Accomplished Dual BI-lingual Behavioral Health Specialist with a proven track record at Central City Concern, enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and empathetic, non-judgmental communication. Expert in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and stress reduction, significantly improving clients' coping mechanisms and wellbeing. Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating exceptional crisis intervention skills and patient advocacy.
Passionate individual with exceptional skills in patient resource and referral management. An energetic Behavioral Health Specialist considered an expert communicator and a dedicated patient advocate.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Dual BI-lingual Behavioral Health Specialist
Central City Concern
10.2019 - Current
Established trust-based relationships with clients through empathetic listening and non-judgmental communication, fostering stronger therapeutic alliances.
Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to address negative thought patterns and promote healthier thinking habits among clients.
Provided crisis intervention services during emergency situations, ensuring immediate support and safety for affected individuals.
Created progress reports, assessments and charting within required timeframes.
Facilitated group therapy sessions addressing topics such as coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention, fostering a supportive environment for participants.
Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms that contributed to sustained behavioral changes and improved overall wellbeing.
Identified appropriate treatment resources and recommended patients for these services.
Consulted regularly with psychiatrists regarding medication management recommendations for shared clients, ensuring optimal pharmacological interventions complementing therapy approaches.
Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and treatment plans in compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care, resulting in improved treatment planning and coordination.
Advocated on behalf of clients with external stakeholders such as insurance companies and social service agencies, facilitating access to necessary treatments and resources.
Enhanced patient outcomes by utilizing evidence-based practices and tailoring interventions to individual needs.
Bilingual-Bicultural SUD Youth Counselor
Native American Youth And Family Center
01.2018 - 05.2019
Monitored youth behavior and offered guidance and support for positive change.
Supervised youth in engaging environment to promote security and safety for all ages.
Assisted youth in developing problem-solving and communication skills to support stress management.
Coached youth in conflict resolution skills, reducing incidents of aggression and improving peer relationships.
Created and implemented individualized plans for individual youth.
Documented detailed case notes efficiently, maintaining confidentiality while adhering to reporting protocols set forth by the organization.
Demonstrated positive influence to children by acting appropriately, being respectful to others and actively listening.
Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to youth.
Provided constructive feedback during one-on-one sessions, empowering clients to take ownership of their personal growth journey.
Helped youth develop and achieve personal goals with close support.
Maintained accurate documentation of youth progress in line with reporting requirements.
Collaborated with parents, teachers, and community resources to provide comprehensive support for clients'' needs.
Engaged and interacted with youth members, teaching sustainable habits, and coping mechanisms.
Enhanced youths'' self-esteem by implementing confidence-building activities and group discussions.
Developed strong rapport with youths, fostering open communication and trust for effective counseling sessions.
Reduced behavioral issues by establishing clear expectations and boundaries within a supportive environment.
Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
Bilingual-Bicultural SUD CADC II Counselor
Volunteers Of America
06.2014 - 11.2018
Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
Facilitated weekly group sessions to encourage self-reflection and problem-solving.
Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
Assessed patient behavior, moods, and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Bilingual/Bicultural CADC,CPS, Youth SUD Counselor
Lifeworks Norhwest
02.2006 - 11.2013
Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
Enhanced client progress by utilizing evidence-based counseling techniques and individualized treatment plans.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Education
No Degree - SUD, CPS, QMHA Continued Education
Day Star Education
Portland, OR
06.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Music Educator
Grove School Of Fine Arts
Van Nuys, CA
06.1990
Skills
Suicide Risk Assessment
Behavioral treatment services
Discharge Planning
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Anxiety Management
Stress reduction techniques
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Dual BI-lingual Behavioral Health Specialist
Central City Concern
10.2019 - Current
Bilingual-Bicultural SUD Youth Counselor
Native American Youth And Family Center
01.2018 - 05.2019
Bilingual-Bicultural SUD CADC II Counselor
Volunteers Of America
06.2014 - 11.2018
Bilingual/Bicultural CADC,CPS, Youth SUD Counselor