Keila Cardenas

• Coordinated care plans for clients, ensuring tailored support and resource allocation.
• Completed and presented weekly Systematic Case Reviews in collaboration with clinical directors and medical staff to track care progress and secure vital behavioral health resources.
• Monitored patient progress, adapting strategies to meet evolving needs effectively.
• Assisted in the development of patient assessments, identifying key areas for intervention.
• Maintained accurate documentation of patient interactions and care strategies in compliance with regulations.
• Managed complex care coordination for L.A. Care Health Plan members, connecting vulnerable populations with vital behavioral health, medical, and social support services.
• Managed a caseload of 80 patients, conducting initial biopsychosocial assessments and developing tailored, goal-oriented care plans.
• Utilized evidence-based screeners (PHQ-9, GAD-7) to monitor patient progress and adjust therapeutic strategies accordingly.
• Applied Harm Reduction strategies, Trauma-Informed Care, and Motivational Interviewing to engage hard-to-reach populations experiencing acute psychiatric distress and active addiction.
• Coordinated and scheduled routine, specialty, and urgent medical appointments for L.A. Care members to ensure seamless integration between primary physical healthcare and behavioral health treatment.

Provided intensive, trauma-informed case management to formerly unhoused individuals residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) to promote long-term housing stability and retention.

• Conducted regular home visits, well-being checks, and crisis de-escalations to maintain a safe, supportive living environment for high-acuity tenants.

Delivered harm reduction interventions and relapse prevention support for residents managing active substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

• Create and maintain client case notes using CHAMP software to document all interactions

• Collaborate with clients to establish achievable 5x5 plans for short- and long-term goals

• Ensure compliance with Housing Authority of Los Angeles regulations and policies

• Facilitated care and treatment through scheduling, information sharing, and case coordination to streamline client support

• Utilize HMIS to track new participants and intakes transitioning to project-based housing

Collaborated with property management, landlords, and community legal resources to resolve lease violations, mediate tenant conflicts, and prevent housing loss.

• Assist clients with navigating the housing process and connecting them to appropriate resources

• Managed a caseload of unaccompanied youth in an ORR-funded residential facility, conducting clinical intake evaluations, trauma assessments, and individual care plans.
• Navigated complex federal reunification protocols to vet sponsors, conduct home assessments, and facilitate safe reunifications of youth with families across U.S.
• Coordinated interdisciplinary services—medical, psychiatric, legal, and educational—to ensure compliance with ORR state and federal mandates for youth care.
• Delivered trauma-informed crisis de-escalation, individual counseling, and emotional regulation support to youth managing PTSD, separation anxiety, and migration-related trauma.
• Maintained audit-ready clinical documentation, progress notes, and reunification packets under strict deadlines to support case management processes.