Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Counseling Skills
Timeline
Generic

Joelene Kavanaugh

Hudson

Summary

Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) in New York with a CACREP-accredited Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and implementing strategic improvements. Strong leadership skills foster team development and drive positive resident-care outcomes. Committed to continuous learning and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Nursing Home Administrator

The Grand at Barnwell
Valatie
03.2025 - Current
  • Supervise and manage all departments within a 236-bed nursing home.
  • Promote strong leadership within the interdisciplinary team, while providing accountability in systematic processes to promote positive, forward-driven outcomes.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Oversee the financial operations of the facility, including budgeting, collections, and accounting.
  • Implement company policies and procedures.
  • Hire, train, and evaluate staff members.
  • Coordinate medical and health services in collaboration with healthcare providers.
  • Ensure high quality of care and life for residents.
  • Handle resident admissions, assessments, and discharges.
  • Foster a positive and safe environment for residents and staff.
  • Manage maintenance and upkeep of the facility.
  • Address and resolve complaints from residents and their families.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation.
  • Provide leadership and guidance during emergency situations.
  • Organize staff meetings and training sessions.
  • Promote community outreach and marketing initiatives.

Acting Administrator

Hudson Wide Healthcare
02.2023 - Current
  • Direct oversight and management of a 120-bed skilled nursing facility (SNF), leading all department heads, with 165 department staff members.
  • Supervised under LNHA six hours per week on site.
  • Member of American College of Health Care Administrators (08/08/2023)
  • Evaluated needs of departments and delegated tasks to optimize overall production.
  • Assisted in the development of new administrative systems, procedures and policies.
  • Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.

Director of Social Work

Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Philmont
03.2016 - Current
  • 100% compliance/tag-free state surveys (5) while Director of Social Work.
  • Supervise two employees while providing services to residents and families at a 120-bed facility.
  • Coordinate Psych Services (Psychiatry, Psychology, and Counseling) by scheduling and maintaining ongoing psych services, completing GDR reviews with psych team and pharmacy consultant quarterly, and communicating with interdisciplinary team about changes in TX plan.
  • Facilitate psych hospital referrals with senior behavioral health or VA hospitals for residents in need of inpatient psychiatric treatment.
  • Address all mood/behavior, psychological, cognitive, safety/risk, and emotional needs to ensure residents are free of conflict, receiving quality care, and educated in policies, procedures, options, and processes as needed.
  • Facilitate resident admissions, formulate psychosocial evaluations and plans of care, complete electronic medical records, and coordinate discharge meetings with interdisciplinary team, resident, families/supports, medical doctor, and interdisciplinary team.
  • Collaborate with MD, Nursing, Psychologist, Social Services, Activities, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Activities and Administrative Staff to meet the needs of the residents.
  • Assist residents with maintenance of current services and/or initiating services with outside agencies and resources.
  • Provide families/supports with education, support, resources, and assistance with transitions/transfer for both short and long-term care as needed.
  • Coordinate discharge planning to provide after-care services including at-home skilled nursing, occupational and physical therapy, medical services, financial support, county resources, veteran services, respite, and hospice care.
  • Report, interview, and conduct investigations of concern/grievances as the Grievance Officer.
  • Provide staff and residents with education on Trauma Informed Care.
  • Mandated reporter for abuse, neglect, misappropriation of funds of a vulnerable person.

Assistant Healthcare Administrator

The Grand At Barnwell
Valatie
08.2024 - 03.2025
  • Assisted in managing daily operations of 236-bed nursing home to ensure quality care and compliance.
  • Supported Administrator with monitoring resident care to uphold health standards.
  • Facilitated budget management to optimize resource allocation and operational efficiency.
  • Implemented policies to enhance regulatory compliance and improve facility operations.
  • Supervised staff to maintain high service standards and promote teamwork.
  • Collaborated with Administrator on strategic initiatives for facility improvement.
  • Streamlined communication processes among staff for better coordination.
  • Conducted regular assessments of care practices to identify areas for enhancement.

Regional Social Work Liaison

11.2022 - 02.2023
  • Responsible for two 120-bed facility social work departments, including oversight of social work staff, training, development of care plan libraries, audit tools, and implementation of best practice standards for social work departments.
  • Introduction of psychological, psychiatric, and Telehealth psych services.
  • Introduction and maintenance of GDR Review.
  • Education for social work staff on admissions, discharges, psychosocial assessments, room changes, bed hold, discharge/transfer forms, and networking.
  • Network with Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services, Ombudsman, Department of Health, CHA services, Columbia Memorial Hospital, and outside agencies related to departmental needs.

Medicaid Service Coordinator / Med Tech

Devereux Foundation
Red Hook
11.2012 - 08.2017
  • Maintained a safe and therapeutic treatment environment that meets the physical, emotional, and personal needs of individuals while improving functioning and minimizing interfering behaviors.
  • Developed, implemented, and maintained Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) and coordinated and facilitated ISP (Semi-annual & Annual) and Treatment Team Meetings.
  • Aided individuals with developmental disabilities in accessing necessary services and support by providing advocacy services with SSI/SSD, Medicaid, Food Stamps, school districts, and other service providers.
  • Helped individuals access day programs, residential programs, medical services, employment opportunities, and many other services that they and their families needed or desired.
  • Prepared documentation such as shift reports, incident reports, and individual progress notes.
  • Facilitated proper medical care including medication administration for consumers.

