Jennifer Gerstner
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Dedicated crisis therapist skilled in effective communication and relationship building. Proven ability to enhance patient care through comprehensive assessments and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in order to meet the needs of the patient.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher
KinderCare Learning Centers
Phoenix, AZ
01.2025 - Current
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment to encourage student participation.
- Utilized educational tools and resources to create interactive learning experiences that catered to student needs.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adapt instruction accordingly.
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles, fostering student engagement and understanding.
- Collaborated with parents to support student development and address concerns.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Designed and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum that sparked student interest and facilitated active learning.
Crisis and Intake Therapist
Banner Behavioral Health Hospital
Scottsdale, Arizona
01.2018 - 07.2024
- Implemented crisis intervention techniques during high-stress situations effectively.
- Collaborated with external agencies to coordinate comprehensive patient care services.
- Conducted initial assessments of clients to determine presenting issues and develop treatment plans.
- Documented all interactions with clients according to agency policy and procedures.
- Maintained accurate records of clinical activity in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care for each client.
- petitioned clients as needed for involuntary treatment.
- Evaluated substance use disorders and related mental health issues.
- Performed comprehensive assessments for each patient.
- Facilitated and obtained appropriate authorizations for care.
Clinical Coordinator - intake
Devereux Advanced Behavioural Health
Phoenix, AZ
01.2014 - 12.2017
- completed daily intake assessments for individuals 0-17 yrs of age.
- Coordinated scheduling for clinical staff and patient appointments to optimize resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new clinical staff members.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and quality standards in clinical operations to maintain high care standards.
- Reviewed patient documentation for accuracy and completeness regularly.
- Assisted in the evaluation and improvement of clinical services offered.
- Provided guidance and support to team members regarding clinical best practices.
- Supported crisis intervention efforts by providing immediate assistance to staff and patients.
- Streamlined communication between patients, family members, physicians, other healthcare providers, and insurance companies to enhance care coordination.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress and outcomes.
- Developed and implemented clinical protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Monitored quality assurance program to improve performance and maintain high standards of care.
- Admitted patients to services and completed thorough clinical documentation.
- Coordinated patient referrals to appropriate medical facilities and practitioners.
- Coordinated weekly work schedules for department employees.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to plan and execute patient treatment plans effectively.
- Supervised clinical staff, providing training and performance evaluations to enhance team efficiency.
Director of Medicaid Service Coordination
Devereux Advanced Behavioural Health
Red Hook, New York
12.2010 - 12.2014
- Directed a self-sufficient department to deliver care for over 100 individuals with complex needs.
- Engaged stakeholders to develop and implement policies enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction metrics.
- Facilitated personalized service coordination to enhance individual success.
- Managed caseload of 10-20 individuals with developmental delay, ensuring tailored support across various living environments.
- Evaluated service delivery methods to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress on strategic initiatives.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- worked collaboratively with internal and external providers to maintain continuity of care.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY08-2010
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY05-2008
Skills
- Assessment strategies
- Crisis intervention
- Compliance monitoring
- Effective communication
- Written communication
- Effective listening
- Problem solving
- Relationship building
- Emotional intelligence
Certification
- LMSW
Timeline
Teacher
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2025 - Current
Crisis and Intake Therapist
Banner Behavioral Health Hospital
01.2018 - 07.2024
Clinical Coordinator - intake
Devereux Advanced Behavioural Health
01.2014 - 12.2017
Director of Medicaid Service Coordination
Devereux Advanced Behavioural Health
12.2010 - 12.2014
Master of Science - Social Work
Adelphi University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Marist College