Debra Ellis

• Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared spaces for physician sessions.
• Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and educate community members about services and resources. Coordinated lunch and learn sessions with community members.
• Coordinated patient scheduling, check-in, check-out, and payments for billing.
• Adhered to strict HIPAA guidelines to protect patient privacy.
• Led weekly small education groups with program participants.
• Performed various administrative tasks by filing, copying, and faxing documents.
• Completed administrative patient intakes with case histories, insurance information, and mandated forms.
• Placed new supply orders, managed inventory, and restocked office spaces.
• Greeted visitors and initiated triage processes for clients to streamline patient flow.
• Conducted patient intake interviews, recording and documenting relevant information.
• Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians, and community organizations to promote high-quality patient care
• Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide high-quality of care.

• Facilitated and coordinated admissions to outpatient programs providing medication per physician's orders for treatment of opioid addiction.
• Maintained office space daily, working in partnership with office coordination.
• Participated in community events monthly. Provided community education for service providers, and consumers.
• Provided monthly family and friends support, education groups for persons affected by substance abuse, and mental health wellness, including resource referrals.
• Proven ability to anticipate and meet patient needs through careful observation and assessment.
• Efficiently maintained patient medication and treatment records.
• Worked closely with Physicians to provide Telehealth services.
• Compassionate, empathetic listener; able to set and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Facilitated education & psychotherapy groups.
• Led classes with students 20-30 students.

• Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
• Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
• Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
• Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
• Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
• Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.

• Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
• Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
• Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
• Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
• Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
• Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
• Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping strategies and social skills.
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss progress and treatment plans of clients.
• Supported patients needing medical care to relieve patient anxiety and promote positive outcomes.
• Communicated with clients to assess mental health needs and develop individualized treatment plans.

• Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
• Visited various hospitals and clinics as a fill in licensed staff member as needed.
• Engaged with colleagues in treatment team meetings to promote positive patient treatment outcomes.
• Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to help clients manage mental health difficulties.
• Administered medications to relieve symptoms and monitor effects on clients.
• Delivered compassionate patient care, focusing on safety, comfort and emotional support.
• Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
• 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.

Collaboration/Teamwork

• Adhered to strict HIPAA guidelines to protect patient privacy.
• Managed annual budget of $250,000; provided program outcome reports to county officials.
• Met program growth goals of increasing HIV/ HCV services to incarcerated, homeless, and youth populations.
• Recruitment, selection, and training of 12 paid staff and 75 volunteer staff.
• Communicated articulately and persuasively with individuals & groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Recruited benefactors; raised over $500,000 for the Community Health Outreach Program over a 6-year period.
• Community Health Organizer and Educator with strong communication skills; effective and persuasive presenter to .
• Identified collaborative and networking opportunities with community agencies, community members and local press that resulted in increased resources to meet community needs.
• As Community Chair of the HIV Prevention & Planning Group, developed a successful multi-year plan to advocate at the state-wide level for women, children, families, and people with diverse backgrounds.
• Expanded education of HIV at local high schools teaming up with youth for peer education.
• Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.
• As Community Chair of the HIV Prevention & Planning Group, developed a successful multi-year plan to advocate at the state-wide level for women, children, families, and people with diverse backgrounds.
• Community Health Organizer and Educator with strong communication skills; effective and persuasive presenter to governance boards and community organizations.
• Expanded and implemented HIV education and prevention in local high schools.
• Participating member of ADHOC team to bring a certificated community health worker program to college health services. Supervised clinic hours on-site for students in the program for four years.