Devina Avila
Mental Health Counselor
Copperopolis,CA
Summary
Client-focused Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. Successful in lending expertise to improve delivery of care. Highly accomplished in designing education programs and building consensus among stakeholders and healthcare leaders.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Worker II
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Of Merced Co
Merced , CA
2014.04 - Current
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Provided clients with recommendations to community resources.
- Delivered individualized counseling services to clients working through issues such as mental illness and substance abuse.
- Devised and enhanced treatment strategies to promote continued progress.
- Worked with family members to develop support networks and multifaceted coping techniques focused on client needs.
- Performed client assessments and developed treatment plans.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
- Delivered client assessments for those struggling with addiction or relationship issues and implemented strategies based on client needs.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Offered and documented treatment consent forms in patient health records.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Managed caseload of 30 (or more) patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Involved clients' family members in planning social service programs.
Mental Health Associate
California Psychiatric Transitions
Delhi , United States
2012.08 - 2013.07
- Communicated effectively, both orally and in writing, with over 100 patients from diverse backgrounds.
- Strategized with clinical team to prevent inmate diversion, abuse and recidivism.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Performed competency restoration.
- Assisted with medication compliance.
Recreation Specialist
City Of Merced Parks & Community Services
Merced , CA
2002.10 - 2012.09
- Planned and evaluated recreation and athletic programs with recreation director to support community.
- Scheduled events in recreation facilities and monitored facility conditions.
- Coordinated over 50 staff & volunteers to supervise events and facilitate scheduled activities.
- Interviewed, trained and supervised part-time and seasonal personnel to perform job functions of recreation center.
- Maintained inventory of supplies and equipment with established sign-out procedures.
- Managed timesheets for recreation attendants, instructors and coaches to provide prompt payment.
- Established team rosters, scheduled leagues and tournaments and enforced rules and regulations of recreation and athletic programs.
- Conducted training seminars, staff meetings, coaching clinics and community meetings to promote organization and educational opportunities.
- Provided clear instruction to activity and program participants to deliver fun and safety.
- Kept athletic and games equipment and facilities organized and maintained.
- Coordinated and led adult and youth activities for both small and large groups.
Support Counselor
AspiraNet
Merced , CA
2008.10 - 2011.02
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Identified risk and resiliency factors within individual youth, peer group, family, school and community and developed strategies for intervention
- Led summer day treatment groups and therapeutic activities to teach functional living skills and address behavioral issues.
- Assessed clinical risk and danger to children and families and determined appropriate level of response and intervention.
- Developed service plans to maintain intact families and improve family functioning.
- Worked with prescribing professionals to get patients necessary medications.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
Child Care Worker
Creative Alternatives
Merced , CA
2006.04 - 2008.12
- Supported children's emotional and social development by encouraging positive self-concepts and understanding of others.
- Developed healthy relationships with all children in group home to provide support and guidance in learning.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits.
- Communicated with parents regarding child's behavior, daily activities and concerns.
- Prepared and served nutritious and healthy meals and snacks 6 times daily.
- Provided continuous supervision to children during indoor and outdoor activities to maintain safe learning and playing environments.
- Set and enforced rules to maintain children's safety and created welcoming, caring environments for all children.
- Kept areas clean, organized and stocked, and sanitized surfaces and toys each day.
- Used positive reinforcement techniques to promote patience and other good behaviors in children.
- Helped children develop motor skills in preparation for preschool and kindergarten.
- Worked with children individually and in groups to teach social, communicative and problem-solving skills.
- Prepared group activities to enhance socialization, communication and problem-solving skills for children.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University Stanislaus
Turlock, CAMaster of Arts - Applied Behavior Analysis
Kaplan University
Davenport, IASkills
- Mental Health Disorders Knowledge
- Chronic Disorders
- Crisis Situations
- Safety and Risk Assessments
- Community Mental Health Programs
- Case Conferences
- Progress Monitoring
- Medication Identification
Timeline
Mental Health Worker II
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Of Merced Co
2014.04 - Current
Mental Health Associate
California Psychiatric Transitions
2012.08 - 2013.07
Support Counselor
AspiraNet
2008.10 - 2011.02
Child Care Worker
Creative Alternatives
2006.04 - 2008.12
Recreation Specialist
City Of Merced Parks & Community Services
2002.10 - 2012.09
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University Stanislaus
Master of Arts - Applied Behavior Analysis
Kaplan University
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