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Heather Leigey
Mental Health Professional
100 Main Street,PA
Summary
Mental Health Professional with M.S. in psychology with 12+ years of experience specialized in children with behavioral problems on and off the ASD spectrum, Adults on the ASD spectrum, and Crisis Intervention. Seeking to enhance my knowledge and dedicating my professional expertise to help others.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Housing Specialist
Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Inc
08.2020 - 06.2026
- Assisted clients in accessing housing resources and support services.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify individual barriers to housing stability.
- Collaborated with local agencies to streamline referral processes for housing services.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and service outcomes.
- Advocated for policy changes to improve access to affordable housing options.
- Mentored Housing Assistant in best practices for client engagement and resource navigation.
- Assisted clients in understanding their rights and responsibilities as tenants, promoting healthy landlord-tenant relationships.
- Reviewed documentation and input data into computer system to complete eligibility process, re-certifications and tenant move-outs.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, ensuring confidentiality and efficient case management.
- Improved tenant satisfaction by addressing and resolving housing concerns in a timely manner.
- Established positive rapport with clients by providing exceptional customer service and addressing their unique needs.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and adherence to program requirements.
- Coordinated eviction prevention efforts by mediating disputes between landlords and tenants, ultimately preserving stable housing situations for at-risk individuals.
- Collaborated with property managers to ensure smooth transitions for new tenants moving into their homes.
- Educated landlords on fair housing laws and regulations, fostering an environment of equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
- Coordinated with local agencies to provide housing and prevent homelessness, decreasing homelessness.
- Enhanced community relationships with local organizations, leading to increased resources and support for residents.
- Built a network of community partners and resources to provide holistic support services to clients navigating the complex landscape of affordable housing.
- Negotiated with landlords and real estate agents to obtain vacant apartments for clients with histories of homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse, occupying over 2 apartments by providing direct, hands-on support services.
- Identified and recruited landlords and brokers to provide suitable and affordable units to meet clients' needs.
- Assisted in grant writing to increase funds for organization, raising over $234,000 for Permanent Supportive Housing - Housing First.
Direct Support Professional/Independent Contractor
Passavant Memorial Homes
12.2019 - 06.2020
- Provide direct care services to individuals with Intellectual disabilities
- Provide direct care services to individuals with Specialized care
- Direct care provided for active in daily living, social, and recreational activities.
Family Based Master's Level Therapist
The Community Guidance Center
02.2019 - 08.2019
- Provide services for children with emotional or behavioral problems in the home setting
- Provide family with necessary tools to identify and enhance family strengths
- Writing and completing treatment goals and objectives
- Implementing and following through with clinical interventions through a team based approach
- Providing therapy for individual, group and family modalities
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive client care and resource allocation.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve client coping strategies and emotional regulation.
Behavioral Health Therapeutic Support Staff Member
Children's Behavioral Health
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other behavioral disorders
- Provide services in the child's natural setting of home, school & community
- Adhere to and provide support to children with specific treatment goals and comprehensive plans that support the child in attaining his/her goals
- Implementation of behavioral intervention plans which are individualized to each child or adolescent and to family needs.
- Provides child centered and family based treatment according to Child Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) principles.
- Gather Specific data needed for analysis for treatment team members
Behavioral Specialist Consultant/Behavioral Health Therapeutic Support Staff Member
Family Behavioral Resources
09.2015 - 05.2018
- Work with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other behavioral disorders
- Provide services in the child's natural setting of home, school & community
- Develop specific treatment goals and comprehensive plans to support the child in attaining his/her goals
- Designs and directs the implementation of behavioral intervention plans which are individualized to each child or adolescent and to family needs.
- Provides child centered and family based treatment according to Child Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) principles.
Behavioral Support Specialist
Autism Education Research Institute (AERI)
01.2014 - 05.2018
- Work with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other behavioral disorders with collaboration with the Bureau of Autism
- Provide services in the adults natural setting of home, school & community
- Develop specific treatment goals and comprehensive plans to support the child in attaining his/her goals
- Designs and directs the implementation of behavioral intervention plans which are individualized to each child or adolescent and to family needs.
- Provide monthly supervision to Community Inclusion staff client
Mobile Crisis Counselor
The Meadows Psychiatric Center
05.2012 - 04.2013
- Provide prompt and thorough assessment, evaluation, and intervention in person
- Access individuals in verbal de-escalation, crisis resolution, suicide risk assessment and prevention
- Provide referrals for services and supportive counseling
- Collaborate with hospitals and inpatient hospitals as needed.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance crisis resolution effectiveness and client outcomes.
- Deescalated high-stress situations, utilizing effective communication techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
Behavioral Specialist Consultant
Brookville Behavioral Health
09.2009 - 12.2011
- Work with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other behavioral disorders
- Provide services in the child's natural setting of home, school & community
- Monitored and evaluated client progress, adjusting interventions as necessary for optimal results.
- Designs and directs the implementation of behavioral intervention plans which are individualized to each child or adolescent and to family needs.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and establish therapeutic goals.
- Developed individualized treatment plans to enhance client behavioral outcomes.
- Provides child centered and family based treatment according to Child Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) principles.
Education
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University of Phoenix
04.2009 - 01.2011
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Lock Haven University
01.2002 - 05.2006
Skills
MS Office
Data Analysis
Communication
Decision Making
Training
Conflict Resolution
Adaptability
Ability to work under pressure
Time management
Relationship building
Crisis management
Case management
Critical thinking
Fast learner
Documentation and recordkeeping
Certification
Functional Behavioral Assessment & Treatment Plan Development (FBA)
Interests
Timeline
Housing Specialist
Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Inc
08.2020 - 06.2026
Direct Support Professional/Independent Contractor
Passavant Memorial Homes
12.2019 - 06.2020
Family Based Master's Level Therapist
The Community Guidance Center
02.2019 - 08.2019
Behavioral Health Therapeutic Support Staff Member
Children's Behavioral Health
08.2018 - 02.2019
Behavioral Specialist Consultant/Behavioral Health Therapeutic Support Staff Member
Family Behavioral Resources
09.2015 - 05.2018
Behavioral Support Specialist
Autism Education Research Institute (AERI)
01.2014 - 05.2018
Mobile Crisis Counselor
The Meadows Psychiatric Center
05.2012 - 04.2013
Functional Behavioral Assessment & Treatment Plan Development (FBA)
07-2011
Behavioral Specialist Consultant
Brookville Behavioral Health
09.2009 - 12.2011
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University of Phoenix
04.2009 - 01.2011
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Lock Haven University
01.2002 - 05.2006