Nicole Hernandez, LCSW-S / MBA Healthcare Organization Mgmt 2025
Lubbock,TX
Summary
Innovative behavioral healthcare leader with 9+ years of experience in healthcare management, and 17+ years in behavioral health delivery. Demonstrated expertise in leading clinical teams, experience in payor - provider relationships, implementing clinical telehealth and telesupervision techniques. Proven leadership abilities, exceptional communication skills, passion for quality improvement in healthcare, a deep commitment to enhancing the delivery of behavioral health services and mentoring clinicians.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Clinic Director
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2021 - Current
- Managed and mentored team of 30+ interdisciplinary clinicians
- Proficient in clinical telehealth and telesupervision techniques
- Promoted supportive work environment by fostering teamwork and open communication among staff members
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees
- Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning efforts aimed at long-term growth and sustainability of clinic facility
- Championed ongoing professional development opportunities for staff, resulting in increased morale and retention rates
- Assisted in implementation of quality improvement initiatives within behavioral health department, resulting in increased efficiency and enhanced patient care standards
Suicide Prevention Associate Coordinator
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Clinical social work supervisor - clinical supervision/mentorship for licensure
- Coached employees through day-to-day work and complex problems.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for successful project execution and timely delivery.
- Presented measurable outcomes to senior leadership to demonstrate effectiveness of initiatives
- Improved outreach efforts to raise awareness of behavioral health issues and suicide prevention resources for Veterans
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Conducted research on industry trends, aiding in informed decision-making within the organization.
Lead Crime Victim Psychotherapist
Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas State Police
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Led Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for 52 counties in Texas
- Served as Behavioral health Point of Contact (PoC) during Texas Ranger operations
- Provided trauma-focused therapy to victims using evidence-based techniques to address symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans, integrating victim advocacy services and community resources.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals in coordinating care for clients with co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed, effectively addressing acute emotional distress and preventing harm to self or others.
Site Intern Supervisor / Inpatient LMSW
Starcare Specialty Health System
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Supervised social work interns and mental health specialists in case management and clinical social work
- Conducted psychosocial assessments for inpatient psychiatric patients to determine treatment needs and developed individualized care plans
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate discharge planning
- Provided crisis intervention to patients experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms or emotional distress
- Facilitated psychoeducational groups on topics such as coping skills, stress management, and healthy relationships to promote patient well-being and recovery.
Community Social Worker
Starcare Specialty Health System
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Established and maintained relationships with community members to assess needs and provide resources for individuals and families facing challenges
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans for clients, including coordinating access to social services, mental health support, and educational opportunities
- Collaborated with local organizations, government agencies, and healthcare providers to advocate for improved social services and policies that benefit the community.
Education
MBA - Healthcare Organization Management
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas 08.2025
Social Work | Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.S.W.) - Families And Children
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX12.2013
Social Work | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) -
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas12.2007
Skills
- Health Informatics
- Research Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Program Management
- Analytical Skills
- Computer Literacy
- Healthcare Industry
- Health Policy
- Project Management
- Public Policy
- Patient Care Coordination
- Healthcare administration
Timeline
Behavioral Health Clinic Director
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2021 - Current
Suicide Prevention Associate Coordinator
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2018 - 01.2021
Lead Crime Victim Psychotherapist
Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas State Police
01.2015 - 01.2018
Site Intern Supervisor / Inpatient LMSW
Starcare Specialty Health System
01.2013 - 01.2015
Community Social Worker
Starcare Specialty Health System
01.2007 - 01.2015
MBA - Healthcare Organization Management
Texas Tech University
Social Work | Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.S.W.) - Families And Children
The University of Texas At Arlington
Social Work | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) -
Texas Tech University
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