Lisa Kuchta
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Proven Service Coordinator and Forensic Liaison at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, adept in communication and accurate recordkeeping, significantly improved service delivery for clients with serious mental illness. Mastered client advocacy, ensuring enhanced access to community resources and reducing recidivism rates by fostering strong links with justice systems.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Service Coordinator and Forensic Liaison
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
10.2002 - Current
- Coordinates services for a high volume of adult clients with serious mental illness, ensuring timely and effective service delivery.
- Assesses clients needs and works with clients to address needs.
- Provides linkage to community resources such as housing, food, benefits, mental health, medical and drug and alcohol treatment
- Collaborates with mental health and forensic interdisciplinary teams
- Serves as forensic liaison to Allegheny County jail, Justice Related Services, Adult Probation and Parole, Mental Health Court and the Behavioral Assessment Unit.
- Meets with incarcerated individuals to address needs in the jail and to provide a point of contact upon release
- Maintains accurate records and full compliance with government regulations and agency guidelines.
Intensive Case Manager
St. Francis Hospital
09.2001 - 10.2022
- Facilitated successful client transitions from institutional settings to community living through careful planning and coordination of services.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary teams comprised of medical professionals, social workers and educators to address each client's unique needs holistically.
- Ensured continuity of care during crisis situations by coordinating emergency services, assessing risk factors, and creating safety plans for vulnerable clients.
- Reduced recidivism rates by providing intensive support and guidance to high-risk clients.
- Improved community resources access for clients through effective collaboration with local service providers.
- Promoted client self-sufficiency with comprehensive assessments, goal setting, and regular progress monitoring.
Residential Aid
Transitional Services Inc.
10.1995 - 09.2001
- Developed positive rapport with residents by demonstrating genuine empathy, respect, and understanding; created a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged open communication.
- Assisted with the coordination of transportation services for residents attending off-site appointments or activities, ensuring timely pickup and drop-off arrangements.
- Assisted with medication administration under the supervision of a licensed professional, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to schedules.
- Improved residents'' quality of life by providing compassionate care and assistance with daily activities.
- Facilitated social engagement among residents through the coordination of group activities, outings, and events.
- Complied with relevant regulations governing residential care facilities; participated in ongoing training opportunities to enhance professional knowledge continually.
Education
Associate of Arts - Social Work
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PABachelor of Arts - Psychology With Concentration in Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH06.2024
Skills
- Communication
- Goal Setting
- Service monitoring and evaluation
- Community liaison
- Accurate and timely documentation
- Client Advocacy
- Group facilitation
- Knowledge of DBT
Timeline
Service Coordinator and Forensic Liaison
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
10.2002 - Current
Intensive Case Manager
St. Francis Hospital
09.2001 - 10.2022
Residential Aid
Transitional Services Inc.
10.1995 - 09.2001
Associate of Arts - Social Work
Community College of Allegheny County
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With Concentration in Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University