Elizabeth Ruiz, LMSW
Mcallen,TX
Summary
Dynamic Chief Clinical Officer at Palms Behavioral Health with a proven track record in clinical leadership and quality improvement. Expert in interdisciplinary team management and crisis intervention, driving strategic initiatives that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Committed to fostering effective communication and achieving organizational goals through innovative solutions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Clinical Officer
Palms Behavioral Health
Harlingen, Texas
06.2021 - Current
- Led clinical program development and implementation for improved patient care.
- Managed interdisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and collaboration.
- Conducted training sessions for staff on clinical protocols and best practices.
- Oversaw compliance with regulatory standards and healthcare policies.
- Evaluated clinical services for quality assurance and process improvement.
- Facilitated communication between departments to optimize patient outcomes.
- Developed strategic initiatives to align clinical services with organizational goals.
- Reviewed patient feedback to inform service enhancements and staff performance.
- Ensured that all department personnel maintained a high level of professionalism and customer service standards.
- Managed budgets and resources for departments within the facility.
- Developed and implemented clinical policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Monitored quality assurance initiatives in order to improve patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop effective treatment plans for patients.
- Reviewed medical records for accuracy prior to filing them into permanent storage systems.
- Developed strategies for improving communication between departments within the facility.
- Established performance objectives and evaluated staff performance regularly.
- Participated in committees related to healthcare regulations, accreditation processes, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Coordinated patient care activities, including assessments, treatments and evaluations of patients' progress.
- Assessed staffing needs within the facility and recruited qualified personnel when necessary.
- Created training programs to enhance employees' knowledge base in their respective fields.
- Represented the organization at various professional meetings or conferences related to healthcare industry topics.
- Actively participated in strategic planning initiatives designed to improve overall operations of the facility.
- Provided staff education on current trends in clinical practice.
- Utilized active listening and interpersonal communication skills to build professional relationships with patients, clinical staff and other stakeholders.
- Improve policies and procedures through development, implementation, revision and evaluation of new protocols.
Home Assessor
Mauney And Associates
Mcallen, TX
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Conducted detailed reviews of submitted applications and documentation.
- Conducted thorough assessments to evaluate client needs and service requirements.
- Maintained accurate records of assessments in company databases and systems.
- Conducted assessments and interviews with clients to determine eligibility for services related to kinship appropriateness for department of family and protective services
- Reviewed existing policies, procedures and protocols related to assessment processes and made recommendations for improvement as needed.
- Advised management of potential risks associated with assessment results and recommended strategies for mitigating them.
Intake Assessor
Palms Behavioral Health
Harlingen, TX
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Conducted thorough assessments to determine client needs and eligibility for services.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans.
- Provided support and resources to clients navigating social service systems.
- Facilitated intake interviews while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated referrals to appropriate community resources and services for clients.
- Maintained accurate and organized client files for easy access by team members.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary.
Server/Bartender Trainer
Cheddars Stratch Kitchen
Mcallen, TX
05.2014 - 09.2019
- Trained new servers on menu knowledge and customer service techniques.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure smooth service during peak hours.
- Conducted role-playing exercises to improve team communication and efficiency.
- Assisted management in implementing operational procedures for better service flow.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and quality standards.
- Maintained a positive atmosphere, promoting teamwork among servers and staff members.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Educated waiters on menu, memorization strategies and how to convey information clearly.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX05-2019
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- Healthcare management
- Quality improvement
- Interdisciplinary team management
- Crisis intervention
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Growth mindset
- Presentations
Accomplishments
- Director of the Year 2022
Certification
Licensed Master Social Worker
November 2019 License Number 68929
Completed LCSW supervision and will be testing for LCSW in 2026
Affiliations
Internships
University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Counseling Center
Spring Semester 2019
- Screening Applicants for services
- Worked with an interdisciplinary team
- Applied Interventions in therapy sessions
- Attended workshops/trainings about diverse populations
- Case Management
John Austin Pena Memorial Clinic
Spring semester Jan-May 2018
- Conducted Bio-PsychoSocial Assessments
- Interviewed Parents
- Did notations on observations
- Prepared and Delivered Powerpoint Presentations to Middle School campuses
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chief Clinical Officer
Palms Behavioral Health
06.2021 - Current
Home Assessor
Mauney And Associates
11.2020 - 05.2021
Intake Assessor
Palms Behavioral Health
10.2019 - 05.2021
Server/Bartender Trainer
Cheddars Stratch Kitchen
05.2014 - 09.2019
Master of Science - Social Work
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley