JENNIFER POLANDO
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Compassionate Behavioral Therapist known for high productivity and the ability to efficiently complete tasks with precision. Skilled in applying cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis intervention techniques, and behavioral modification strategies to support diverse client needs. Excel in communication, empathy, and patience, consistently leveraging these soft skills to foster positive outcomes in therapeutic settings.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Therapist
Watson Institute
Sewickley, Pennsylvania
2023 - Current
- Identified potential triggers that may lead to negative behaviors and provided strategies for avoiding them.
- Educated school staff about appropriate strategies for responding to challenging behaviors in the classroom setting.
- Maintained accurate records of clinical progress notes detailing all relevant information from each session.
- Created a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore difficult emotions or behaviors.
- Collaborated with other mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
Service Coordinator
ECCM
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2023 - 2023
- Coordinated mental health services based on individual need, working collaboratively as part of a treatment/service team. Demonstrated leadership by advocating for individuals' mental health recovery and exercising independent judgment. Established strong connections with individuals, families, and important support networks.
- Served as a liaison and advocate by investigating new resources, maintaining an up-to-date catalog of community resources, and removing barriers for the individual being served.
- Updated forms as necessary in order to ensure compliance with regulations. Participated in On-Call Service, according to department guidelines.
SHIFT SUPERVISOR
JOURNEY OF HOPE
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2022 - 2023
- Developed comprehensive morning schedules for houses that included coordinating medical appointments, distributing house responsibilities, and assigning staff members to ensure the implementation of safe plans for UCs.
- Enhanced child safety and well-being through weekly assessments conducted in collaboration with youth care workers, case managers, and clinicians.
- Oversee youth care worker training, milieu observation, and provide constructive feedback for improvement. Regularly conduct performance reviews and manage timecards via paycom.
- Demonstrated positive approach in fostering interpersonal interactions, mediating staff conflicts, and cultivating a teamwork culture.
REGISTERED BEHAVIORAL TECHNICIAN
ACHIEVING TRUE SELF
Pittsburgh, PA
2021 - 2022
- Implemented treatment strategies in coordination with BCBAs to benefit individuals with ASD
- Worked closely with families and educators, offering personalized care in multiple locations such as homes, communities, and schools
- Collected and documented client data, prioritizing safety, dignity, and consistency in all session settings.
- I strove to maintain a tranquil attitude aimed at reducing maladaptive behaviors, offered support for family members dealing with instances of aggression towards others, and displayed adaptability when confronted with spontaneous outbursts
REGISTERED BEHAVIORAL TECHNICIAN
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CENTER
Morgantown, WV
2018 - 2020
- Supported the treatment of severe ASD by working alongside medical experts and therapists, implementing an ABA approach within a clinical setup.
- Applied CPI strategies in redirecting and managing clients exhibiting self-destructive behaviors and aggression
- Utilized communication device alongside PECS to enhance speech capabilities of clients with phonemic deficiencies
- Contributed to the identification of neurodevelopmental scoring for various clients during milestone assessments
- Communicated with families to establish goals, gather medical updates, and provide session summaries
- Promoted to lead technician and played a key role in training newly hired RBTs.
CASE MANAGER
CHILDREN & YOUTH PROTECTION SERVICES
Unionto, Pennsylvania
2018 - 2018
- Investigated incidents of child abuse and neglect by conducting forensic interviews, coordinating with outpatient services, implementing government assistance programs, and administering drug testing.
- Engaged in regular meetings with families, balancing empathy and assertiveness
- Assessed the well-being and basic necessities of children through comprehensive home evaluations
- Acquired hands-on experience in the legal field by actively participating in court proceedings and document preparation.
- Transcribed detailed notes of interactions within each case.
THERAPEUTIC STAFF SUPPORTER
HEALTH WRAPAROUND
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
2017 - 2018
- Adhered to BCBAs' treatment plans in order to learn and apply effective ABA strategies
- Provided services in a variety of home and community settings
- Established strong connections with clients, assessing motivational strategies and discovering effective means of reinforcement
- Collected and analyzed data to enhance outcomes through the implementation of token economies, edibles, and a diverse range of tangible rewards.
- Provided descriptive summaries and updated graphs for every completed session.
Education
LIBERAL ARTS, PSYCHOLOGY -
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PA
12.2017
Skills
- Social skill development
- Behavioral assessment
- Evidence-based interventions
- Progress Documentation
- Caseload Management
- Patient support
- Individual Counseling
- Client Services
- Data Collection
- Daily living skill development
References
Available upon request.
Certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting
- Act 33
- Act 34
- Act 73 FBI Clearance
Timeline
Behavioral Therapist
Watson Institute
2023 - Current
Service Coordinator
ECCM
2023 - 2023
SHIFT SUPERVISOR
JOURNEY OF HOPE
2022 - 2023
REGISTERED BEHAVIORAL TECHNICIAN
ACHIEVING TRUE SELF
2021 - 2022
REGISTERED BEHAVIORAL TECHNICIAN
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CENTER
2018 - 2020
CASE MANAGER
CHILDREN & YOUTH PROTECTION SERVICES
2018 - 2018
THERAPEUTIC STAFF SUPPORTER
HEALTH WRAPAROUND
2017 - 2018
LIBERAL ARTS, PSYCHOLOGY -
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PA
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