Gena Pliss
YUCCA VALLEY,CA
Summary
Dynamic Victim's Advocate with a proven track record at Partners Against Violence, enhancing client support through effective case management and empathetic interpersonal communication. Spearheaded community programs, boosting mental health awareness by 30%. Skilled in criminal law and adept at fostering team collaboration, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and client advocacy. Adaptable social service professional with 6 years of experience in Sexual Assault Survivor Services domain. Excellent resource identification committed to severity of victim needs. Qualified to provide crisis coverage and education to help survivors to reach rehabilitation goals. Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Recent graduate with foundational knowledge in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Demonstrates strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive. Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level Counseling position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Victim's Advocate
Partners Against Violence
01.2019 - Current
- Supported victims, family members and witnesses through law enforcement, healthcare and social services.
- Provided comprehensive assessment, goal setting and service plans.
- Liaised with members of justice system on behalf of client.
- Coordinated individual and group counseling to meet victim service standards.
- Collected statistical data and updated documentation to maintain client records.
- Spearheaded awareness through public speaking to community and business groups.
- Developed safety plans to meet victims' assessment of need.
- Constructed referral list of agencies and community resources for victims' to provide aftercare services.
- Accompanied clients to court to clarify processes and procedures.
- Attended interagency meetings and networked to create community partnerships.
- Provided crisis counseling and intervention services to clients in emergency situations.
- Devised and implemented community-based programs to promote mental health awareness.
- Evaluated clients' social, emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans.
- Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
- Monitored clients' progress to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Implemented community outreach programs to promote mental health awareness.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients.
- Facilitated peer support groups to help clients connect with others.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping skills and improve communication.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Facilitated psychoeducational classes to help clients develop life skills.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions for clients.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Spear-headed Fundraising efforts.
- Kept the social media up to date with agency activities, education/awareness info, and policy updates.
- Supported on-boarding training for new staff.
- Facilitated and oversaw the volunteer advocate program.
Client Care Specialist
Companion Animal Clinic
06.2017 - 01.2019
- Responded to all client inquiries and asked appropriate questions to facilitate resolution.
- Finalized sales, processed payments and scheduled deliveries.
- Interacted with team members across departments to research and resolve customer issues.
- Answered roughly 60 incoming customer questions via telephone, email and live chat services per shift.
- Explained available products and services, demonstrated features and used persuasive communication strategies to redirect concerns.
- Provided friendly greeting to visitors and gave knowledgeable and authoritative responses.
- Provided excellent customer service by following up with clients, mailing out applications and responding to incoming calls.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
Department Manager
Joshua Springs Thrift Store
02.2017 - 08.2017
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Processed, cleaned, priced, and displayer approximately 40 pieces of jewelry per shift.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
Help Desk Technician
TGI Solutions
09.2014 - 02.2017
- Responded to support requests from end-users and patiently walked individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks.
- Provided Tier 1 IT support to non-technical internal users through desk side support services.
- Configured hardware, devices, and software to set up work stations for employees.
- Installed, modified, and repaired software and hardware to resolve technical issues.
- Analyzed issues to identify troubleshooting methods needed for quick remediation.
- Documented support interactions for future reference.
- Explained technical information in clear terms to promote better understanding for non-technical users.
- Provided on-call support for critical issues related to Chiropractic Practice Management software.
- Managed high levels of call flow and responded to technical support needs.
- Used ticketing systems to manage and process support actions and requests.
- Installed, configured and maintained computer systems and network connections.
- Maintained servers and systems to keep networks fully operational during peak periods.
- Researched and identified solutions to technical problems.
- Installed and configured operating systems and applications.
- Diagnosed and troubleshot hardware, software and network issues.
- Monitored system performance to identify potential issues.
- Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.
- Offered assistance in implementing and developing training programs.
- Tested new software and hardware prior to deployment.
- Configured and tested new software and hardware.
- Patched software and installed new versions to eliminate security problems and protect data.
- Helped streamline repair processes and update procedures for support action consistency.
Chiropractic Office Manager
Whitlock Chiropractic Center
07.1998 - 08.2014
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Medical Billing- Managed out going billing and incoming payments. Followed up with missing and denied claims.
- Managed Accounts receivables, payable, and payroll, using Quickbooks
- Managed approximately 60 incoming calls, emails and faxes per day from customers.'
- Processed check in and check out of 90-105 clients per day.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ03.2026
Bachelor of Science - Counseling With An Emphasis in Family Dynamics
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ04.2021
High School Diploma -
Joshua Springs Christian School
Yucca Valley, CA06.1997
Skills
- Social media proficiency
- Case Management
- Victim advocacy
- Mental health awareness
- Documentation And Reporting
- Client Confidentiality
- Client Education
- Goal Setting
- Trauma Informed Care Framework
- Continuous Improvement
- Patient Counseling
- Case Documentation
- Written Communication
- Active Listening
- Excellent Communication
- Client Advocacy
- Referral Coordination
- Family Counseling
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Task Prioritization
- Emergency response training
- Relationship Building
- Patient support
- Group facilitation
Certification
- Certified Victim's Advocate, Cal-OES/Partners Against Violence - 2019-current
- Certified Human Trafficking Advocate- SAFE Family Justice Center 2020-current
- Certified Domestic Violence Advocate- SAFE Family Justice Center 2020-current
Languages
American Sign Language
Limited Working
Interests
Watercolor painting, reading, being with my family, specialty cake design, graphic design, ministry leader, singing on the worship team, teaching the bible, tending to my cats and dog
Timeline
Victim's Advocate
Partners Against Violence
01.2019 - Current
Client Care Specialist
Companion Animal Clinic
06.2017 - 01.2019
Department Manager
Joshua Springs Thrift Store
02.2017 - 08.2017
Help Desk Technician
TGI Solutions
09.2014 - 02.2017
Chiropractic Office Manager
Whitlock Chiropractic Center
07.1998 - 08.2014
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Counseling With An Emphasis in Family Dynamics
Grand Canyon University
High School Diploma -
Joshua Springs Christian School