LaRessa Poole
Washington,DC
Summary
Accomplished Program Manager with extensive knowledge of overseeing mental health programs that includes; developing systems of patient-centered and integrated care; improving quality of life; design and oversee the use of training programs. Successful in strategic role and focus on analyzing organizational needs for development of exceptional customer service and commitment to excellence. I am a motivational leader skilled with organizational problem-solving with advanced supervisory, team building and customer service skills. Experience stepping into roles and quickly making positive changes to drive company success. Proficient in using training, monitoring and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager of Network Development
District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health
Washington, DC
07.2014 - Current
- Provide leadership, supervision and direction of assigned Network Development managers and Specialist
- Lead MHRS Provider closures and oversees the processing of the transition & discharge of MHRS consumers
- Lead and monitor the strategic development of new Behavioral Health programs, including mental health centers, special population programs, and substance use disorder programs
- Provide Learning and development processes to enhance staff skill, knowledge, and competencies, resulting in better performance
- Provide programmatic oversight and maintaining formal and informal communication linkages between providers, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and other DC and Government agencies and stakeholders
- Principal advisor and collaborator with the Division Director on major decisions affecting program activities and provide input on controversial and sensitive matters
- Coordinate site visits, provide consultation, technical assistance and training to 72 certified and potential providers of Mental Health Rehabilitation Services MHRS) and Substance Use Disorder Programs
- Co-developing a transformational strategic plan which establishing and implementing regulations, policies and procedures and bulletins which addresses the DBH mission
- Monitor, identify and provide technical assistance to the provider network which includes Core Service Agencies (CSAs), Specialty and Sub- providers and Substance Use Disorder programs
- Point of contact for the DBH while collaborating and overseeing the DBH internal and external partners as they provide culturally competent integrated care and support to consumers and family members.
Acting Director of Housing/Director of Program and Policy
D.C. Department of Mental Health
Washington, DC
05.2010 - 07.2014
- Provided leadership in planning and directing program activities and supervises the staff of the Housing Program
- Oversaw and directed the management, direction, planning, and implementation of the DBH Housing Program that supports mental health centers, special population programs, and substance use disorder programs
- Administered over $15 million funding in Memoranda of Understanding with DC Housing Authority and Department of Housing and Community Development
- Worked within broad policy and program requirements to oversee housing development and identification for severely and persistently mentally ill individuals and ADA/504 programs for District residents
- Independently planned and carried out work in management of the Housing Program as well as related activities, housing projects, Federal Vouchers and local funded housing vouchers
- Served on the Housing Review committee for DHCD to establish affordable housing for District residents
- Identified residential housing and community development for consumers and advisees the Director in the planning and coordination of projects
- Kept the Director of DBH and Deputy Director for Programs and Policy informed on controversial issues affecting the Housing Program
- Oversaw planning and assignment of work, ensures and evaluates work performance, provides advice and counsel to staff, approves requests for human resource’s actions, such as appointments and promotions, and makes determinations regarding staff development and training
- Oversaw and leaded the collaboration of agencies process of applying for the NOFA 811 HUD project which was exclusively reserved for individuals with disabilities.
Associate Director of Adult Service
Department of Mental Health Community Services Agency
Washington, DC
01.2007 - 05.2010
- Provided culturally competent day-to-day leadership and supervision of program managers at varies site location that provided mental health and substance abuse services
- Assisted with overall compliance with MHRS standards, Medicaid, Medicare, District of Columbia laws and regulations
- Assisted the Director of Adult Services in providing oversight and direction for adult services
- Served as a member of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leadership team
- Worked to review overall program effectiveness and evaluates the term of fulfillment of objectives, achievements and benefits for DCCSA CSA
- Provided oversight to ensure compliance with Dixon Court Ordered Exit Criteria for admissions and discharges from St
- Elizabeth and Community Hospitals.
Director of Intake and Care Coordination
Department of Mental Health Community Services Agency
Washington, DC
06.2003 - 01.2007
- Supervisory responsibilities include planning work to be accomplished by a subordinate staff of approximately 10 to 25 professional and paraprofessional employees
- Developed designs and administers consumer intake and care coordination practices and policies for Community Services Agency-wide multi-disciplinary, mental health and substance abuse services
- Provided administrative direction with assignments in terms of broad missions or functions
- Responsible for planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects and studies for care coordination
- Performed a full range of supervisory and administrative functions, services for intake, care coordination, criminal justice/forensic systems and consumers
- Oversaw and monitored specialized criminal justice programs, such as Restoration to Competence, Jail Diversion, John Howard and Family Court Treatment.
Education
Masters of Social work - Social Work
Howard University
05.2001
Masters of Counseling - Mental Health/Marriage and Family
University of District of Columbia
05.1992
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/ Social Work
North Carolina Central University
05.1987
Skills
- Mental Health Assessment
- Employee Supervision
- Financial Operations Oversight
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- Clinical Staff Management
- Instructional Material Development
- Performance Metrics
- Compliance Advisory
Honors Scholarships
- National Dean’s List Society at Howard University
- Howard University School of Social Work Scholarship
Licenses Certificates Qualifications
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Certified Associated Counselor-Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD)
- Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model Certification 2022 Department of Behavioral Health | Washington DC
- Treatment Planning for Person Centered Care: Emerging Best Practice, Instructor Training Certificate 2018
- Member of the National Association of Social Workers
- Executive Life Coach Certified
Timeline
Program Manager of Network Development
District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health
07.2014 - Current
Acting Director of Housing/Director of Program and Policy
D.C. Department of Mental Health
05.2010 - 07.2014
Associate Director of Adult Service
Department of Mental Health Community Services Agency
01.2007 - 05.2010
Director of Intake and Care Coordination
Department of Mental Health Community Services Agency
06.2003 - 01.2007
Masters of Social work - Social Work
Howard University
Masters of Counseling - Mental Health/Marriage and Family
University of District of Columbia
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/ Social Work
North Carolina Central University
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