Dynamic Program Analyst and Behavioral Therapist with extensive experience at the Department of Veterans Affairs, focused on enhancing mental health services through exceptional organizational skills and system analysis. Achievements include successfully designing and implementing programs that significantly improved caregiver and veteran support initiatives. Noted for strong leadership development and relationship management capabilities, dedicated to fostering continuous improvement in mental health care delivery.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Analyst and Behavioral Therapist
Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2009 - Current
Supported veterans' mental health and well-being across various Veterans Affairs healthcare system roles.
Collaborated with the Director of Crisis Operations to execute administrative tasks efficiently.
Coordinated efforts with both VCL leadership and the Suicide Prevention National Office on crisis-impacting issues documentation.
Coordinated with VCL and Office of Suicide Prevention leadership to identify operational issues.
Worked with vital cross-functional partners to oversee current operations.
Managed Caregiver Support Program (CSP), delivering advanced services, education, and resources to caregivers of Veterans with complex needs.
Facilitated coaching for career development to enhance team performance.
Guided team in causal analysis and brainstorming using Fishbone, 5-Why, and experimental designs.
Enhanced program effectiveness by expanding caregiver support staff.
Encouraged accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement within the organization.
Managed labor mapping and workload planning.
Maintained sustainability by tracking workforce data.
Organized sessions to offer educational learning opportunities and implement High-Reliability Organization principles.
Mentored staff on leadership and career development skills.
Engaged in mediation to resolve employee relations matters effectively.
Supported efforts enhancing leadership and career growth programs at the VA.
Designed a comprehensive mentoring program for onboarding mental health staff.
Coordinated suicide prevention services across VA departments, ensuring compliance with best practices.
Conducted research to identify information gaps.
Provided strategic recommendations for enhancing process efficiency.
Assessed program efficiency and execution across multiple initiatives.
Developed tailored solutions based on assessments of caregiver burden.
Participated in uncovering facts during reviews of workplace conduct.
Applied critical thinking to develop and propose formal solutions.
Created platforms to monitor and log activities, enhancing efficiency.
Created a weighted needs assessment survey to determine program requirements based on population feedback.
Used DISC and Gallup Strengths Finder to identify traits for better workplace dynamics.
Maintained program statistics and performance improvement activities related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Reviewed, updated, and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Augmented skill set by implementing diverse workplace policies.
Partnered with the ERLR team to maintain compliance with bargaining agreements.
Compiled reports to monitor actions and results.
Developed Power BI platform to monitor actions and leave usage for technical issues.
Contributed to the organizational chart review process, focusing on succession planning.
Managed numerous patient safety projects aimed at minimizing suicide risk.
Applied PROSCI and ADKAR Change Management frameworks to enhance operational efficiency.
Engaged in cross-functional project management teams to enhance operational processes.
Streamlined application procedures through assessment of deficiencies and development of effective strategies.
Led efforts to enhance processes, focusing on aim, measure, and sustain basics.
Developed and executed strategies based on data analysis, process flow tracking, and planning to optimize operational efficiency.
Contributed to weekly interdisciplinary team discussions by providing feedback on program implementation.
Conducted baseline diagnostic assessments for accurate care decisions.
Delivered health education covering smoking cessation, mindfulness, and weight management.
Led clinical supervision for nurse case manager involved in QUERI grant.
Supervised practical training for master-level social workers seeking independent clinical licensure.
Managed training and development of Citadel College psychology counseling interns.
Directed professional development education and developed tailored learning plans for advanced social work students.
Conducted diagnostic and baseline assessments to track symptoms.
Worked on identifying best practices for improving suicide prevention measures.
Focused on suicide risk reduction strategies and conveyed insights on risk mitigation techniques to clinical teams.
Engaged in planning sessions with High-Risk Discharge Team to secure post-discharge safety for Veterans/families from inpatient psychiatric unit.
Delivered educational and evidence-based treatment to Veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
Developed educational materials to enhance user experience design understanding.
Conducted educational sessions and in-service training for VAMC personnel using innovative methods.
Delivered guidance and training to staff on evaluating Veterans at high risk for self-harm behaviors.
