Desiree Ortega
North Hills,CA
Summary
Dedicated Participant Support Specialist skilled in crisis response, substance abuse awareness, and mental health advocacy. Expertise in facilitating peer support sessions and training staff. Ensures effective community resource navigation and trauma-informed care.
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Participant Support Specialist
HHCLA
05.2025 - Current
- Facilitated peer support sessions to encourage recovery and personal growth among participants.
- Assisted individuals in navigating community resources and support services effectively.
- responded to opioid overdose emergencies, administered naloxone and rescue breathing, monitored clients through recovery and coordinated with handoffs to ems
- Participated in ongoing training and professional development to improve service delivery skills.
- trained and mentored staff and peer responders in overdose recognition naloxone administration and post -reversal care
- Maintained naloxone supplies and respond kits, documented incidents per program protocol
Sales Associate
PLS Check Cashing
01.2024 - 02.2025
- Processed check cashing money orders, wire transfers and bill payment transactions for 50+ customers
- balanced cash drawer daily with consistent accuracy, handled 10,000+ in cash per shift
- Processed customer transactions accurately, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Assisted customers with check cashing inquiries, providing exceptional service and support.
- Maintained customer accounts and records in compliance with company and regulatory requirements
- Collaborated with team members to streamline cash handling processes, enhancing operational efficiency.
Education
High School Diploma -
Little Rock High School
Littlerock, CA06.2024
Skills
- bilingual
- Crisis response
- Substance abuse awareness
- Trauma-informed care
- Substance use education
- Stress management
- Crisis management
- Mental health support
- Customer service
- Multitasking
- Stress reduction techniques
Accomplishments
- Promoted to lead responder for over dose reversal team based on response record and reliability under pressure, first on the seen and directed other responders during active incidents
- Created and facilitated recurring beauty and art groups for clients experiencing homelessness building trust and increasing engagement with services
Certification
- CPR
- CPI
Timeline
Participant Support Specialist
HHCLA
05.2025 - Current
Sales Associate
PLS Check Cashing
01.2024 - 02.2025
High School Diploma -
Little Rock High School