Emily Ganchala Obando
Gresham,OR
Summary
Motivated psychology graduate applicant with five years of experience in social services, where I have supported diverse populations through housing advocacy, trauma-informed services, and community-based resources. I have recently expanded my work into case management, strengthening my ability to assess needs, coordinate care, and build trusting client relationships—skills that will support a strong transition into mental health services as I work toward earning my LPC. I am committed to empowering survivors, promoting equitable care, and integrating clinical, community, and systemic approaches to mental health. Eager to deepen my clinical knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the counseling profession.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Domestic Violence Housing Advocate
Volunteers of America
06.2024 - Current
- Advocated for clients' housing needs, connecting them with appropriate resources and services.
- Conducted assessments to identify barriers to housing stability and developed tailored action plans.
- Collaborated with community organizations to enhance service delivery and improve client outcomes.
- Educated clients on tenant rights, responsibilities, and available support programs.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation in compliance with organizational standards.
- Monitored client progress towards housing goals, adjusting strategies as needed for effectiveness.
- Educated clients about their rights as tenants under state law, empowering them to advocate for themselves effectively when necessary.
- Administered and tracked client service payments.
Career Coach
Our Just Future
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Developed personalized career action plans to guide clients toward achievable professional goals.
- Facilitated workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies for diverse client groups.
- Conducted one-on-one coaching sessions to assess skills, interests, and career aspirations of clients.
- Utilized assessment tools to identify strengths and areas for improvement in client career paths.
- Maintain accurate program documentation and ensure SNAP/ABAWD compliance
- Promoted the importance of work-life balance by teaching clients techniques for managing stress, setting boundaries, and maintaining self-care during their job search process.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify performance gaps and develop targeted learning solutions.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Northwest Family Services
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Facilitated peer support groups to promote recovery and self-advocacy among participants.
- Developed individualized recovery plans in collaboration with clients, enhancing personal growth and goal attainment.
- Shared resources and community services improving access to mental health support for individuals in need.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and services, increasing their access to valuable support networks.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, utilizing de-escalation techniques to maintain safety and stability within the supportive environment.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs, ensuring tailored support and intervention strategies.
- Monitored client progress, providing feedback and adjustments to support plans as needed for optimal outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions according to organizational guidelines, protecting confidentiality while ensuring thorough documentation for continuity of care purposes.
Resource Specialist
Impact NW
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Coordinated resource allocation to support community programs and enhance service delivery.
- Developed training materials for staff to improve program implementation and participant engagement.
- Streamlined communication processes between departments, ensuring timely information sharing and collaboration.
- Analyzed program data to identify trends, informing strategic decisions and improving service effectiveness.
- Helped clients access food, housing, insurance, and recovery resources.
- Tracked service outcomes and contributed to case reviews
- Maintained HIPAA-compliant documentation.
- Advocated for clients facing systemic barriers.
Office Support Specialist
LifeWorks NW
11.2020 - 04.2021
- Coordinated office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and communication among teams.
- Managed scheduling and appointments between patients and counselors.
- Managed high volumes of incoming correspondence, prioritizing urgent matters for immediate attention and ensuring proper handling of sensitive information.
- Handled confidential information discreetly while adhering to privacy regulations and company policies regarding data protection.
- Reduced errors in documentation by diligently proofreading and editing various reports, letters, and memos.
- Managed filing system, entered data and completed other clerical tasks.
- Managed paper and electronic filing systems by routing various documents, taking messages and managing incoming and outgoing mail.
- Developed and maintained filing systems, improving document retrieval efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR03-2025
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Mt. Hood Community College
Gresham, OR06-2022
Skills
- Homelessness prevention
- Legal research
- Fair housing laws
- Client advocacy
- Supportive services
- Trauma-informed care
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Microsoft office
- Documentation skills
- Case management
Certification
- Assertive Engagement, MULTNOMAH COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES - Anti-Racist Cohort Training, YWCA
- Certified Career Coach
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Domestic Violence Housing Advocate
Volunteers of America
06.2024 - Current
Career Coach
Our Just Future
06.2023 - 07.2024
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Northwest Family Services
08.2022 - 05.2023
Resource Specialist
Impact NW
05.2021 - 07.2022
Office Support Specialist
LifeWorks NW
11.2020 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Oregon State University
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Mt. Hood Community College