Heather Fitzgerald
Harrison,AR
Summary
Experienced Behavioral Health Clinician skilled in crisis intervention, treatment planning, and patient advocacy. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through effective communication and multidisciplinary collaboration. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. An organized and motivated individual, eager to utilize time management and organizational skills across diverse settings. Seeking entry-level opportunities to enhance abilities while contributing to company growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Clinician
Chenal Family Therapy
Harrison, AR
10.2024 - Current
- Conducted individual therapy sessions for clients with diverse behavioral health needs.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Provided crisis intervention services to stabilize clients in acute distress.
- Documented client progress and treatment outcomes in electronic health records.
- Engaged in regular supervision and consultation to refine therapeutic techniques.
- Educated clients and families on mental health issues and available resources.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and ethical guidelines in practice.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes.
- Engaged in outreach activities such as home visits or attending community events related to behavioral health awareness.
- Adhered to ethical standards set by professional organizations while delivering care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients.
- Monitored client progress through regular assessments throughout the course of treatment.
- Maintained accurate clinical records and documentation compliant with state regulations.
- Served as a liaison between the community, families, schools, courts, and other agencies involved in providing services to clients.
- Provided individual and family therapy to clients with a variety of mental health concerns.
- Attended continuing education seminars and trainings relevant to the field of behavioral health.
- Served as an advocate for individuals receiving behavioral health services by advocating for their rights.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss cases and review progress towards goals.
- Assisted in developing policies and procedures related to clinical operations.
- Educated clients on available resources within the community that could help them achieve their goals.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.
- Facilitated psychoeducation groups related to topics such as stress management, anger management, communication skills.
- Utilized crisis intervention techniques when needed to de-escalate situations quickly and safely.
- Provided case management services such as linking patients with appropriate resources within the community.
- Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
- Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss happenings in life to help develop insight into themselves or relationships.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
- Assessed patients for risk of suicide attempts or harmful behavior toward others.
- Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Acted as client advocate, coordinating required services and resolving emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Prepared and maintained required treatment records and reports.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals and other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.
- Collected information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
- Counseled family members to assist in understanding, dealing with or supporting clients or patients.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
- Counseled clients or patients individually or in group sessions to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life or making changes.
- Modified treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.
- Referred patients or clients to community resources or specialists.
- Met with probation officers and police to exchange necessary information during treatment process.
- Sought out quality jobs for individuals and matched with employers for successful employment.
Respite Provider
Arkansas Baptist Ranch
Harrison, AR
08.2021 - 03.2024
- Provided compassionate care and support to children in residential programs.
- Facilitated recreational activities to promote social skills and engagement.
- Collaborated with staff to ensure a safe and nurturing environment.
- Maintained accurate records of daily activities and behavioral observations.
- Assisted with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques as needed.
- Communicated effectively with families regarding children's progress and needs.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance caregiving skills and knowledge.
- Adapted quickly to changing situations while remaining calm under pressure.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians or nurses.
- Researched available community resources that could benefit clients.
- Informed supervisors about any changes in client status or behaviors observed.
- Maintained a safe environment while providing daily care to clients.
- Responded to emergency situations calmly and effectively.
- Facilitated group meetings between family members or caregivers of clients.
- Monitored client behavior and documented progress towards goals.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to clients when needed.
- Provided short-term relief for families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
- Organized recreational activities to promote socialization and physical activity.
- Collaborated with other professionals to ensure quality services were provided.
- Conducted home visits to assess the living environment and make recommendations for improvement when necessary.
- Educated families on how best to support their loved ones with disabilities.
- Kept detailed records of all interactions with clients during respite sessions.
- Attended team meetings regularly to discuss progress of each client's case.
Special Education Coordinator - Self Contained
Harrison School District
Harrison, AR
08.2018 - 05.2021
- Coordinated individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, parents, and support staff regarding student progress.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies to support student learning environments.
- Assisted in the evaluation and assessment of student eligibility for special education services.
- Maintained appropriate contacts with district, intermediate units and state special education leaders in continued compliance of special education programs.
- Facilitated meetings with parents, teachers, therapists, administrators. to discuss goals for students' educational programs.
- Created a positive learning environment that encourages the development of social skills and self-esteem.
- Supported classroom instruction by providing direct instruction when needed or co-teaching classes.
- Identified community resources that could be utilized by families of special needs children.
Mental Health Paraprofessional
Vantage Point Behavioral Health
Harrison, AR
07.2015 - 02.2018
- Supported clients by facilitating daily therapeutic activities and group sessions.
- Assisted mental health professionals with client assessments and treatment planning.
- Observed and documented client behavior to ensure accurate reporting of progress.
- Collaborated with team members to develop individualized care strategies for clients.
- Provided crisis intervention support during high-stress situations for clients in need.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and self-care techniques for mental wellness.
- Maintained a safe and supportive environment for clients to express their feelings.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss client needs and program improvements.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and services provided.
- Led therapeutic activities designed to improve communication skills, self-esteem, problem solving abilities.
- Addressed any underlying trauma that may have contributed to mental illness symptoms.
- Advised clients on available community resources related to mental health services.
- Encouraged positive behavior changes through reinforcement techniques such as praise and rewards.
- Developed crisis intervention strategies to respond to potential behavioral issues or emergencies.
- Educated families on how to best support their loved ones with mental health concerns.
- Attended regular team meetings to discuss client progress toward treatment objectives.
Education
Psychology / Social Work
North Arkansas College
Harrison, ARSkills
- Crisis intervention
- Treatment planning
- Patient advocacy
- Behavioral assessment
- Electronic health records
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Quality improvement
- Therapeutic communication
- Active listening
- Emotional intelligence
- Conflict resolution
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior modification
- Multitasking
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Team building
- Leadership
- Time management
Languages
English
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Behavioral Health Clinician
Chenal Family Therapy
10.2024 - Current
Respite Provider
Arkansas Baptist Ranch
08.2021 - 03.2024
Special Education Coordinator - Self Contained
Harrison School District
08.2018 - 05.2021
Mental Health Paraprofessional
Vantage Point Behavioral Health
07.2015 - 02.2018
Psychology / Social Work
North Arkansas College