Social Work Assistant

Columbia Memorial Hospital
Hudson
03.2014 - 06.2016
  • Completed psychosocial evaluations under the supervision of a Licensed Social Worker.
  • Collaborated with Psychiatrists, Social Workers, Nurses, and Direct Care Staff to meet the needs of the individuals on the Unit.
  • Assisted individuals with referrals to outside agencies, applications for community services, advocacy services with SSI/SSD, Medicaid, and other service providers.
  • Coordinated discharge planning to provide after-care including day programs, residential programs, medical services, community programs, and other services.
  • Facilitated medication authorization and Insurance reviews for individuals to ensure medications and financial needs were covered for inpatient and post discharge time periods.

Therapeutic Staff Support / Psych Tech

Northwestern Human Services
York
04.2009 - 11.2012
  • Conducted intakes/discharges; facilitated therapeutic groups; and managed documentation, implementation of treatment plans, and direct care for individuals with a multiple mental health diagnosis at an inpatient facility for adults.
  • Implemented community integration while coordinating with outside agencies to encourage independence, promote personal growth, and transition individuals into a successful support system in which agency services could be tapered for client and family.
  • Communicated with community programs and organizations to provide transitional oversight for individuals to integrate back into home and or community settings.

Program Specialist

Adams/Hanover Counseling Services, Autism
Hanover
06.2010 - 01.2012
  • Oversaw direct care, electronic medical records (EMR) documentation, and implementation of Individualized Treatment Plans for individuals (K-21 yr.) within structured environment.
  • Focused on play, socialization, communication, self-help, and safety skills.

Shift Lead, Mental Health Worker / Shift Leader

Hoffman Homes for Youth
Littlestown
02.2007 - 03.2009
  • Application of Milieu Therapy daily, assisted in meeting therapy goals, facilitated therapeutic groups, and taught basic life/social skills to children and adolescents ages 5-18.
  • Wrote individuals' monthly progress notes to correspond with their Individualized Treatment Plans.
  • Oversaw team's completion of shift duties, assisted Manager in the communication and implementation of protocols and residence expectations, and worked with full team to ensure consistency and care for the children and youth, based on their personal growth and needs.

Shift Lead, Mental Health Worker / Shift Leader

Hoffman Homes for Youth
Littlestown
02.2005 - 08.2005
  • Application of Milieu Therapy daily, assisted in meeting therapy goals, facilitated therapeutic groups, and taught basic life/social skills to children and adolescents ages 5-18.
  • Wrote individuals' monthly progress notes to correspond with their Individualized Treatment Plans.
  • Oversaw team's completion of shift duties, assisted Manager in the communication and implementation of protocols and residence expectations, and worked with full team to ensure consistency and care for the children and youth, based on their personal growth and needs.

Education

MA - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Southern New Hampshire University
12.2024

BA - Psychology

SUNY - Potsdam
05.2015

Skills

  • Counseling micro skills
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Ethical and legal standards
  • Client case conceptualization
  • Developmental analysis
  • Cultural awareness
  • Professional respect

Certification

  • NYS LNHA, 02/22/2025
  • Functional Behavioral Assessment & Treatment Plan Development Certification, Regional ASERT of Pennsylvania - Bureau of Autism Services, 05/01/11
  • Safety Crisis Intervention Prevention, Devereux Foundation, 12/01/15
  • Medication Administration Certification, 06/01/15
  • Pastoral Counselor Certification, Institute of Counseling of Emerge Ministries of Akron, OH, 01/01/09

Counseling Skills

  • Effectively use primary counseling micro skills and interviewing skills in professional counseling interactions.
  • Determine ethical and legal standards in professional counseling related to client case conceptualization.
  • Analyze physical, cognitive, systemic, and environmental development across the lifespan to promote wellness.
  • Build upon and maintain cultural awareness and respect when working with colleagues and clients.

Timeline

Nursing Home Administrator

The Grand at Barnwell
03.2025 - Current

Assistant Healthcare Administrator

The Grand At Barnwell
08.2024 - 03.2025

Acting Administrator

Hudson Wide Healthcare
02.2023 - Current

Regional Social Work Liaison

11.2022 - 02.2023

Director of Social Work

Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
03.2016 - Current

Social Work Assistant

Columbia Memorial Hospital
03.2014 - 06.2016

Medicaid Service Coordinator / Med Tech

Devereux Foundation
11.2012 - 08.2017

Program Specialist

Adams/Hanover Counseling Services, Autism
06.2010 - 01.2012

Therapeutic Staff Support / Psych Tech

Northwestern Human Services
04.2009 - 11.2012

Shift Lead, Mental Health Worker / Shift Leader

Hoffman Homes for Youth
02.2007 - 03.2009

Shift Lead, Mental Health Worker / Shift Leader

Hoffman Homes for Youth
02.2005 - 08.2005

MA - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Southern New Hampshire University

BA - Psychology

SUNY - Potsdam

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