Nestor Kowal
Chicago,IL
Summary
Mental health technician with experience in crisis management and group facilitation. Conducts continuous patient monitoring and delivers structured support to strengthen therapeutic engagement. Supports emotional well-being through consistent, documented interventions.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Technician
Chicago Behavioral Hospital
Des Plaines, IL
08.2020 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans to address patient needs.
- Utilized crisis intervention techniques to effectively manage and de-escalate challenging behaviors.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to help manage patient behavior.
- Observed patient behavior and emotional status during daily activities.
- Monitored and documented patient behaviors, reporting significant changes to supervising mental health professionals.
- Assisted with therapeutic activities to support patient engagement and participation.
- Facilitated group discussions to promote communication and social skills among patients.
- Established trusting relationships with clients by demonstrating empathy and understanding toward them.
- Assisted patients in setting and achieving personal and therapeutic goals.
- Supported patients in developing life skills and independence through targeted interventions.
- Completed safety checks to maintain a secure facility for all individuals.
- Modeled appropriate communication and problem-solving skills in crisis situations involving patients, family or staff.
Mental Health Worker
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
05.1989 - 06.2020
- Provided direct support to individuals with mental health needs at community center.
- Led group therapy sessions that encouraged peer support and skill development.
- Used crisis intervention methods to support client safety and stability.
- Recognized warning signs of suicide risk among patients at high risk for self-harm.
- Delivered crisis intervention services during emergency situations.
- Taught coping strategies and mental health resources to clients.
- Worked with healthcare professionals to build individualized treatment plans.
- Joined interdisciplinary team meetings to review best practices for mental illness treatment.
- Applied behavioral management plans to address challenging behaviors.
- Supported individuals in managing stress, improving self-esteem, and addressing emotional health concerns.
- Helped clients manage substance abuse, mental illness, and other concerns through personalized counseling support.
- Counseled clients individually and in group sessions to address dependencies, life transitions, and behavior changes.
- Assisted clients with daily living tasks and personal care routines.
- Observed client behavior and reported significant changes to clinical team.
- Recorded client progress and kept accurate case management files.
- Advised clients on symptom management for issues such as insomnia or mood swings.
- Raised suicide awareness through proactive assessments and targeted interventions.
- Monitored medication use, symptoms, and side effects with clients.
- Referred clients to external resources for extra support.
- Explained available resources for clients to access support services. such as community programs, support groups, and housing options.
- Updated treatment strategies to support continued progress.
- Assisted with aftercare planning to support continuity of care after discharge.
- Supported patients in building life skills for greater independence.
- Led mindfulness and relaxation workshops, fostering stress reduction and enhancing overall well-being.
- Built strategies for stress, anger, and other challenging behaviors in therapeutic setting.
- Used meditation, play therapy, and visualization to support client treatment goals.
- Applied behavioral management plans to address challenging behaviors.
- Supported individuals in managing stress, improving self-esteem, and addressing emotional health concerns.
- Provided vocational support services to help patients work toward employment goals.
- Assisted with aftercare planning to support continuity of care after discharge.
- Counseled clients individually and in group sessions to address dependencies, life transitions, and behavior changes.
Mental Health Worker
Rock Creek Center
Lisle, Illinois
03.1995 - 03.1997
- Identified warning signs of suicide risk among high-risk patients.
- Provided crisis intervention during emergency situations.
- Applied crisis intervention methods to support client safety and stability.
- Developed and delivered coping skills training and mental health resource education to empower clients.
- Led group therapy sessions to promote peer support and skill building.
- Facilitated weekly group sessions addressing various issues, fostering peer support and personal growth.
- Supported individuals with mental health challenges at community center.
- Encouraged clients to explore feelings and life events, enhancing self-awareness and relational insights.
- Helped clients with conflict resolution strategies and anger management techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, IL06-1988
Skills
- Crisis management
- Treatment planning
- Patient monitoring
- Behavior modification
- Group facilitation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Life skills training
- Patient assessment
Accomplishments
- NMH Employee of the Year Award 1999
- NMH Patient Satisfaction Award 2020
Affiliations
- Musician/ Vocalist(violin, bass, guitar, keyboard, percussion instruments)
Timeline
Mental Health Technician
Chicago Behavioral Hospital
08.2020 - Current
Mental Health Worker
Rock Creek Center
03.1995 - 03.1997
Mental Health Worker
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
05.1989 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Loyola University of Chicago