Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Projects
Timeline

Gae Sorrentino

Poughkeepsie,NY

Summary

Dedicated and empathetic Care Manger with over 15 years of experience supporting at risk individuals. A self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, able to work independently or collaboratively within a team. Experienced in communicating effectively with clients, family members, district providers, and law enforcement. Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in crisis situations, with extensive knowledge of community resources. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Care Manager - Mobile Crisis Intervention Team

Mental Health America Dutchess County (MHA)
12.2021 - 04.2024
  • Proficient in providing immediate crisis intervention and support to individuals facing distressing situations.
  • Experienced in implementing strategies to mitigate the risk of individuals in crisis causing harm to themselves or others.
  • Skilled in empathetic listening, de-escalation techniques, and crisis management protocols
  • Delivered crisis intervention and counseling services both in-home and via telephone, ensuring immediate support for individuals until linked with suitable ongoing assistance
  • Dedicated to facilitating timely access to appropriate services for those who require ongoing mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse services.
  • Committed to maintaining confidentiality, fostering trust, and promoting the well-being of those in crisis.
  • Experienced in navigating service systems, conducting assessments, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.
  • Skilled in advocating for clients to access appropriate resources and coordinating follow up care to promote continuity of support.
  • Proficient in actively participating in community outreach in support of identifying individuals at heightened risk for crisis situations.
  • Participated in biweekly meetings with local hospitals to coordinate services for individuals experiencing homelessness and frequent hospital visits, fostering collaboration to address their specific needs.

Post Discharge Navigator

Mental Health America Of Dutchess County
06.2021 - 11.2021
  • Aided the Program Director in executing OMH and other regulatory directives, ensuring compliance with established guidelines.
  • Provided on-site guidance and supervision for interns and staff members.
  • Managed orientation and training sessions for new staff members, ensuring adherence to transition service protocols established in collaboration with MidHudson Regional Hospital.
  • Worked collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to facilitate safe discharges and provide intensive support, with the goal of minimizing hospital admissions.
  • Participated in weekly meetings with local hospitals to ensure program engagement with high-utilization case.
  • Consistently remained professional and poised when dealing with all personnel, even during moments of extreme stress.
  • Increased navigational accuracy by consistently updating and maintaining electronic charts and navigation tools.

Supported Care Manager

Mental Health America Of Ducthess County
06.2013 - 05.2021
  • Delivered services to a dynamic caseload of over 50 individuals diagnosed with a severe mental illness, multiple chronic medical conditions and/or substance abuse challenges.
  • Conducted comprehensive care planning, standardized risk assessment, and facilitated linkage to the appropriate providers for new individual admissions.
  • Maintained regular and close contact with individuals through home, community and hospital visits.
  • Experienced in aiding with accessing essential services such as insurance, temporary assistance, food stamps, and housing through collaborating with the local social service office.
  • Facilitated and supported individuals in applying for Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, providing guidance and assistance throughout the application process.
  • Facilitated the enhancement of individual independence and overall functioning across living, learning, working and socialization domains.
  • Achieved reduction in hospital emergency department visits through targeted interventions and proactive support strategies.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.

Care Coordinator

Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc.
07.2012 - 05.2013
  • Supported individuals facing mental health challenges, substance abuse issues, and developmental disabilities in achieving their goals for independent living and daily life skill development.
  • Worked collaboratively to develop personalized service plans for individuals, tailored to their specific goals and needs.
  • Championed the needs of individuals by liaising with community organizations and service providers to ensure access to necessary support and resources.
  • Facilitate weekly meetings regarding housing and other safety issues.
  • Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely follow-up and appropriate interventions.
  • Used company software and databases to maintain records of services performed and patient conditions.

Day Habilitation Specialist

Devereux Foundation
12.2010 - 04.2012
  • Work with intellectually disabled and mental health individuals helping them achieve independence.
  • Establish community-based training opportunities.
  • Provide quality care in a safe, healthy environment while fostering therapeutic interaction between staff and individuals.
  • Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting care plans as needed to maximize effectiveness and success rates.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for clients, resulting in improved outcomes.

Community Program Specialist

Westchester ARC
02.2008 - 02.2010
  • Coordinated service plans and ensured completion of the individual’s daily requirements.
  • Taught educational skills and skill-based classes to develop and enhance the individual’s goals.
  • Established partnerships with local organizations, bolstering support for community initiatives.
  • Scheduled daily activities with staff and individuals to ensure appropriate coverage.

Education

BA in Sociology -

Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY
05.2007
  • Minor: Social Work
  • Honors: Fulbright Scholarship Recipient: traveled to India for intensive cultural learning experience.


Certification

  • C-SSRS- Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
  • Certified Narcan Trainer
  • Psychological First Aid (PFA), Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR), Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH), CPR and First AID, Defensive Driving

Projects

  • Director of independent short film for MHA on Mental Illness 2014, https://youtu.be/xffAStsdIhM
  • Assistant Director - secured funding through a grant for second short film for MHA 2015, https://youtu.be/sS7bnRitrM4

Timeline

Care Manager - Mobile Crisis Intervention Team - Mental Health America Dutchess County (MHA)
12.2021 - 04.2024
Post Discharge Navigator - Mental Health America Of Dutchess County
06.2021 - 11.2021
Supported Care Manager - Mental Health America Of Ducthess County
06.2013 - 05.2021
Care Coordinator - Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc.
07.2012 - 05.2013
Day Habilitation Specialist - Devereux Foundation
12.2010 - 04.2012
Community Program Specialist - Westchester ARC
02.2008 - 02.2010
Manhattan College - BA in Sociology,
  • C-SSRS- Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
  • Certified Narcan Trainer
  • Psychological First Aid (PFA), Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR), Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH), CPR and First AID, Defensive Driving
Gae Sorrentino