and maintained individualized and person-centered social services care plans.
  • Initiated and followed up on referrals for additional services/supports identified for residents and/or informal supports.
  • Facilitated discharge planning processes and procedures.
  • Advocated for Resident Rights
  • Maintained confidentiality of all resident protected health information in accordance with rules and regulations.
  • Completed and followed up on all insurance reviews for residents receiving skilled care services/supports.
  • Collaborated with community partners to ensure high quality of care is provided for each resident.
  • Displayed professionalism, flexibility, compassion, respect, honesty, and accountability when working with residents, family members, and all personnel.
  • Cultivated positive, trusting relationships with clients and community providers to promote effective coordination of resources.
  • Gathered information from mental and physical health and educational records to make recommendations and determine appropriate care plans.
  • Provided crisis intervention, guidance and supportive counseling to clients.
  • Collaborated with colleagues in other departments or agencies to develop best practices for service provision and coordination within the community.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of client needs, identifying appropriate resources and referrals for maximum support.
  • Monitored client progress through regular follow-up meetings, adjusting care plans as needed to ensure optimal results.
  • Trained new hires on facility policies and procedures, ensuring a smooth transition into their role as Social Services Coordinators.
  • Led interdisciplinary team meetings, fostering collaboration among professionals for improved client outcomes.
  • Streamlined communication between clients, agencies, and service providers for efficient service delivery.
  • Managed caseloads efficiently while maintaining high-quality service standards and meeting performance goals.
  • Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives.

Nursing Home Administrator

MAPLE MANOR VILLAGE (ABCM CORPORATION)
09.2019 - 01.2021
  • Overseen the operations of a 50-Bed Skilled Nursing Facility and 18-Unit Independent & Assisted Living Facility.
  • Overseen operations and finances of the Healthy Living Home Care and Onward Programs.
  • Overseen operations and finances of the Transportation & Home Delivered Meals Programs.
  • Census Development for a 50-Bed Skilled Nursing Facility and a 18-Unit Independent & Assisted Living Facility.
  • Facilitated admissions, discharges and transfers for residents and tenants.
  • Overseen the implementation and aherence to all policies and procedures established by ABCM Corporation.
  • Presented ABCM Corporation with reports to reflect services and financial activities of the facility and corresponding programs.
  • Established and monitored Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement programs and standards to ensure high quality care for residents, tenants, personnel and recipients of services/supports provided.
  • Ensured compliance with all Federal, State and Local governmental or regulatory agencies.
  • Supervised and enhanced staff morale and retention through regular team meetings, professional development opportunities, and open communication channels for a team of 70 employees.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize resident care outcomes and promote a holistic approach to healthcare.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for nursing home employees, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by conducting internal audits and addressing areas of improvement promptly.
  • Coordinated staff schedules to maintain optimal staffing levels throughout the facility while minimizing overtime costs.
  • Drove efficient use of resources within the facility through careful monitoring of equipment inventory levels.
  • Championed staff recognition programs, celebrating achievements and milestones in order to boost morale and foster a positive work environment.
  • Managed budgets effectively, identifying cost-saving measures while maintaining high-quality care standards.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by regularly soliciting feedback from staff members on processes and procedures.
  • Collaborated with local healthcare providers to establish partnerships that improved access to specialized care for residents.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by ensuring proper handover procedures were followed consistently.
  • Kept accurate records of all administrative tasks, including resident assessments, incident reports, and billing documentation to maintain transparency with stakeholders.
  • Promoted a safe living environment by adhering to strict infection control protocols and routinely reviewing facility safety measures.
  • Streamlined admissions process for smoother resident transitions and increased occupancy rates.
  • Handled crisis situations calmly and efficiently, liaising with emergency services when necessary to ensure the wellbeing of all involved parties.
  • Improved resident satisfaction by developing and implementing person-centered care plans.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.

