Michelle West
Chatsworth,CA
Summary
Hardworking Associate Clinical Social Worker driven to improve patient lives with high-quality and caring support. Excellent planning and problem-solving skills paired with evidence-based and an eclectic approach.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Therapist
ERC Pathlight
07.2023 - Current
- Contributed to program development and enhancement by consistently providing feedback on areas of strength and opportunities for improvement based on clinical observations.
- Introduced meditation, guided imagery, and breathing techniques to patients.
- Promoted skill-building strategies designed explicitly around coping mechanisms enhancing resilience during times of stress or challenge.
- Conducted thorough assessments for new clients, identifying appropriate level of care and developing individualized treatment plans accordingly.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through ongoing data analysis, making adjustments to improve client outcomes over time.
- Enhanced patient progress by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions in group sessions.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices within the field of mental health therapy.
- Utilized evidence-based techniques to deliver successful treatment.
- Performed assessments to evaluate clients' mental health status, needs and goals.
Unlicensed Clinician
Telecare Corporation - Olive House
04.2023 - Current
- Evaluated patient concerns, histories, appearance and responses to form picture of current health state.
- Delivered high-quality patient care by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration for better patient care through effective communication and teamwork.
- Developed tailored treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient and promote optimal recovery.
- Engaged with other professionals to impart knowledge and discuss best treatment courses.
- Conducted group therapy sessions to facilitate skill development, coping strategies, and emotional processing among participants.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and interventions.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when needed, ensuring immediate safety measures were in place for at-risk patients.
- Provides mental health support services to members served and their families at the program.
- Assists in the coordination of all mental health support services provided by the Team.
- Coordinates and collaborates with team members and outside agencies such as, the Conservator's Office, Public Guardian's Office, Probation Department, County Behavioral Health Services, and housing and inpatient providers.
- Conducts weekly service plan assessments, biopsychosocial assessments upon intake and DTS/DTO upon intake and when at risk.
- Case Management
- One on one sessions with members.
Admission Counselor
Lightfully Behavioral Health
05.2022 - Current
- Answer inbound calls and make outbound calls
- Gather necessary information from prospective client.
- Provide program information.
- Verify benefits
- Conduct initial assessment
- Identified and addressed concerns and barriers to accessing treatment.
- Collaborate with clients outpatient team
- Assist client with accessing needed information and tests to admit.
- Arrange transportation
Case Manager Intern
Boys & Girls Club Of Malibu, The Wellness Center
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Assisted in conducting needs assessments to identify key areas of service needs.
- Advocated on behalf of clients during court proceedings, presenting well-researched recommendations for appropriate interventions or services.
- Provided crisis intervention support when necessary, deescalating tense situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources for assistance.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with community members to facilitate outreach activities.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of client progress, adjusting case plans as needed to maximize success.
- Developed and implemented programs to engage and empower underserved populations.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to enhance service offerings available to clients.
- Provided support to social service clients in navigating available resources.
- Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
Senior Aide
K & L Care
08.2014 - 12.2022
- Provided grooming and mobility assistance to support daily living needs.
- Educated patients on proper self-care techniques, empowering them towards increased independence over time.
- Created and maintained detailed records of all office activities.
- Observed and monitored children's activities.
- Supported children's development by encouraging teamwork and understanding of others.
- Facilitated recreational activities tailored to individual patient interests, promoting social engagement and mental stimulation.
- Instructed children in health and personal hygiene habits.
- Compiled and analyzed data to produce reports.
Behavior Interventionist
California Psych Center
02.2008 - 01.2018
- Conducted thorough assessments for accurate identification of behavioral issues in adults and children consumers.
- Conducted assessments of consumer to determine individual needs.
- Completed observations of consumers in classroom and social situations.
- Utilized ABA behavioral strategies to promote adherence to care plans, adoption of healthy behaviors and engagement in self-care.
- Improved behaviors through modeling, role-playing and other effective strategies.
- Promoted positive behavior change through consistent reinforcement and appropriate consequences.
