Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Pamela Sernak

Hazleton,PA

Summary

Compassionate Crisis Worker with 27 years of employment assisting clients in fast-paced settings. Proven to develop relationships and support individuals in de-escalation and coping skills. Knowledgeable in suicide risk assessment and response. Experienced crisis response professional knowledgeable about strategies for reintroducing calm to emotionally-charged crisis situations. Skilled in reflective listening, relationship-building and collaborative problem-solving. Dedicated to offering meaningful assistance and influencing callers. Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Mobile Crisis Worker

Northeast Counseling Services
10.2021 - Current
  • Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans that addressed clients'' unique needs during crises.
  • Managed high-stress situations calmly, effectively deescalating conflicts and addressing client concerns.
  • Supported clients in developing coping skills.
  • Promoted a trauma-informed approach within the team, leading to improved client-centered care and service delivery.
  • Improved client outcomes with comprehensive risk assessments, safety planning, and resource allocation.
  • Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Maintained client records to document assessment, treatment plans and progress.
  • Offered supportive counseling and crisis intervention to individuals in crisis.
  • Collaborated with mental health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
  • Worked with family members to develop support networks and multifaceted coping techniques focused on client needs.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to increase client engagement in treatment.
  • Collaborated with counselors, physicians and nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.
  • Interviewed clients, reviewed records and conducted assessments to evaluate mental or physical condition of clients or patients.

Crisis Worker Per Diem

Northeast Counseling Services
04.1997 - Current
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans that addressed clients'' unique needs during crises.
  • Triaged and responded to telephone mental health crisis intervention.
  • Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments.
  • Built safety plans to lower risk of crisis and intervened in specific manners outlined by procedures.
  • Effectively managed caseloads by prioritizing urgent cases while maintaining ongoing support for existing clients navigating crises.
  • Provided empathetic support to clients in crisis, guiding them towards appropriate resources and interventions.
  • Supported clients in developing coping skills.
  • Performed verbal de-escalation to resolve crises.

Crisis Worker

Northeast Counseling Services
01.2015 - 07.2024
  • Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments.
  • Offered supportive counseling and crisis intervention to individuals in crisis.
  • Conversed with individuals in crisis which called or texted hotline for assistance.
  • Interviewed clients, reviewed records and conducted assessments to evaluate mental or physical condition of clients or patients.
  • Evaluated patients based on mental and physical parameters discovered through interviews and standardized assessments.
  • Devised and enhanced treatment strategies to promote continued progress.
  • Developed and implemented treatment plans and modified according to presentation.
  • Maintained client records to document assessment, treatment plans and progress.
  • Built safety plans to lower risk of crisis and intervened in specific manners outlined by procedures.
  • Documented risk to each client and context of concerns.
  • Maintained accurate records of client interactions, enabling data-driven decision-making regarding program improvements and resource allocation.
  • Triaged and responded to telephone mental health crisis intervention.
  • Improved client outcomes with comprehensive risk assessments, safety planning, and resource allocation.
  • Cultivated an environment of trust within the workplace through open communication, transparent decision-making, and empathy for team members.
  • Promoted a trauma-informed approach within the team, leading to improved client-centered care and service delivery.
  • Managed high-stress situations calmly, effectively deescalating conflicts and addressing client concerns.
  • Documented all client interactions and interventions.
  • Performed verbal de-escalation to resolve crises.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans that addressed clients'' unique needs during crises.
  • Fostered positive relationships between the agency and local law enforcement agencies to improve coordination during emergency situations.
  • Provided empathetic support to clients in crisis, guiding them towards appropriate resources and interventions.
  • Supported clients in developing coping skills.
  • Effectively managed caseloads by prioritizing urgent cases while maintaining ongoing support for existing clients navigating crises.
  • Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with patients and address concerns.
  • Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to increase client engagement in treatment.
  • Worked with family members to develop support networks and multifaceted coping techniques focused on client needs.

Blended Casemanagment

Northeast Counseling
02.2008 - 01.2015

* Responsible to assess the needs of consumers in mental health, medical, educational, placement and related areas.

* Responsible to actively assist consumers in obtaining defined needed services within the community.

