Evelyn Cruz
Comprehensive Healthcare
2
Languages
1
Certification
6
years of professional experience
Mental health clinician with over five years of experience providing crisis intervention and case management in community and forensic settings. Experienced in working alongside law enforcement and first responders to evaluate individuals in psychiatric crisis, determine appropriate levels of care, and connect clients with stabilization and ongoing mental health services.
Work History
Crisis Case Manager - Yakima Field Response
2 Years- Collaborating with law enforcement, 911 dispatch, fire/EMS, and first responders to deliver effective field-based crisis intervention across Yakima County.
- Evaluate clients for danger to self, danger to others, and grave disability to determine appropriate levels of intervention and the least restrictive treatment options.
- Independently determine when consultation with a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) is clinically indicated and coordinate involuntary treatment evaluations when necessary.
- Conduct independent behavioral health crisis assessments and complete comprehensive Mental Status Examinations (MSEs) for clients experiencing mental health crisis.
- Develop individualized safety plans and connect clients with peer support, crisis stabilization, and community behavioral health resources.
- Transport clients to crisis stabilization facilities or other safe locations when clinically appropriate.
- Complete accurate, timely, and client-centered clinical documentation using SmartCare.
Crisis Clinican
11 Months- Managed independent caseload of clients following Mental health crisis evaluations, serving as a primary point of contact for up to three months while facilitating transition to long-term mental health services.
- Provided short-term supportive counseling, crisis stabilization, and care coordination through scheduled in-person and telehealth appointments.
- Conducted mental health screenings, including assessments for danger to self, danger to others, and grave disability, coordinating emergency intervention with EMS when higher levels of care were indicated.
- responded to the agency's crisis hotline, providing crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to appropriate behavioral health and community resources.
- Maintained accurate, timely and client-centered clinical documentation in accordance with agency standards.
Behavior Specialist
11 Months- Provided one-on-one behavioral support for students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities ranging from preschool through transition age young adults.
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention strategies to reduce unsafe behaviors and improve adaptive functioning.
- Collected behavioral data and documented student progress to evaluate intervention effectiveness and guide treatment planning.
- Developed individualized reinforcement systems, visual supports, and behavior management strategies to promote positive behavioral outcomes.
- Collaborated with educators to support implementation of individualized education goals and classroom behavioral interventions.
Case Manager -Yakima Competency Restoration Center
1 Year- Managed a daily caseload of clients housed in an agency operated competency restoration unit within the county jail, providing competency restoration services for adults found incompetent to stand trial.
- Prepared individuals for competency restoration by providing education on criminal charges, courtroom procedures, psychiatric diagnosis, medications, and courtroom etiquette.
- Independently developed and facilitated psychoeducational groups covering competency restoration, effective communication, relaxation techniques, and mental health education.
- Designed lesson plans, mock courtroom exercises, and homework assignments to reinforce learning objectives and improve competency related knowledge.
- Completed behavioral observations and clinical documentation while monitoring symptom changes, medication compliance, and client progress.
- Applied Psychiatric Emergency Response Training (PERT) and VDSP de-escalation techniques during behavioral crisis restraints, and seclusion events.
- Served in rotating shift lead and participated in interdisciplinary treatment meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Applied Developmental Psychology
- Magna Cum Laude
Skills
Crisis intervention
Mental Health Assessment
Mental Status Examinations (MSEs)
Crisis stabilization
Clinical documentation
EHR management
Trauma Informed Care
Motivational Interviewing
Certification
- CCIS-II
- Pro-ACT
- Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC)
- First-Aid and CPR
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Crisis Case Manager - Yakima Field Response
Comprehensive Healthcare
08.2024 - CurrentRead More
Crisis Clinican
Sound Health
08.2022 - 07.2023Read More
Behavior Specialist
Community Care Seattle
09.2021 - 08.2022Read More
Case Manager -Yakima Competency Restoration Center
Comprehensive Healthcare
07.2020 - 07.2021Read More
Eastern Washington University
Bachelor of Science from Applied Developmental Psychology
Read More