Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Special Olympic Coach
Generic

Kathleen Powers

New Orleans,LOUISIANA

Summary

Skilled and passionate job seeker worker with an extensive mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities services background. Supported numerous types of participants while in various positions and settings. Played key role in achievement of positive patient outcomes. Excellent communications and patient management skills leading to desirable results.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Behavioral Health Technician

Odyssey House Louisianna
08.2021 - 03.2023
  • Facilitated on-site activities and support groups for clients.
  • Completed communications and documentation for incidents and needs and forwarded to correct personnel
  • Performed client intake procedures according to internal standards for new admissions.
  • Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
  • Conducted client rounds to check on residents.
  • Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
  • Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
  • Searched resident belongings prior to and during stays.
  • Prepared and submitted daily feedback reports to management.

Peer Support Specialist

NAMI St Tammany
08.2018 - 08.2021
  • Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
  • Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
  • Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
  • Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
  • Communicated with individuals' family members, offering information and insight into support services available at community level.
  • Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
  • Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
  • Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
  • Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Facilitated support group sessions to support and encourage client growth.
  • Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to implement individualized treatment plans.
  • Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.

Lead CNA

Upland Point Corporation
05.2013 - 02.2015
  • Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
  • Mentored and coached staff to improve performance and interactions with residents.
  • Protected clients' monies and property by tracking spending and reconciling accounts.
  • Scheduled physician and other appointments for residents, providing transportation to each visit.
  • Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
  • Monitored clients' progress to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
  • Conducted home visits to assess clients' home environment and provide support.
  • Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
  • Monitored patient specimen samples and test results to effectively alert supervisors of potentially unhealthy changes.
  • Supported needs of program participants under long-term care.
  • Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
  • Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Created customized care plans, working with , participants and families to assess and meet individual needs.
  • Ordered supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.

Community Living Support Specialist

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
10.2011 - 12.2012
  • Improved clients' coping with routine life activities such as food budgeting and rental payments.
  • Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss program objectives and strategies.
  • Provided support to clients in navigating available resources.
  • Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
  • Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
  • Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events according to determined schedule.
  • Assisted individuals with addressing disabilities and developing career plans.

Supported Living Program Manager

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
03.2008 - 12.2011


  • Managed supported living programs at multiple sites; ensuring programs met client needs within regulatory requirements; developing housing options for clients; maintaining records and files; preparing reports.
  • Facilitated a MH Recovery Group assisting clients to develop and utilize personalized WRAP Plan.
    Introduced and supported residential clients to access and utilize local NAMI group.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Facilitated trainings and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
  • Recruited, hired, orientated and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
  • Assigned, supervised, evaluated, monitored and guided the work of QMHP's, Peer Support Specialists, Sponsored Placement Providers and Group Home staff.
  • Ensured that programs met agency standard, regulatory and funding sources requirements and met the needs of the clients. Reviewed and monitored program documents including client charts, financial records, billing records, etc. to ensure accountability meets regulatory requirements.
  • Maintained and updated program related files and records as related to sponsored placement providers; developed contract for providers. Audited banking accounts of payees.
  • Arranged for and provided various suppliesnecessary for staff to perform the job in a safe and productive manner.
  • PACT Team member.

Senior Apartment Living Residential Counselor

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
09.2006 - 03.2008
  • Assisted participants with transitioning into new living environment and maintained strong relationships with participants.
  • Provided crisis management and intervention during emergency situations.
  • Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of residents through activities and interventions, increasing resident socialization, interpersonal, and social skills.
  • Coordinated with other professionals to develop interdisciplinary treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with case managers to maintain continuity of care and to provide referrals to treatment programs.
  • Supervised employees and provided feedback on performance.

Residential Counselor

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
02.1999 - 02.2006
  • Collaborated with residential team to maximize effective and efficient operations.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive individualized treatment plans.
  • Coordinated activities and events to create safe, positive and inclusive environment.
  • Encouraged clients to develop self-advocacy skills and to become active participants in own treatment plans.
  • Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of residents through activities and interventions, increasing resident socialization, interpersonal, and social skills.
  • Liaised with community partners to enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
  • Resolved conflicts by performing in-time crisis intervention and enforcing discipline and behavior metrics.

Substance Abuse Technician

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
04.1996 - 02.1999
  • Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
  • Participated in patient education, helping to reinforce concepts and treatment plans.
  • Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
  • Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.
  • Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
  • Monitored patient behavior and immediately reported changes to team.

Education

No Degree - Psychology

Germanna Community College
Locust Grove, VA

Associate of Arts - Social Work

Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA
12.2024

CNA Certification - CNA

Southwest Technical Community College
Fennimore, WI
06.2017

Skills

  • Peer Support
  • Service Navigation
  • Recovery Guidance
  • Motivation Interviewing
  • Group Facilitation
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Behavioral Health Electronic Health Records
  • Supporting Daily Living Needs
  • Mental Health Care
  • Psychiatric Disorders
  • Community Mental Health Programs
  • Care Plan Development
  • Recreational Activity Planning
  • Peer Support
  • Residential Mental Health
  • Admissions Intake

Timeline

Behavioral Health Technician

Odyssey House Louisianna
08.2021 - 03.2023

Peer Support Specialist

NAMI St Tammany
08.2018 - 08.2021

Lead CNA

Upland Point Corporation
05.2013 - 02.2015

Community Living Support Specialist

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
10.2011 - 12.2012

Supported Living Program Manager

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
03.2008 - 12.2011

Senior Apartment Living Residential Counselor

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
09.2006 - 03.2008

Residential Counselor

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
02.1999 - 02.2006

Substance Abuse Technician

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
04.1996 - 02.1999

No Degree - Psychology

Germanna Community College

Associate of Arts - Social Work

Delgado Community College

CNA Certification - CNA

Southwest Technical Community College

Special Olympic Coach

Volunteer Special Olympics Coach for over 4 years. 

Member of Coalition for Adverse Childhood Experience


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Kathleen Powers