Erna Maria Sveinsdottir
Cordova,TN
Summary
FAMILY THERAPIST who is passionate about the identification and ongoing treatment of family, relationship and mental health issues with more than 3 year experience as a family counselor, over ten (10) years expertise in caregiving and experience in child behavior; organized, responsible and collaborative team player with strong clinical and interpersonal skills; highly trusted and regarded by peers to bring the utmost professionalism to every client interaction Versatile specialist with results-driven and focused approach to completing work. Skilled leader, planner and problem-solver with several-year career in the field. Known for excellent attention to detail and great work ethic. Skilled Specialist with expertise in project management, problem-solving and team leadership. Strengths lie in ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks, develop strategic plans and ensure successful execution of operational goals. Previous experience led to significant improvement in workflow processes and overall performance efficiencies. Demonstrated skills include adaptability, negotiation and strong communication abilities.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lifeset Specialist
Youth Villages
Memphis, Tennessee
10.2023 - Current
- Attended court hearings on behalf of clients when necessary for legal proceedings.
- Facilitated group activities to help individuals practice communication, problem-solving, decision making and socialization skills.
- Created educational materials related to topics such as nutrition, hygiene or financial management.
- Collaborated with other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists and case managers to ensure quality services were delivered.
- Maintained accurate records of all interactions with clients including notes from sessions, phone calls and emails.
- Monitored progress toward goals by conducting regular assessments and evaluations.
- Provided assistance with job applications, resumes writing, interviewing techniques and job search strategies.
- Encouraged clients to participate in leisure activities that promoted healthy lifestyle choices.
- Supported individuals in learning how to use public transportation safely and independently.
- Provided crisis intervention strategies when needed to de-escalate challenging behaviors or emotional outbursts.
- Assisted clients in identifying personal goals related to employment, education and independent living opportunities.
- Conducted home visits to evaluate client's living environment for safety concerns or potential risks.
- Developed individualized service plans that addressed the needs of each client.
- Participated in team meetings regularly to discuss client progress and share best practices.
- Provided guidance and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities in developing life skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning.
- Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Maintained detailed records of services performed on clients.
- Consulted with client care team to continually update care plans.
- Contributed to case reviews of client status and progress.
- Contacted medical providers on behalf of clients to follow up on appointments.
- Drove clients to doctors' appointments and social outings.
Care Assistant
Langagerdi Group Home (Reykjavik, Iceland)
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Cared for multiple residents on a rotating schedule to manage schedules and ensure all doctors' appointment are kept
- Monitor distribution of prescribed medications as necessary
- Provide appropriate social service agency referrals to residents as requested
- Assist with personal hygiene, budgeting and family visits
- Distribute mail on a daily basis
- Perform facility cleaning and maintenance tasks on a daily basis
- Conduct bed checks at the end of evening shifts
- Assist with training and orientation programs for new employees.
Care Assistant
Laland Group Home (Reykjavik, Iceland)
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Cared for multiple residents on a rotating schedule to manage schedules and ensure all doctors' appointment are kept
- Monitor distribution of prescribed medications as necessary
- Provide appropriate social service agency referrals to residents as requested
- Assist with personal hygiene, budgeting and family visits
- Distribute mail on a daily basis
- Perform facility cleaning and maintenance tasks on a daily basis
- Conduct bed checks at the end of evening shifts
- Assist with training and orientation programs for new employees.
Care Aide
Hjukrunarheimilid Eir Nursing Home (Reykjavik, Iceland)
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Fostered client and family independence by assisting clients with all daily living activities including bathing, grooming and personal hygiene
- Administering clients' medications under doctors' supervision
- Assisting clients with completing prescribed therapy and exercise routines
- Driving clients to appointments and other activities
- Performing housekeeping duties and meal preparation
- Removing safety hazards and reporting any issues to family
- Documenting clients' behavior and reporting any abnormalities or new symptoms.
Family intervention specialist
Youth Villages
01.2021
- Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, mental health problems, behavior problems or poverty
- Counseling individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including substance abuse, mental health, poverty, unemployment, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, childcare, or medical care
- Maintain case history records and prepare reports
- Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine appropriate treatment plan
- Refer clients to community resources for services such as mental health treatment, financial assistance and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply
- Provide, find, or arrange for support services, such as childcare, substance abuse treatment, counseling to prevent more serious problems developing
- Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures
- Create Treatment plans
- Implement interventions.
Education
Master of Science - Health Sciences
University of Akureyri
Iceland06-2025
Medical Billing & Coding
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Knoxville, TN06-2024
Bachelor of Psychology -
University of Akureyri
IcelandMaster of Family Therapy -
University of Iceland at Endurmenntun
Reykjavik, IcelandSkills
- Family interventions
- Couples & Family Counseling
- Medication Administration
- Grooming & Personal Hygiene Assistance
- Appointment Management
- Child Behavior & Development
- Life Skills Training
- Mental & Emotional Disorders
- First Aid Training
- Identifying client goals
- Problem-solving skills
- Documenting sessions
- Organization
- Client documentation
- Motivating clients
- Goal Setting
- Health counseling
- Customer Service
- Client Needs Assessments
- Client and Family Interviews
- Active Listening
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Maintaining Client Records
- Case Management
- Professional Demeanor
- Time management abilities
- Self Motivation
- Time Management
- Grounding Techniques
- Case coordination
- Professionalism
- Reliability
- Adaptability
- Decision-Making
- Interpersonal Communication
- Workflow Management
- Multitasking
Certification
Family Therapy (90 of 120 ECTS completed)
Languages
English
Professional
Icelandic
Native/ Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lifeset Specialist
Youth Villages
10.2023 - Current
Family intervention specialist
Youth Villages
01.2021
Care Assistant
Langagerdi Group Home (Reykjavik, Iceland)
01.2015 - 01.2017
Care Assistant
Laland Group Home (Reykjavik, Iceland)
01.2009 - 01.2015
Care Aide
Hjukrunarheimilid Eir Nursing Home (Reykjavik, Iceland)
01.2004 - 01.2008
Master of Science - Health Sciences
University of Akureyri
Medical Billing & Coding
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Bachelor of Psychology -
University of Akureyri
Master of Family Therapy -
University of Iceland at Endurmenntun
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