Esther Galarza
CHICAGO,IL
Summary
Compassionate professional known for delivering quality service that focuses on each patient's individuality. Highly trained Behavioral Health Specialist skilled in assessing needs, identifying educational resources and developing effective treatment plans. Strong background in fostering human connections for patients and caregivers alike.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Care Coordinator
IWS Family Health
3600 W Fullerton Ave
10.2021 - Current
- Conducted functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, preference assessments, and assessments of basic learning and language skills to identify target behaviors and purpose of behaviors.
- Implemented and established behavior strategies by setting rules, reiterating expectations, and rewarding good behavior.
- Used Athena to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
- Developed written behavioral plans in Spanish for bilingual patients.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet individual needs.
- Created progress reports, assessments and charting within required timeframes.
- Continue follow up on referrals made to ensure closed loops of services and resources to patients in need.
- Maintains close communication with the provider or therapist for input regarding medication compliance, side effects of the medication, and medications changes and alerts members of staff of any changes in client's adjustment which might suggest decomposition and a need for more intensive intervention.
- Manages intake function for the behavioral health clinic program.
- Manage the care coordinator health behavioral health bucket.
Medical Assistant
Infant Welfare Society
3600 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647
07.2020 - Current
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
- Called and faxed pharmacies to submit prescriptions and refills.
- Documented vital signs and health history for patients in clinic and hospital environments.
- Assisted with routine checks and diagnostic testing by collecting and processing specimens.
- Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
- Obtained and documented patient medical history, vital signs and current complaints at intake.
- Completed EKGs and other tests based on patient presentation in office.
- Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
- Explained procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and increase patient cooperation.
- Measured patient pulse oximetry.
- Helped improve patient outcomes by educating and advising on relevant treatments and care.
Homecare
Asyrian Council
2450 W Peterson Ave Chicago, IL 60659
02.2014 - 07.2020
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Monitored vital signs, developed and implemented care plans, and documented patient progress.
- Coordinated with other healthcare team members to support patient needs.
- Provided emotional support and kind companionship to patients and families to increase overall wellness.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living to promote independence.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Monitored patient health conditions to report changes to assigned physician.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
- Helped patients complete bathing, dressing and eating.
Education
Associate of Arts - Practical Nursing
American Hope Institute
9801 W Higgins Rd, Rosemonte, IL 6001810.2012
Associate of Science - Nursing Assistance
Harold Washington College
08.1996
High School Diploma -
Maria Cruz Buitrago Highschool
Puerto Rico05.1992
Skills
- Medication Side Effect Knowledge
- Improvement Strategies
- EMR Systems
- Behavioral Interviewing
- Code Compliance
- Operational Procedures
- Document Treatments
- Utilization Management
- Clinical Quality Program Standards
- Charting and Other Documentation
- Behavioral Health
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Referrals
- Data Integrity
- Meeting Support
- Care Coordination
- Patient Health Assessments
- Interventions Understanding
- Behavioral Health Assessment
- Patient Intakes
- Build Coping Skills
- Problem Identification
- Case Management
- Crisis Evaluation and Intervention
- Medication Administration
Certification
- Practical Nurse
- Nursing Assistant
- Trauma-Informed Mental Health Skills
- Mental Health First Aide
- Behavioral Health Technical assistance
- Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals
- CPR
Timeline
Behavioral Health Care Coordinator
IWS Family Health
10.2021 - Current
Medical Assistant
Infant Welfare Society
07.2020 - Current
Homecare
Asyrian Council
02.2014 - 07.2020
Associate of Arts - Practical Nursing
American Hope Institute
Associate of Science - Nursing Assistance
Harold Washington College
High School Diploma -
Maria Cruz Buitrago Highschool