KRISTEN SIMON
McClellandtown,PA
Summary
Dedicated Family Resource Specialist with extensive experience at Philhaven, skilled in treatment planning and case management. Proven ability to engage families and create educational materials that enhance parenting skills. Adept at conflict resolution and fostering positive client relationships, ensuring effective support for mental health and developmental needs.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Resource Specialist
Head Start Program
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
11.2021 - Current
- Maintained accurate case files and documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Created educational materials focused on parenting skills and child development.
- Monitored health and wellbeing status of each child under care or assessment.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for clients to attend necessary appointments.
- Attended conferences and workshops to remain informed on industry best practices.
- Ensured confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
Registered Early Childhood Educator
Linglestown Early Learning Center
Harrisburg, PA
04.2019 - 06.2021
- Identified individual strengths and areas for improvement through observation of children's behaviors.
- Facilitated positive interactions with parents during drop-off and pick-up times.
- Fostered a warm atmosphere by applying positive reinforcement strategies.
- Monitored development across physical, cognitive, language, emotional, and social skills.
- Designed engaging lesson plans based on child development principles and curriculum guidelines.
Behavior Technician
Philhaven
Mt. Gretna, PA
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Assisted in maintaining safe therapeutic environment, responding promptly and managing any crises that arose.
- Utilized Applied Behavioral Analysis principles to focus on client strengths and systematically provide data driven treatment to teach new individualized skills.
- Helped clients in controlling and modifying their behavior in the school and home setting.
- Maintained written documentation of interventions with client and family.
Psychiatric Aide and Residential Counselor
Philhaven
Mt. Gretna, PA
10.2001 - 05.2018
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Facilitated a smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout their transitions.
- Trained in substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and the effect of employment and housing issues on mental health.
- Connected clients with community service and resource agencies.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating treatment plans and connecting clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Offered and documented treatment consent forms in patient health records.
- Managed a case load of ten patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Recorded client information on special flow sheets, accurately indicating suicidal precautions, sleep flow and restraints.
- Displayed sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients and families served.
- Presented case history material to review and discussion with other staff members.
- Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files.
Adult Inpatient Caseworker
Philhaven Hospital
Mt. Gretna, PA
02.2015 - 08.2016
- Coordinated next level of care referrals for outpatient psychiatry, therapy, medical care and case management services.
- Facilitated referrals for drug and alcohol treatment.
- Worked with patients established service providers.
- Assisted patients with housing needs.
Crisis Intervention Counselor
Philhaven Hospital
Mt. Gretna, PA
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Managed a 24-hour crisis hotline, providing immediate support and counseling to callers.
- Responded promptly to emergency calls from hospitals and law enforcement regarding potential crises.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and associated risks.
- Developed tailored intervention plans for individual client situations.
- Collaborated with community resources to facilitate client referrals.
- Documented case notes and service plans accurately and timely.
- Maintained client records in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Completed follow-up telephone contacts to ensure ongoing support.
Medical Support Specialist
Philhaven Hospital
Mt. Gretna, PA
02.2014 - 12.2014
- Facilitated communication between medical providers and clients to enhance outcomes.
- Conducted telephone authorizations for medications efficiently.
- Provided office support to healthcare providers to ensure smooth operations.
- Managed medical records while upholding strict confidentiality standards.
- Collaborated with insurance providers for accurate patient verification.
- Contacted insurance companies regarding denied claims and pre-authorization statuses.
- Greeted patients upon arrival, addressing inquiries professionally and promptly.
- Responded to phone calls and emails in a timely manner.
Counselor
Philhaven Hospital
Mt. Gretna, PA
09.2005 - 06.2013
- Monitored client behavior and treatment responses to inform care adjustments.
- Facilitated smooth discharges by providing encouragement and support during transitions.
- Delivered comprehensive case management, developing treatment plans and connecting clients to resources.
- Managed case load of 10 patients with intellectual disabilities, substance dependence, and co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and treatment plans for compliance.
- Developed personalized action plans tailored to client assessments and specific needs.
- Ensured confidentiality of records in adherence to ethical guidelines and policies.
- Guided clients in setting achievable personal development goals for growth.
Therapeutic Staff Support
Philhaven
Mt. Gretna, PA
10.2001 - 05.2005
- Aided parents in arranging medication evaluations and psychological testing.
- Led summer day treatment groups and therapeutic activities to teach functional living skills and address behavioral issues.
- Implemented behavioral techniques in the schools and homes in accuracy to treatment plans.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Studies
The Pennsylvania State University
State College, PA01.2001
Family Development Certificate
Lemont Furnace, PASkills
- Daily living skills education
- Intake interviewing
- Treatment planning and discharge
- Conflict resolution
- Case management
- Mental health expertise
- Therapeutic counseling
- Educational material creation
- Family engagement strategies
- Parenting education
- Goal setting and support
- Effective communication skills
- Behavioral modification techniques
Additional Information
Counselor bringing sixteen years' experience working with individuals of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, including children, adolescents and adults.
References
References upon request
Timeline
Family Resource Specialist
Head Start Program
11.2021 - Current
Registered Early Childhood Educator
Linglestown Early Learning Center
04.2019 - 06.2021
Behavior Technician
Philhaven
08.2016 - 05.2018
Adult Inpatient Caseworker
Philhaven Hospital
02.2015 - 08.2016
Medical Support Specialist
Philhaven Hospital
02.2014 - 12.2014
Crisis Intervention Counselor
Philhaven Hospital
01.2013 - 12.2014
Counselor
Philhaven Hospital
09.2005 - 06.2013
Psychiatric Aide and Residential Counselor
Philhaven
10.2001 - 05.2018
Therapeutic Staff Support
Philhaven
10.2001 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Studies
The Pennsylvania State University
Family Development Certificate
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