Dennis Heedt
Pueblo,CO
Summary
Behavioral Health Professional with expertise in quality management and improvement. Delivered exceptional client care through effective leadership and collaboration while enhancing patient engagement and satisfaction. Committed to fostering a positive work environment and operational excellence in healthcare delivery.
Overview
7
7
years of post-secondary education
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Rights and Advocacy Specialist/Healthcare Specialist III
Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo
Pueblo, USA
08.2023 - Current
- Ensure patients’ rights are respected and that staff are following protocols/policies.
- Resolve patient grievances and complaints through extensive problem solving.
- Facilitated patient counsel meetings and coordinated activities to increase patient engagement and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care strategies.
- Planned and coordinated quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care outcomes.
- Make policy and procedure recommendations.
- Collaborate with health professionals, administration, and executive committees.
- Provided supervision to patient rights staff to ensure proper documentation and performance.
- Participated in ongoing training and compliance activities.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure efficient workflow processes.
- Assisted in developing strategies to increase customer satisfaction levels.
- Researched and analyzed customer feedback to identify improvement areas, informing strategy adjustments.
- Analyzed customer needs and recommended appropriate products or services.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements for healthcare delivery systems.
- Provided assistance to executive personnel to foster patient progression and achieve recovery goals.
- Participated in quality assurance programs designed to improve clinical outcomes.
- Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Committee member.
Mental Health Clinician II
Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo
Pueblo, USA
02.2021 - 08.2023
- Conducted wellness and accountability checks on patients throughout shifts to ensure safety and adherence to care plans.
- Led ITP sessions to educate patients on basic legal knowledge, fostering understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
- Documented client progress and maintained accurate records per regulations.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during critical situations.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and mental health resources available.
- Mentored junior clinicians in best practices and therapeutic techniques.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions on topics such as coping skills, anger management, anxiety reduction, stress management, and relapse prevention.
- Educated patients about healthy nutrition, exercise routines, and sleep hygiene for improved health. for overall wellness.
Server
Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Pueblo, USA
01.2019 - 07.2020
- Delivered efficient table service in fast-paced, high-volume environment, ensuring compliance with RSOA laws and restrictions.
- Delivered alcohol service in compliance with regulations.
- Ensured responsible alcohol service to promote guest safety and compliance.
Outbound Warehouse Worker
Target Warehouse
Pueblo, USA
04.2019 - 01.2020
- Executed loading of trucks to ensure timely dispatch from conveyors at 450 boxes per hour.
- Sorted non-conveyable items efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and timely processing.
- Maintained certification on cage tugger by staying updated on company rules and regulations.
Night Stocker and Receiver
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Pueblo, USA
02.2019 - 04.2019
- Received and stocked incoming freight from the distribution center to maintain availability for customer sales.
Healthcare Specialist III and Opioid Treatment Technician
Health Solutions
Pueblo, USA
05.2016 - 01.2019
- Interviewed incoming adult clients and conducted a thorough admission process to include creating individualized Treatment Plans specific to each client.
- Managed patient intake processes and ensured accurate data entry.
- Coordinated healthcare services with multidisciplinary teams for patient support.
- Facilitated communication between patients and healthcare providers for effective care.
- Facilitated client engagement in personal care and daily routines, including hygiene, stress management, and recreational activities.
- Consulted with each client’s family and community agency to support client-centered care and foster collaboration.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to promote safety and well-being for clients and staff throughout the unit.
- Ensured proficiency in using electronic health records for accurate documentation and proficiency with the organization’s electronic health record, and kept accurate, complete, and up-to-date records with 100% compliance with company, state, and federal policies and procedures.
- Developed patient education materials to enhance understanding of treatment plans.
- Trained staff on best practices for patient interaction and record management.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements for healthcare delivery systems.
Lead Behavioral Health Specialist
Parkview Medical Center
Pueblo, USA
10.2013 - 04.2018
- Conducted intake interviews to establish tailored treatment plans and interventions aligned with individual patient goals.
- Led daily documentation efforts, clarified policies and procedures, and provided education and coaching.
- Trained incoming staff on unit protocol, procedures, and hospital policies as a preceptor to enhance team effectiveness.
- Maintained workflow and staff performance by overseeing daily shift activities, ensuring completion of documentation and clarity on policies and procedures.
- Mitigated safety risks through effective communication and distraction methods with patients. by utilizing verbal redirection and distraction methods. with verbal redirection and distraction techniques.
- Delivered therapeutic support in an acute inpatient psychiatric unit to enhance patient recovery.
- Collaborated with Risk and Safety Coordinator for suicide mitigation, fall risk reduction, and enhanced unit safety.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Health with an emphasis in Psychology and Addiction Studies
Aspen University
Denver, CO 10.2023 - 04.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (minor in Philosophy)
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Pueblo, CO 08.2008 - 01.2013
Skills
- Patient advocacy
- Healthcare policy
- Crisis intervention
- Treatment planning
- Team collaboration
- Data analysis
- Quality improvement
- Effective communication
- Staff training
- Operational enhancement
- Management collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement
- Compliance monitoring
- Risk management
- Quality assurance
- Self motivation
- Multitasking capacity
- Documentation standards
- Patient education
Work Phone
719.546.4921
Work Address
719.546.4921
Relevant Coursework Licenses Certifications
719.546.4921
Timeline
Master of Arts - Public Health with an emphasis in Psychology and Addiction Studies
Aspen University
10.2023 - 04.2026
Patient Rights and Advocacy Specialist/Healthcare Specialist III
Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo
08.2023 - Current
Mental Health Clinician II
Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo
02.2021 - 08.2023
Outbound Warehouse Worker
Target Warehouse
04.2019 - 01.2020
Night Stocker and Receiver
Lowe’s Home Improvement
02.2019 - 04.2019
Server
Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
01.2019 - 07.2020
Healthcare Specialist III and Opioid Treatment Technician
Health Solutions
05.2016 - 01.2019
Lead Behavioral Health Specialist
Parkview Medical Center
10.2013 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (minor in Philosophy)
Colorado State University-Pueblo
08.2008 - 01.2013