Social Worker and Quality & Compliance Manager

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
09.2017 - 09.2019
  • Coordinated internal and external admissions processes and procedures for the Friendship Village Health Centers.
  • Managed the quality improvement functions of the Social Services and Activities Departments.
  • Ensured Social Services and Activities Departments maintained compliance with both federal and state regulations.
  • Compliance Liaison for Friendship Village Health Centers under the direction of the Vice President of Health Services.
  • Maintained knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations for skilled long-term care facilities.
  • Assisted management in the oversight and development of facility policies and procedures.
  • Ensured and advocated for each resident’s psychosocial well-being and overall quality of life.
  • Initiated and coordinated discharge planning processes and procedures for the Friendship Village Health Centers.
  • Facilitated Care Plan Conferences with interdisciplinary teams, residents and legal representatives.
  • Developed and maintained individualized and person-centered Social Services Care Plans.
  • Advocated for Resident Rights
  • Maintained quarterly, annual, significant change and as needed documentation related to Social Services.
  • Maintained confidentiality of all resident protected health information in accordance with HIPAA.
  • Initiated and maintained professional relationships with community organizations and partners.
  • Displayed professionalism, flexibility, compassion, respect, honesty, and accountability when working with residents, family members, and all personnel.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for residents.
  • Supported residents and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
  • De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
  • Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
  • Improved resident well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
  • Monitored residents' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
  • Assisted residents with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
  • Advocated for residents' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
  • Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
  • Increased resident engagement in treatment plans by building trusting relationships through empathetic listening and consistent support.
  • Contributed to policy development efforts within the organization or broader community context, advocating for systemic change that would benefit residents' needs more effectively over time.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven approaches, identifying areas of improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
  • Assisted residents in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
  • Documented resident progress and activities in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
  • Evaluated residents' social, emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for residents.

Education

MASTER OF ARTS - MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY

MT. MERCY UNIVERSITY
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
08.2024

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
05.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Gerontology: Long-Term Care Administration

University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
05.2014

Skills

  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Systemic Clinical Skills in Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Empathic Attunement
  • Collaboration
  • Curiosity

Volunteerismandprofessionaldevelopment

  • CHILD ABUSE MANDATORY REPORTER TRAINING, January 2022
  • DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE MANDATORY REPORTER TRAINING, January 2022
  • DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP, January 2019
  • CEDAR VALLEY SENIOR CONNECTIONS OFFICER – SECRETARY, March 2017 – May 2018
  • CERTIFIED INFORMATION & REFERRAL SPECIALIST - AGING/DISABILITIES, 2017
  • POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS CLASS LEADER CERTIFICATION, 2017
  • TEEPA SNOW DEMENTIA SKILLS TRAINING, 2015 & 2013

Professionallicensure

Iowa nursing home administrator, State of Iowa board of Nursing Home administrators, 10/19/2018, 01/01/2020, 12/31/2021, 093199

Hobbies

  • Spending time with Family

Personal Interests

  • Spending Quality Time with Family
  • Walking with my Dogs
  • Kayaking
  • Reading
  • Cooking
  • Baking

Timeline

Marriage & Family Therapy Internship

LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWA
12.2023 - Current

Social Worker

ABCM REHABILITATION CENTERS OF INDEPENDENCE (ABCM CORPORATION)
07.2023 - Current

LTSS Community-Based Case Manager

AMERIGROUP IOWA (ELEVANCE HEALTH)
04.2022 - 07.2023

Social Services Coordinator

PINNACLE SPECIALTY CARE (CARE INITIATIVES)
02.2021 - 12.2021

Nursing Home Administrator

MAPLE MANOR VILLAGE (ABCM CORPORATION)
09.2019 - 01.2021

Social Worker and Quality & Compliance Manager

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
09.2017 - 09.2019

MASTER OF ARTS - MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY

MT. MERCY UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Northern Iowa

Bachelor of Arts - Gerontology: Long-Term Care Administration

University of Northern Iowa

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Cayla Smith