Laura Ruiz
Summary
Patient-focused Program Director equipped with administrative and customer service expertise. Helps keep healthcare services proceeding smoothly by coordinating communications, referrals and policy enforcement. Talented in finding balanced solutions and resolving conflicts.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Advocate
Dedicated Senior Medical Center
09.2022 - Current
- Responsible for helping cultivate a positive patient experience and drive long-term member retention
- Work closely with the Center Director and The Management Consultant Team to execute targeted activities to assist active patients
- Advocate for the patient’s needs within the clinic
- Assist patients in connecting them with in-house Social Workers and government programs to alleviate financial hardship and stressors
- Train the Houston Division of Patient Advocates in navigating and applying for Texas HHS resources for seniors.
Senior Center Director
Riverstone Senior Life Service
New York, NY
06.2014 - 04.2022
- Responsible for, but not limited to, overseeing most programs within the organization
- Work in collaboration with numerous entities such as The Department for the Aging (DFTA), NYC Health Department, FDNY, NYPD, etc
- Create and revise programs for older adults' healthy living, develop policies and guidelines, supervise and train staff, coordinate trips and special events, raise funds, and ensure compliance with government relations
- Collaborate and supervise the program for older adults with developmental disabilities.
Sr. Case Manager
Riverstone Senior Life Service - Geriatric Mental Health Initiative
New York, NY
12.2013 - 06.2014
- Conduct substance abuse and mental health screening for older adults
- Provide case assistance to walk-in clients
- Cases vary from guidance to public benefits advocacy and supportive counseling
- Provide home visits to home-bound older adults in the community to provide support and coordination of services
- Coordinate care for Medicaid patients with complex chronic diseases and mental health disorders
- Create a care plan that meets the patient's physical, mental health, and social service needs
- Provided support to help manage illness, coordinate appointments, served as an advocate with a health care provider, and assist with referrals.
Sr Case Manager
Alianza Dominicana Inc. – Project FAITH
New York, NY
02.2009 - 05.2012
- Assessed, conducted referrals, and accompanied participants through the proper channels based on family's needs, such as domestic violence shelter, precinct, court, Administration for Children Services (ACS), and Human Resources Administration (HRA) in the assurance of individual's safety
- Follow up on case providing support through a safe environment.
Sr. Case Planner
Dominican Women Development Center/Rising Families General Preventive
New York, NY
05.2008 - 10.2009
- Provided service to families whose children were at risk of entering foster care because of child abuse or neglect
- Conducted home visits to primarily assure the children’s safety and reduce risk, documented progress notes through the Administration for Children Services (ACS) data system 'CNNX' and 'PROMIS,' Facilitated Family Team Conferences, and advocated for the child(ren) in Family Court.
Case Planner
Alianza Dominicana, Inc. Center for Rehabilitation, Education, and Orientation (CREO)
New York, NY
01.2006 - 11.2007
- Assessed, arranged, coordinated, and evaluated the provision of preventive services the family needs to prevent family disruption and foster care placement
- Assessed children's safety in each household
- Ensured children's safety and protection, including all action required for mandatory reports
- Provided referral, advocacy, and entitlement assistance to DV and HIV/AIDS clients
- Facilitated substance abuse education groups/individuals as well as parenting skills classes
- Maintained positive relationships with references and collateral, i.e., Probation, Parole, and CPS
- Conducted Toxicology and submitted Court report.
Family Aide P/T
Alianza Dominicana, Inc. 9/11 Mental Health Program
New York, NY
12.2004 - 12.2005
- Assisted mentally challenged participants with special needs, Discussed cases with Therapists and Psychiatrists, Scheduled appointments, coordinated activities and special events, handled petty cash, and ordered supplies.
Sr. Case Manager
Alianza Dominicana, Inc. 9/11 Component
New York, NY
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Served as the primary information channel on available 9/11-related benefits and services for individuals and families financially affected by the 9/11 tragedy
- Documented case management contacts and completed daily encounter forms and progress notes
- Provided home visits for participants and their families
- Provided referrals to the 9/11 Red Cross Mental Health program
- Presented cases to the 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable by providing concrete documentation to donors and casework agencies
- Cases were presented to obtain financial assistance to those impacted by the disaster, consequently receiving emergency assistance to ensure victims' long-term recovery when all other services were no longer available.
Crisis Counselor
Alianza Dominicana, Inc. Project Liberty, WTC Relief Program
New York, NY
04.2001 - 12.2005
- Provided case management services to families participating in Project Liberty/Disaster Support Programs and the 9/11 Fund
- Assisted survivors in reducing additional stress by organizing and prioritizing day-to-day recovery-related tasks and coping mechanisms
- Provided referrals to families and individuals to other disaster agencies
- Documented case management contacts on case notes, completed daily encounter forms, and submitted them to the department coordinator for statistical analysis.
Education
MS - Human Services
Boricua College
BS - Human Service
Boricua College
Skills
- Critical Thinking and problem-solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Professionalism and strong work ethic
- Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills
- Bilingual (Spanish)
- Technical Skills
- Relationship Building
Merits
- Honored with a lifetime achievement Proclamation of Service to the Community by State Senate Mr. Adriano Espalliat, Council Member Mr. Ydanis Rodriguez, and Council Member Mr. Mark Levine
- Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation awarded by the Administration for Children Services' Commissioner, Mr. John B. Mattingly
- The Employee of the Year Award@ Alianza Dominicana, Inc. 911 Recovery Program
Special Training
- NYS Notary Public
- NYC Qualifying Certification in Food Protection
- Certified for CPR/AED
- NYS Health Commerce System-Medicaid Analytics and Performance Portal (MAPP) roles as Gatekeeper/Caseworker
- BTQ Financial Portal
- EMed NY ePaces
- Allscripts Health Care System
Accomplishments
· Honored with a lifetime achievement Proclamation of Service to the Community by State Senate Mr. Adriano Espalliat, Council Member Mr. Ydanis Rodriguez, and Council Member Mr. Mark Levine –
· Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation awarded by the Administration for Children Services' Commissioner, Mr. John B. Mattingly,
· The Employee of the Year Award@ Alianza Dominicana, Inc. 911 Recovery Program
Timeline
Patient Advocate
Dedicated Senior Medical Center
09.2022 - Current
Senior Center Director
Riverstone Senior Life Service
06.2014 - 04.2022
Sr. Case Manager
Riverstone Senior Life Service - Geriatric Mental Health Initiative
12.2013 - 06.2014
Sr Case Manager
Alianza Dominicana Inc. – Project FAITH
02.2009 - 05.2012
Sr. Case Planner
Dominican Women Development Center/Rising Families General Preventive
05.2008 - 10.2009
Case Planner
Alianza Dominicana, Inc. Center for Rehabilitation, Education, and Orientation (CREO)
01.2006 - 11.2007
Family Aide P/T
Alianza Dominicana, Inc. 9/11 Mental Health Program
12.2004 - 12.2005
Sr. Case Manager
Alianza Dominicana, Inc. 9/11 Component
01.2004 - 12.2005
Crisis Counselor
Alianza Dominicana, Inc. Project Liberty, WTC Relief Program
04.2001 - 12.2005
MS - Human Services
Boricua College
BS - Human Service
Boricua College
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