Heather Rix McKenzie
8418 Theodolite Drive Baldwinsville,NY
Summary
Passionate MSW graduate and human services professional with 5 years of experience. Possesses a comprehensive understanding of social justice issues and the systems impacting marginalized communities. Committed to delivering high-quality services that support communities most in need. Utilizes trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches to deliver person-centered care to vulnerable individuals with serious mental health conditions and complex psychosocial needs. Skilled in providing home and community-based interventions, including therapy, crisis response, and case management. Dedicated to advocacy and fostering collaborative relationships with community partners to enhance care and support recovery efforts.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Brief Strategic Family Therapist
Liberty Resources Family Services
05.2024 - Current
- Provide culturally responsive, home based family counseling to families of at-risk youth working referred through the Department of Child and Family Services
- Observe, assess and diagnose problematic family interactions to reframe maladaptive approaches and provide families with new skills to improve family functioning and support ongoing recovery
- Engage in BSFT certification training, participating in weekly supervision and recorded session reviews with certified coach
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with other service providers and community organizations in the interest of client and program goals
- Contribute to program development by assisting in the creation of best practices, documentation forms, and outreach materials
Mobile Crisis Responder, Per Diem
Liberty Resources Crisis Services
02.2024 - Current
- Provide in person home and community based crisis stabilization, de-escalation, and safety planning to individuals experiencing a crisis, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and/or legal involvement
- Provide empathetic support during critical moments, assessing individual needs and connecting clients with appropriate community resources for long-term stability
- Professionally collaborate with law enforcement, community agencies and other service providers to ensure comprehensive care and support
- Assist with assessing need for emergency care or further evaluation in collaboration with clinical staff
- Work closely in professional collaboration with law enforcement, first responders and other community agencies as needed
Field Placement - Intern Clinic Therapist
Liberty Resources Integrated Healthcare
06.2024 - 01.2025
- Provided onsite and telehealth individual psychotherapy to a caseload up to 6 individuals of varying ages from 14 to 60+
- Completed intakes and comprehensive assessments for incoming referrals and collaborated with staff to assign cases based on best fit
- Independently managed schedule and caseload
- Attended regular supervision, mentoring and observed experienced clinicians
- Processed learning experiences and developed mutually supportive community with other interns at the clinic
- Collaborated and built relationships with other human services professionals internally and within the greater community through participation in interdisciplinary meetings, workgroups and committees focused on mental health, social needs and/or diversity and equity
Adult Health Homes Care Manager / Program Supervisor
Liberty Resources HCBS
09.2021 - 05.2024
- Conducted home visits to assist individuals with serious mental health and/or chronic health conditions with coordination of care and obtaining necessary services and resources in the community
- Performed ongoing assessments, created person centered care plans, and facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration to address diverse client needs and improve care outcomes
- Rapidly advanced to Program Supervisor role, demonstrating leadership potential and ability to drive team performance in complex healthcare scenarios
- Supervised a team of 8 Care Managers across 2 counties with mixed acuity caseloads of up to 40 clients each, conducting regular supervision and staff management including employee development and corrective feedback
- Implemented data-driven strategies to enhance care quality
Youth Advisor, YES Shelter/PATH
Oswego County Opportunities
02.2019 - 11.2021
- Provided overnight and weekend supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of homeless and runaway youth ages 14-21 in a shelter setting
- Provided crisis intervention, supportive counseling and responded to the Homeless Services Hotline
- Developed creative approaches to engage youth in life skills activities, such as preparation of meals, housekeeping, healthy communication and goal setting
- Completed shift documentation, basic house maintenance and other administrative tasks as required
Internship - Shelter Staff
Salvation Army Emergency Family Shelter
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Worked closely with case management staff, observing and assisting with intakes, crisis support and discharge planning
- Assisted with day-to-day activities, meal times, administrative and clerical tasks
- Created motivational/educational displays and presented educational demonstrations
Education
Master of Social Work -
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY08.2025
B.A. - Community and Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga, NY01-2021
A.S. - Human Services
Onondaga Community College
Syracuse, NY01-2019
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Crisis Response
- Supportive Counseling
- Resource Navigation
- Community Partnerships
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
Other Activities & Experiences
• Chadwick Residence for Women and Children, Volunteer (2017)
• New York State Bureau of Early Intervention Parent Partners Training (2018)
• Hand To Hold NICU Family Support, Volunteer Peer Mentor (2017-2021)
• New York State Care Management Coalition Annual Training Conference, Attendee (2023)
• New York State Trauma Informed Network Conference – Join The Journey, Attendee (2024)
Timeline
Field Placement - Intern Clinic Therapist
Liberty Resources Integrated Healthcare
06.2024 - 01.2025
Brief Strategic Family Therapist
Liberty Resources Family Services
05.2024 - Current
Mobile Crisis Responder, Per Diem
Liberty Resources Crisis Services
02.2024 - Current
Adult Health Homes Care Manager / Program Supervisor
Liberty Resources HCBS
09.2021 - 05.2024
Youth Advisor, YES Shelter/PATH
Oswego County Opportunities
02.2019 - 11.2021
Internship - Shelter Staff
Salvation Army Emergency Family Shelter
01.2019 - 05.2019
Master of Social Work -
Syracuse University
B.A. - Community and Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
A.S. - Human Services
Onondaga Community College
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