Grace Gathura
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Dynamic Program Coordinator at Ambitions of Washington, skilled in strategic planning and leadership. Enhanced client independence through personalized care plans and proactive support. Successfully managed crisis situations, ensuring safety and compliance. Recognized for fostering trust-based relationships and mentoring staff, contributing to improved service delivery and client satisfaction.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Coordinator
Ambitions of Washington
Lakewood, WA
06.2023 - Current
- Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle programming demands.
- Assisted in staff scheduling, performance and disciplinary actions
- Managed day -to-day operations of supported living services clients ensuring personalized support aligned with clients goals and independence.
- Provide training to our Direct support Professionals.
- Supervise, mentor our Direct support professionals through peer coaching, maintaining a high standard of support and service delivery.
- Conduct home visits, regular quality assurance reviews in our clients houses to drive program improvement and meet our company standards and ensuring full compliance and continuous improvement.
- Develop and monitor individual service plans, ensuring full compliance with DDA and state requirements.
- Manage client budgeting and completing their financials .
- Coordinate with case managers, client families and medical support care providers to ensure care and support for each client.
- Provided on-call support for our clients and staff after business hours to ensure safety and program continuity.
- supported the program manager overseeing day-to-day operation of our clients/team.
- Handled incoming mail, bills and invoices and completed appropriate actions.
- Established trust-based relationships with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, empathy, reliability, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Provided staff coaching, mentoring, and consultation to enhance performance and professional development.
- Entrusted to handle confidential and sensitive situations in professional matter.
- Monitored clients' overall health and well-being and noted significant changes.
- Facilitated effective communication between clients and their families, fostering strong relationships and promoting family involvement in the caregiving process.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of client needs in order to adjust care plans accordingly or bring attention to potential issues requiring further evaluation from healthcare providers.
- Developed crisis intervention strategies for challenging behaviors or situations in accordance with established guidelines while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Recognized and reported abnormalities or changes in patients' health status to case manager.
- Enhanced client independence by providing personalized support and implementing individualized care plans.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to changing client needs or scheduling requirements while maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times.
- Provided reliable transportation for clients to attend medical appointments, social outings, or other community-based events as needed.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client progress, daily activities, incidents, and relevant observations to ensure continuity of care across team members.
Direct Support Professional
Ambitions of Washington
Lakewood, WA
07.2012 - 06.2023
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for clients.
- Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
- Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
- Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
- Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
- Advocated for clients'' rights within the broader community, raising awareness about issues affecting those with disabilities.
- Served as a reliable point of contact for family members, maintaining open lines of communication about client progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Conducted daily documentation of clients' progress and incidents, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
- Managed crisis situations effectively, maintaining calm and ensuring safety of clients and staff.
- Monitored and reported changes in clients' health and well-being, enabling timely interventions.
- Organized and participated in recreational activities, contributing to vibrant community life for residents.
- Assisted with daily living activities, running errands, and household chores.
- Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.
- Assisted patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene care both in private residences and facilities.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
- Monitored clients' overall health and well-being and noted significant changes.
- Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.
- Laundered items, changed sheets and made bed to keep patients' bedroom clean.
- Recorded patients' pulse, blood pressure and respirations (TPRs) to assess and document important health information.
Mental Health Technician
Washington State Hospital
Lakewood, WA
02.2014 - 12.2016
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
- Maintained detailed records of patient interactions, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference.
- Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities, and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security.
- Assisted in the development of individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and promote recovery.
- Promoted a safe, therapeutic environment by enforcing facility policies and maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
- Implemented group therapy sessions, facilitating open communication and fostering a supportive community among patients.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to help clients manage mental health difficulties.
- Engaged with colleagues in treatment team meetings to promote positive patient treatment outcomes.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping strategies and social skills.
- Contributed to a culture of excellence within the facility by consistently upholding high standards of care and actively seeking opportunities for improvement.
- Guided patients in development of coping strategies, improving their ability to manage symptoms.
- Supported patients in daily activities, promoting independence and skill-building.
- Collaborated with therapists to implement treatment plans, enhancing effectiveness of interventions.
- Documented patient progress comprehensively, enabling tailored treatment adjustments.
- Managed crisis situations effectively, ensuring safety of all involved.
- Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Charted on each patient daily.
- Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications, and managed patient behavior.
- Organized recreational activities to assist in patient recovery.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Commerce
University of Nairobi
Nairobi City Kenya12-2005
High School Diploma -
Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School
Nyeri11-2001
Skills
- professionalism
- Leadership
- Decision Making
- multitasking
- Good communication
- creativity and re
- Proactive mindset
- Strategic planning
- Fluent in 3 Languages; English ,Swahili and Kikuyu
Certification
1. Washington State Nursing Assistant Registered
2. Completed Nurse Delegation Core Basics of Nurse Delegation
3. A Basic Life Support certification cpr/first aid certification
4. Completed continuous education certification requirements every year
5. Completed Peer Coaching training
Timeline
Program Coordinator
Ambitions of Washington
06.2023 - Current
Mental Health Technician
Washington State Hospital
02.2014 - 12.2016
Direct Support Professional
Ambitions of Washington
07.2012 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Commerce
University of Nairobi
High School Diploma -
Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School