* Responsible to actively monitor any services in which the consumer is involved, advocating for the optimum benefit of the consumer.

* Responsible to provide emotional support to consumer and family.


Children's Medication Clinic Manager

Northeast Counseling Services
04.2004 - 02.2008
  • Streamlined clinic operations by implementing efficient scheduling and appointment systems.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Coordinated with healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care and services.
  • Resolved patient complaints in a timely manner, ensuring a positive experience for all parties involved.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients, fostering trust and loyalty to the clinic.
  • Improved patient satisfaction through effective communication and compassionate care.
  • Prioritized patient confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA guidelines and safeguarding sensitive information at all times.
  • Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.

Mental Health Emergency Services Coordinator

Northeast Counseling Services
01.2001 - 04.2004
  • Maintained communication and good working relationship with facility administration.
  • Oversaw recruitment, orientation and performance evaluations of employees.
  • Evaluated and recommended methods of improving operational performance.
  • Promoted a culture of preparedness among staff members by regularly sharing best practices, lessons learned, and other relevant information from the field of emergency management.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Maintained confidentiality and security of health records and medical information.
  • Monitored implementation and success of protocols and programs.

Crisis Worker

Northeast Counseling Services
10.1998 - 04.2004

Intake Worker

Northeast Counseling
04.1997 - 10.1998
  • Created a positive first impression of the organization by professionally representing its values during interactions with prospective clients seeking assistance or information about services offered.
  • Promoted a welcoming environment for clients through compassionate communication and empathetic listening skills.
  • Streamlined the intake process for increased efficiency by maintaining updated records and organized documentation.
  • Managed high-pressure situations effectively while working under tight deadlines during busy periods in the intake department, prioritizing tasks efficiently without compromising quality of service.
  • Collected, verified, recorded and processed client demographics, insurance payments, and referral information.
  • Completed intake assessment forms and filed clients' charts.
  • Answered phone calls and provided new clients with required paperwork to initiate service.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by conducting thorough intake interviews and gathering accurate information.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds through cultural sensitivity and respect during the intake process.
  • Conducted effective follow-ups with clients after initial intake appointments, ensuring ongoing support and addressing any emerging needs or concerns.

Mental Health Technician

Northeast Counseling
10.1996 - 04.1997
  • Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
  • Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
  • Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
  • Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
  • Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
  • Maintained detailed records of patient interactions, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients, establishing trust and fostering positive relationships conducive to healing.
  • Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities, and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Elementary Education

Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA
05.1996

No Degree - Elementary Education

Penn State Hazleton Campus
Hazleton, PA
1985

High School Diploma -

Jim Thorpe High School
Jim Thorpe, PA
06.1982

Skills

  • Emergency Management
  • Crisis interventions
  • Crisis handling
  • Hotline management
  • Mental health awareness
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Mental health evaluations
  • Problem-Solving
  • Non-violent resolutions
  • Boundary Setting
  • Community Resources
  • Patient support
  • Decision-Making
  • Effective Communication
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Active Listening
  • Excellent Communication
  • Team Collaboration
  • Reliability
  • Multitasking
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Safety Planning
  • Documentation skills
  • Patient confidentiality

Timeline

Mobile Crisis Worker

Northeast Counseling Services
10.2021 - Current

Crisis Worker

Northeast Counseling Services
01.2015 - 07.2024

Blended Casemanagment

Northeast Counseling
02.2008 - 01.2015

Children's Medication Clinic Manager

Northeast Counseling Services
04.2004 - 02.2008

Mental Health Emergency Services Coordinator

Northeast Counseling Services
01.2001 - 04.2004

Crisis Worker

Northeast Counseling Services
10.1998 - 04.2004

Crisis Worker Per Diem

Northeast Counseling Services
04.1997 - Current

Intake Worker

Northeast Counseling
04.1997 - 10.1998

Mental Health Technician

Northeast Counseling
10.1996 - 04.1997

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Elementary Education

Wilkes University

No Degree - Elementary Education

Penn State Hazleton Campus

High School Diploma -

Jim Thorpe High School
Pamela Sernak