- Advocated for additional resources and support services for consumers with significant behavioral challenges when needed.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Assessed consumers using effective testing instruments and tools.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve consumers behavior.
- Mediated conflicts through structured sessions.
- Provided emotional support to consumers and families.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Maintained records of ongoing assessments and documentation of updates.
- Developed intervention plans based on established guidelines and individual needs.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals involved.
Psych Technician
Harmony's Place
01.2003 - 03.2008
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts through detailed reporting and concise handover communications.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and streamlined care processes.
- Applied interventions with clients wanting to leave against medical advice (AMA).
- Monitored patient behavior and immediately reported changes to supervising physician.
- Assisted in development of therapeutic activities for patients.
- Conducted group therapy sessions to foster positive communication skills and interpersonal relationships among patients.
- Assisted with medication administration and counting and pouring medications.
- Participated in patient education, helping to reinforce concepts and treatment plans.
- Implemented behavioral management techniques to minimize disruptions within the therapeutic milieu effectively.
- Maintained patient records, documenting changes in patient condition.
- Charted on each patient daily.
- Contributed to efficient clinical operations by maintaining organized patient records and ensuring accurate documentation.
- Utilized exceptional active listening skills during one-on-one sessions, identifying concerns or distress signals among patients promptly.
- Supported psychiatrists during evaluations by gathering pertinent patient information and recording observations accurately.
Psychiatric Technician
The Canyon's Treatment Center
04.2003 - 01.2007
- Developed individualized treatment plans for patients in collaboration with mental health professionals.
- Provided therapeutic activities to assist with patient development.
- Implemented crisis intervention protocols when necessary, ensuring the safety of all patients and staff members involved.
- Developed strong rapport with diverse patient populations through empathetic listening skills, helping them feel heard and understood.
- Conducted initial intake assessments for new patients, gathering essential information needed for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, improving overall patient outcomes.
- Ensured a safe and supportive environment for patients through close monitoring and crisis management techniques.
- Maintained patient records, documenting changes in patient condition.
- Participated in patient education, helping to reinforce concepts and treatment plans.
- Monitored patient behavior and immediately reported changes to supervising physician.
- Utilized de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviors effectively, promoting a calm atmosphere conducive to healing.
- Assisted in patient goal-setting and regularly monitored progress, celebrating successes and addressing barriers to achievement.
- Assessed patient progress and reported changes to supervising physician.
- Assisted in development of therapeutic activities for patients.
- Charted on each patient daily.
- Collaborated closely with mental health professionals with treatment plan implementation.
- Assisted with medication administration and counting and pouring medications.
- Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
- Applied interventions with clients wanting to leave against medical advice (AMA).
Education
Master's in Social Work - Social Work
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN02.2023
Associate of Applied Science - Behavioral Sciences
Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CA06.2015
Skills
- Records Management
- Group therapy facilitation
- Clinical assessment
- Care Plan Evaluation
- Case Management
- Intervention Planning
- Suicide Prevention
- Crisis Management
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Treatment Planning
- Motivational Interviewing
- Individual Counseling
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Chemical Dependency Care
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Social Work
- Client Advocacy
- Conflict Resolution
- Group Therapy
Timeline
Program Therapist
ERC Pathlight
07.2023 - Current
Unlicensed Clinician
Telecare Corporation - Olive House
04.2023 - Current
Admission Counselor
Lightfully Behavioral Health
05.2022 - Current
Case Manager Intern
Boys & Girls Club Of Malibu, The Wellness Center
01.2021 - 05.2023
Senior Aide
K & L Care
08.2014 - 12.2022
Behavior Interventionist
California Psych Center
02.2008 - 01.2018
Psychiatric Technician
The Canyon's Treatment Center
04.2003 - 01.2007
Psych Technician
Harmony's Place
01.2003 - 03.2008
Master's in Social Work - Social Work
Walden University
Associate of Applied Science - Behavioral Sciences
Los Angeles Pierce College
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