Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
References
Timeline
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LAVADA STRICKLAND

Tampa

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at the United States Air Force, excelling in operations management and change management. Spearheaded innovative HR strategies and mental health programs, achieving a 25% improvement in employee performance. Skilled in policy development and staff training, adept at fostering team integration and enhancing service delivery.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Intern

Omni HR Internship
Wichita Falls
05.2024 - 07.2024
  • Conducted the full talent acquisition process, successfully hiring 75% of the nonprofit Highway to Destiny's board of Directors, and implementing efficient recruiting strategies, resulting in a 50% reduction in time-to-hire and a 30% increase in candidate quality.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive onboarding program (pre-onboarding, onboarding, and orientation), achieving 100% compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, enhancing new hire integration, and reducing onboarding time by 20%.
  • Created a robust performance management program, facilitating effective communication between leaders and their team through quarterly and annual reviews, 360-degree feedback cycles, and Performance Improvement Plans utilized by five unique companies, aiding in the development of over 500 team members, and improving overall employee performance by 25%.
  • Completed advanced training on all seven core HR functions at a mid/senior HR level under the direct mentorship of OmniHR's CEO, who leveraged case studies and real-world examples to connect best HR practices with company operations, achieving 100% coursework completion.

Manager, Behavioral Health Clinic

United States Air Force
Sheppard AFB
01.2022 - 05.2024
  • Led a team of 28 across three clinics, optimizing document administration and data tracking systems for a large-scale training program with 65,000 annual graduates and 51,000 aircraft.
  • Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to effectively address and fulfill a wide range of internal needs.
  • Directed daily operations of the behavioral health flight, overseeing training programs for 10 technicians, implementing policy and procedural improvements, conducting consultations, and managing mental health prevention and outreach initiatives to ensure compliance, and high-quality service delivery.
  • Designed, implemented, and evaluated specialized training programs in mental health, family advocacy, and substance abuse, ensuring adherence to organizational standards.
  • Facilitated in-service training sessions, managed recurring training schedules, and performed task evaluations to enhance program effectiveness, and participant engagement.
  • Provided care for individuals experiencing acute and post-traumatic stress reactions, demonstrating exceptional crisis management skills, and empathetic support.
  • Collected and maintained administrative and statistical data, conducted unit self-assessments, and compiled comprehensive medical and administrative reports.
  • Educated patients on safety and evacuation procedures, ensuring adherence to compliance standards and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Led a team recognized as 'Team of the Quarter' in 2022 and 2023 for exceptional contributions to advancing the mission of the medical facility.

Manager, Joint Inpatient Mental Health Unit

United States Air Force
Travis AFB
10.2020 - 01.2022
  • Directed the sole Air Force and Veteran Affairs (VA) Mental Health inpatient platform, managing 38 staff members, and ensuring continuous 24/7 operations for $6M in annual medical services, contributing to the Department of Defense's second-largest joint VA venture.
  • Managed a $1.3M Behavioral Health Technician contract, supporting the hiring process, staff scheduling, and training programs to enhance workforce effectiveness, and adherence to industry best practices.
  • Directed Squadron's Professional Development Program. Designed a curriculum that deliberately developed 133 medical providers, 102 medical technicians, and 82 civilian employees.
  • Led the unit safety program: Identified and addressed a critical security system safety concern, collaborating with leadership to resolve the issue. This initiative increased patient capacity and saved the unit $19K.
  • Conducted or assisted in the treatment and rehabilitation of mental health patients. Performed initial basic assessment procedures, including standardized psychological testing, clinical interviewing, mental status examinations, substance abuse evaluations, and psychological and nursing assessments.

