Efrain J. Plaza
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Dedicated Mental Health Technician with impressive mental health expertise and substance abuse counseling. Delivered exceptional patient support in community-based treatment facility and contributed to many patients' status improvements. Superb communications skills and compassionate nature enabled positive outcomes in challenging environment. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational and leadership skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Technician
United States Air Force, USAF
San Antonio, TX
01.2022 - Current
- Directed Biographical Evaluation & Screening of Trainees (BEST) program; identified trainees unfit for top secret clearance occupations.
- Led Psychology Research Services(PRS) Clinic; oversaw 35,000 Basic Military Trainee accessions annually.
- Performed in-depth interviews with basic military training trainees and compiled data and analyses into reports for review by medical professionals.
- Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
- Trained and mentored 8 personnel in patient interviews and motivational interviewing skills.
- Monitored and assessed mission progress and provided updates to command.
- Created and implemented procedures to obtain required information and support research goals.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Collected and analyzed information to monitor compliance outcomes and identify and address trends of non-compliant behavior.
- Filtered interested Air Force recruits and trainees by eligibility and disqualifying factors.
- Remained current with training and sought new training opportunities to further personal growth.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Supported patients needing medical care to relieve patient anxiety and promote positive outcomes.
- Coordinated with medical and paramedical professionals to provide appropriate input and effectively formulate and implement treatment plans for patients.
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
- Collaborated closely with mental health professionals with treatment plan implementation.
Property Custodian (I-Tech)
United States Air Force
San Antonio, TX
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Maintained office PCs, and telephones.
- Set up PCs, and microphones for use in video conferencing rooms.
- Enhanced user experience with thorough troubleshooting and resolution of hardware and software problems.
- Performed troubleshooting and installed peripheral devices such as printers and scanners.
- Managed inventory of hardware assets, ensuring proper allocation and maintenance throughout their lifecycle.
- Implemented data backup strategies to ensure business continuity during unforeseen events or disasters.
- Contributed ideas for process improvement during team meetings, leading to more efficient workflows within the department.
- Revamped and improved clinic operations by completing a laptop-refresh and configuring dual displays on all workstations.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
United States Air Force, USAF
England, United Kingdom
06.2020 - 12.2021
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Used knowledge of different treatment modalities to provide clients with individualized options for successful outcomes.
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Provided crisis intervention to address clients' immediate needs and prevent harmful behaviors.
- Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.
- Coordinated care with other professionals to provide clients with comprehensive support.
- Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
- Monitored client progress to make necessary adjustments for client success.
Mental Health Technician
United States Air Force, USAF
England, United Kingdom
06.2018 - 12.2021
- Drove MH crisis interventions; coordinated $750K emergency psych treatment & recouped $5.7M in services. Saved 43 suicidal US Air Force Airmen in the process.
- Powered USAFE's #1 deployment base; managed clearances for 2.9K Airmen. Supported 91 forward operating deployment locations.
- Led psychological testing; proctored 509 exams for readiness/mental suitability. Qualified 250 Airmen for United States Air Force special duty assignments.
- Revamped psych profile database; led 4 personnel & validated 2.5K medical records.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Assisted in development of therapeutic activities for patients.
- Supported patients needing medical care to relieve patient anxiety and promote positive outcomes.
- Coordinated with medical and paramedical professionals to provide appropriate input and effectively formulate and implement treatment plans for patients.
- Engaged with colleagues in treatment team meetings to promote positive patient treatment outcomes.
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
- Collaborated closely with mental health professionals with treatment plan implementation.
- Maintained patient records, documenting changes in patient condition.
- Assessed patient progress and reported changes to supervising physician.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for patients in collaboration with mental health professionals.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping strategies and social skills.
- Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
Sales Associate
BrandsMart USA
Miami, FL
11.2017 - 03.2018
- Promoted conversion of casual shoppers into customers through product knowledge and product solutions to meet customer needs.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with professionals within assigned territory.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
Kitchen Staff Member
Chick Fil A
Laredo, TX
02.2016 - 07.2017
- Made food according to standard recipes with requested changes for customer satisfaction.
- Labeled and stored all food items correctly and checked expiration dates routinely.
- Prepared and cooked items requiring little or no processing such as hot cereals, concentrated or dehydrated soups, sauces and gravies.
- Learned other teammates' work tasks to train as backup.
- Managed time to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.
- Operated kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Combined ingredients according to precisely written recipes to produce top-quality food and minimized preparation time and food waste.
- Transported food items from storage areas to kitchen for prepping.
- Followed proper handling and sanitation procedures to comply with food safety standards and protocols.
- Cleaned walk-in refrigerators and freezers and operated powered floor and steam equipment for deep cleaning.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Chopped vegetables, cut up fruit, and prepared sauces when kitchen staff was busy.
Sales Associate
Best Buy
Laredo, TX
09.2015 - 01.2016
- Promoted conversion of casual shoppers into customers through product knowledge and product solutions to meet customer needs.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Contributed to event marketing, sales and brand promotion.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with professionals within assigned territory.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
Scoreboard Operator
Laredo Lemurs
Laredo, TX
03.2015 - 08.2015
- Followed players and referee calls to keep score correct throughout games and operated electronic scoreboard to show latest numbers.
- Maintained paper score tabulations for permanent league records.
- Performed troubleshooting and routine maintenance to keep equipment in optimal working condition.
Education
High School Diploma -
United High School
Laredo, TX06.2016
Skills
- Addictions and Substance Abuse
- Emergency Care
- Case Management
- Support Family Members
- Relaxation Techniques
- Suicide Intervention
- Continuous Process Improvement (CPI)
- Administrative Support
- Intake Assessment
- Observe Behaviors
- Mental Health Support
- Critical Thinking
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 7 staff members.
- Collaborated with team of 3 in the development of new screening tool for U.S. Air Force Top Secret Clearance applicants.
- Armed Forces Humanitarian Service Medal (COVID -19 operations)
- Nuclear Deterrence Operations Medal
- Air and Space Achievement Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Air Force Expeditionary Service Medal
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
- Air Force Good Conduct Medal
- Air Force Overseas Ribbon
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Mental Health Technician
United States Air Force, USAF
01.2022 - Current
Property Custodian (I-Tech)
United States Air Force
01.2022 - 06.2024
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
United States Air Force, USAF
06.2020 - 12.2021
Mental Health Technician
United States Air Force, USAF
06.2018 - 12.2021
Sales Associate
BrandsMart USA
11.2017 - 03.2018
Kitchen Staff Member
Chick Fil A
02.2016 - 07.2017
Sales Associate
Best Buy
09.2015 - 01.2016
Scoreboard Operator
Laredo Lemurs
03.2015 - 08.2015
High School Diploma -
United High School