Trained extensively to administer Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale.
Achieved certification in Motivational Interviewing.
Facilitated programs to enhance knowledge in weight management and smoking cessation.
Conducted educational sessions for clinical and non-clinical personnel on suicide prevention.
Demonstrates exceptional communication through advanced oral and written abilities.
Played key role in organizing and coordinating efforts for the annual virtual caregiver event.
Collaborated with local Vet Center to host an annual resource fair aiding Caregivers.
Organized presentations from renowned national speakers for social work staff during National Social Work Month, 2021.
Engaged in events designed to educate audiences on mental health awareness strategies.
Facilitated community service coordination, connecting individuals with various VA programs.
Private Practice Clinical Social Worker
Kelly Dickens, L.C.S.W.
05.1991 - 06.2010
Operated and managed two private practice locations focusing on psychological treatment for diverse age groups in a rural health setting.
Administered EAP contracts with insurance agencies to deliver short-term behavioral healthcare.
Oversaw daily operations involving the negotiation of insurance contracts.
Delivered professional development and leadership training to faculty and staff at a local liberal arts college.
Facilitated sessions to enhance university personnel's and students' career prospects and leadership abilities.
Employed evidence-based strategies to deliver treatment and manage cases for diverse psychiatric disorders.
Analyzed diagnostic results to formulate appropriate interventions for varying psychological disorders.
Designed group therapy initiatives tailored for adolescent girls in state custody.
Delivered therapeutic interventions for adolescent females in the juvenile justice system.
Collaborated across organizations to implement advanced mental health services in underserved areas.
Education
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Organizational Health and Leadership Concentration
University of St. Mary
Leavenworth, Kansas
05.2021
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) -
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan
05.1991
Bachelor of Art - Psychology
Oakland University
Rochester, Michigan
06.1989
Skills
Effective Organizational Skills
Effective Relationship Management
Problem-Solving Expertise
Comprehensive System Analysis
Effective Oral Communication
Professional Report Writing Skills
Program Design and Implementation
Educational Material Presentation
Effective Presentation Skills
Workflow Streamlining
Qualitative Research Analysis
Customer Experience Optimization
Results-Oriented Problem Solving
High-Reliability principles
Organizational Wellness
Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities
Skilled in Motivational Interviewing
Behavioral Activation Strategies
Proficient in Diagnostic Evaluations
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Adobe and Excel Software Proficiency
Project Status Tracker
Web-Based Applications
Power BI Proficiency
Data Interpretation
Certification
Licensed to practice independently at the Advanced Practice Level, Tennessee, South Carolina
Current participant in the VA Leadership Development Institute (LDI) program
Certified to provide supervision for independent licensure
LEAN for Leaders Training and Certification, 04/24
Change Management Leadership Training, 03/24
Women in Leadership, 03/24
Health Care Analytics, 06/23
Methods of Workflow Analysis, 04/23
Graduate of the Virtual Aspiring Leadership Program (VaLP) 2019
Gradate of the LEAD for leaders VA program 2016
Publications
Lessons Learned in Implementing VA Video Connect for Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Anxiety and Depression in the Veterans Healthcare Administration, Myers, U.S., Coulon, S., Knies, K., Dickens, K., Keller, S., Birks, A., Grubaugh, A.L., Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, doi.org/10.1007/s41347-020-00161-8, 2020
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Program Analyst and Behavioral Therapist
Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2009 - Current
Private Practice Clinical Social Worker
Kelly Dickens, L.C.S.W.
05.1991 - 06.2010
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Organizational Health and Leadership Concentration
Advanced Medical Support Assistant at Department of Veterans Affairs, Central TX Veterans HealthcareAdvanced Medical Support Assistant at Department of Veterans Affairs, Central TX Veterans Healthcare
VETERAN CLAIMS EXAMINER INSURANCE at Department Of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits AdminVETERAN CLAIMS EXAMINER INSURANCE at Department Of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Admin
Health System Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs/ Veterans Health AdministrationHealth System Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs/ Veterans Health Administration
Rating Veterans Service Representative at Department Of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits AdminRating Veterans Service Representative at Department Of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Admin