Manager, Behavioral Health Clinic

United States Air Force
Travis AFB
05.2018 - 10.2020
  • Led a diverse team of 66 active-duty and civilian personnel across 6 specialties and a residency program, ensuring effective operations and strong team integration.
  • Supervised and mentored a team of eight enlisted technicians, leading a training program for nineteen members.
  • Spearheaded the revision of the Behavioral Health Technician master training plan, developing comprehensive training references and a tracking process for 46 tasks, resulting in a reduction of new personnel training time by two months.
  • Revamped provider templates, enhancing clinic access by 35% and increasing appointment availability by 1,000 annually, contributing to the Behavioral Health team's recognition as Team of the Quarter by senior leadership.
  • Authored and implemented a Behavioral Health COVID-19 response plan, coordinating 68 essential assets to swiftly enable telehealth operations within 72 hours, maintaining 95% operational capabilities.
  • Managed a self-assessment inspection program across eight work centers, identifying 18 findings and implementing five corrective action plans, resulting in a 77% reduction in discrepancies.

Embedded Mental Health Operations Manager

United States Air Force
Hickam AFB
08.2016 - 05.2018
  • Managed mental health consultations for leaders at multiple levels.
  • Oversaw readiness, personal safety, and security concerns.
  • Implemented performance enhancement concepts for 1,000 Intel personnel to maximize work performance and resiliency.
  • Explained and interpreted mental health services to patients, or others.
  • Assisted in, or arranged patient referrals to public, private, and military community agencies.
  • Conducted or assisted in conducting group and individual counseling, therapeutic community, and other related milieu activities.
  • Institutes precautionary measures to prevent patient injury and suicide.
  • Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency, and help the unit evolve and grow.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Clinic Manager

United States Air Force, USAF
Incirlik, AB
04.2012 - 08.2013
  • Managed Alcohol, Drug Abuse Prevention, and Treatment Program. Provided data to the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency Wing. Directed care regimen, and fostered prevention and readiness for an 18K population.
  • Provided 15 hours of alcohol and drug evaluation and treatment, while mentoring 4 technicians in their pursuit of drug and alcohol counselor certification, resulting in enhanced treatment outcomes for 18 patients, and promoting best practices in substance abuse counseling. Conducted assessments to evaluate the effects of substance abuse on community life and mission accomplishment, providing actionable insights for program enhancement.
  • Utilized accepted training theories and methods to design and facilitate 22 engaging group sessions, enhancing participants' understanding of drug demand reduction initiatives.
  • Conducted training workshops and presentations for eight technicians on drug demand reduction topics, effectively employing techniques for group facilitation to foster active participation and learning.
  • Led the Sexual Assault Prevention Response and Alcohol, Drug Prevention, and Treatment working group. Developed educational materials and resources for community outreach, ensuring clear messaging and accessibility for individuals impacted by substance use issues.

Education

Healthcare Management - Management

Park University
Kansas City, MO
07.2026

Associate of Applied Science - Mental Health Services

Community College of The Air Force
Randolph Afb, TX
01.2018

Skills

  • Operations management
  • Change management
  • Policy/program development
  • Complex problem-solving
  • Multi-tasking abilities
  • Strategic Planning
  • EHR experience
  • Staff development
  • Group dynamics
  • Supervision and training
  • Medical support assistant
  • Sound judgment
  • HR Support
  • Executing the budget
  • Onboarding
  • Performance management

Certification

  • CADC - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Obtained (2010) Current
  • PMP- Project Management Professional, Obtained (2021) Current
  • Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Obtained (2021)
  • American Heart Association CPR/BLS Certified, Obtained (2022)
  • Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent, Obtained (2024) Current

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Intern

Omni HR Internship
05.2024 - 07.2024

Manager, Behavioral Health Clinic

United States Air Force
01.2022 - 05.2024

Manager, Joint Inpatient Mental Health Unit

United States Air Force
10.2020 - 01.2022

Manager, Behavioral Health Clinic

United States Air Force
05.2018 - 10.2020

Embedded Mental Health Operations Manager

United States Air Force
08.2016 - 05.2018

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Clinic Manager

United States Air Force, USAF
04.2012 - 08.2013

Healthcare Management - Management

Park University

Associate of Applied Science - Mental Health Services

Community College of The Air Force
LAVADA STRICKLAND