Heather Higuera-Jones
Monterey,CA
Summary
Empathetic and self-directed therapist with excellent active listening and verbal communication skills. Facilitates family, couples and individual counseling sessions to help clients pinpoint underlying emotions triggering instability and conflict. Maintains records and makes written and oral reports concerning client care, counseling and therapeutic activities. 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.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Administrative Assistant
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey, CA
01.2018 - Current
- Held high-level accountability for the administrative functions of the department, including complex projects aimed at optimizing workflow and improving patient experience.
- Managed calendars for departmental leadership, ensuring seamless coordination of meetings, appointments, and project deadlines.
- Maintained open and frequent communication channels with internal stakeholders, and disseminated time-sensitive information.
- Collaborated closely with departmental staff to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans to streamline processes and reduce waste.
- Provided ongoing support to team members on Lean Six Sigma methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Documented policy, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency and facilitate knowledge sharing among the department.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and multitasking abilities, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines and maintain high levels of productivity in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Utilized advanced communication skills to interact professionally with staff at all levels, building strong relationships and promoting collaboration across the organization.
- Adapted quickly to changes in policies, procedures, and technology, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of evolving healthcare regulations and organizational trends.
Clinical Therapist Intern
Community Human Services Corporation
Seaside, CA
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Adhered strictly to ethical guidelines outlined by the American Psychological Association.
- Assisted in the evaluation of potential new patients, including intake interviews and assessments.
- Created a safe environment for patients to discuss their feelings openly and honestly.
- Assessed risk factors associated with suicide ideation, substance abuse, domestic violence.
- Developed evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each client's needs.
- Utilized various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed by responding quickly and appropriately to urgent situations.
- Recorded detailed prognosis, treatment, responses, and progress notes in patient charts.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient visits and progress in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Participated in regular supervision sessions with experienced clinicians for feedback on performance.
- Collaborated with other members of the clinical team to ensure continuity of care.
Patient Access Representative
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey, CA
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Under the guidance of the Patient Access Supervisor, my responsibilities included executing check-in, registration, transfer, and discharge procedures for patients.
- I warmly welcomed patients and visitors, and efficiently handled incoming calls.
- In my capacity as a representative, I ensured the acquisition of essential signatures on financial agreements, consents, and admission documents.
- Additionally, I clarified patients' financial obligations to both patients and guarantors, and diligently collected payments corresponding to provided services.
Front Office Manager
Dr. David Morwood, MD, F.A.C.S.
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Greeted patients and visitors, both in-person and over the phone, addressing their inquiries directly or directing them to the appropriate channels.
- Implemented a scheduling system to enhance patient satisfaction, optimize physician time, and efficiently manage treatment room utilization.
- Provided reassurance and support to patients, addressing their concerns before, during, and after treatments and procedures.
- Recorded and updated financial information to ensure accurate billing, and collected charges promptly.
- Organized and conducted monthly educational seminars for patients.
- Managed media marketing initiatives for the office to enhance visibility and engagement.
- Played a key role in hiring, training, and onboarding new staff members.
- Initiated the transition towards a paperless environment by scanning documents into the electronic medical records (EMR) system
- Provided assistance during small office procedures, as needed.
Education
Masters of Arts - Counseling
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA06.2024
Bachelors of Arts - Psychology
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA05.2013
Associates - Arts
Sampson Community College
Clinton, NC05.2007
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Effective problem solving
- Process improvement initiatives
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Referral Coordination
- Clinical Documentation
- Motivational Interviewing
- Behavioral assessment
- Assessment skills
- Adolescent Counseling
- Individual Counseling
Certification
- BLS - in progress
- Notary Public, National Notary Association of California, Commission #2422467
- Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), California Board of Behavioral Sciences, AMFT149367
Languages
English, Fluent (Native)
Accomplishments
- PSI CHI
- Chi Sigma lota
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Clinical Therapist Intern
Community Human Services Corporation
07.2023 - 06.2024
Senior Administrative Assistant
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
01.2018 - Current
Patient Access Representative
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
01.2016 - 01.2018
Front Office Manager
Dr. David Morwood, MD, F.A.C.S.
01.2015 - 01.2017
- BLS - in progress
- Notary Public, National Notary Association of California, Commission #2422467
- Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), California Board of Behavioral Sciences, AMFT149367
Masters of Arts - Counseling
Palo Alto University
Bachelors of Arts - Psychology
San Jose State University
Associates - Arts
Sampson Community College
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