Paola Camargo Garcia
San Diego,CA
Summary
Bilingual and culturally aware mental health professional with clinical experience as a Mental Health Aide, Case Manager, and Spanish interpreter. Skilled in supporting psychiatric patients, managing crises, and facilitating effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. Proficient in clinical documentation, conducting behavioral health assessments, and developing individualized care plans. Committed to improving patient experiences through empathy and clear communication. Seeking to utilize skills and experience in a Master of Social Work graduate program to provide high-quality care to diverse communities.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Spanish Interpreter
Douglas Young Youth & Family Services
04.2023 - Current
- Facilitate clear and accurate communication between Spanish-speaking clients and mental health professionals during therapy sessions, behavioral health assessments, and psychiatric evaluations
- Translate complex medical and psychological terminology into Spanish, ensuring clients fully understand diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication instructions
- Deliver cultural context and sensitivity to healthcare providers, helping bridge cultural gaps that may impact care delivery
- Assist clinicians in documenting client progress and translating key information into medical records while maintaining strict confidentiality in line with HIPAA standards
- Act as a patient advocate, ensuring that client's needs and concerns are communicated effectively to clinicians and support staff
- Support crisis interventions by enabling effective, calm communication between patients and healthcare teams in high-stress or emergency situations
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including therapists, psychiatrists, and case managers, to ensure holistic and patient-centered care
- Deliver exceptional customer service to both English- and Spanish-speaking clients through skillful written and verbal communication abilities.
- Strengthen relationships with clients by providing culturally sensitive interpretations that demonstrate respect and understanding.
- Support an average of two Behavioral Health Assessments for new client intake a week.
- Assist in the creation of Spanish materials, ensuring accurate translations for the use of clients and program.
Mental Health Aid
United Nursing International Staffing
08.2020 - 09.2023
- Worked under the RN supervision of San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital
- Managed a daily average of 30 patients
- Administered direct support to psychiatric patients by monitoring safety and location, assisting with daily living activities, and observing patient behavior for signs requiring intervention
- Provided crisis intervention services, effectively de-escalating tense situations and maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Collaborate with nursing staff and clinicians to implement individualized treatment plans and ensure the continuity of care in a secure and therapeutic environment
- Conducted regular safety checks, proactively addressing potential hazards within the facility.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, enabling more informed decision-making by healthcare professionals.
- Communicated effectively with an interdisciplinary team, including doctors, social workers, law enforcement, and administrative staff, to manage patient care and crises
- Documented accurate and timely documentation of patient behavior, interventions, and progress, contributing to clinical records and treatment decisions
- Fostered patient adherence to treatment plans, medication schedules, and therapeutic activities, providing feedback to clinical staff for adjustments to care plans
- Empowered patients in navigating psychiatric treatments, providing emotional reassurance, and fostering a positive therapeutic environment during their recovery process
Behavioral Therapist
MeBe Clinical Behavioral Therapy
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Maintained and managed a caseload of 5 clients.
- Provided one-on-one behavioral therapy to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), implementing individualized treatment plans to support clients' development and behavioral goals
- Collaborated with clinical supervisors and parents to monitor progress, adjust therapeutic strategies, and ensure consistency in care between home and therapy settings
- Customized therapeutic materials and visual aids to cater to individual client preferences and learning styles, ensuring optimal engagement during sessions.
- Utilized evidence-based interventions, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, to improve social skills, communication, and behavior in children
- Documented daily progress and communicated updates to clinical team to inform ongoing treatment adjustments
- Responded effectively to crises and aggressive behaviors, skillfully mitigating conflicts with proven strategies.
- Maintained professional boundaries with parents and caregivers while building strong support networks to support treatment goals.
Bilingual Case Manager
Manpower Staffing
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Worked under the supervision of a South Bay Community Services Supervisor.
- Managed a caseload of 15 unaccompanied minors at the Office of Refugee Resettlement Emergency Intake Shelter, facilitating the reunification process with sponsors
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to screen minors and potential sponsors for risk factors, including abuse and trafficking, ensuring compliance with Office of Refugee Resettlement protocols
- Collaborated with federal field specialists to prepare and submit detailed case files for reunification approval, ensuring accuracy and timely processing
- Educated minors and sponsors on U.S Immigration laws, rights, and available legal resources, promoting successful transitions
- Connected clients with community services and resources, including legal, educational, and psychological support, to address immediate needs and long-term stability
- Advocated for clients' rights within legal systems, ensuring adherence to regulations governing the provision of services for individuals with limited English proficiency.
- Built trust with clients through empathetic listening skills, fostering open communication about challenges faced during the case management process.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA05.2025
Associate of Arts - Psychology Transfer
San Diego City College
San Diego, CA05.2018
Skills
- Medical and Mental Health Terminology
- Confidentiality and Ethical Practice
- Cultural Competence
- Active Listening
- Translation services
- Client Advocacy
- Behavioral Health Communication
- Microsoft Office
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Electronic Health Records utilization
- Fluent Spanish
- Crisis management experience
Certification
- Mental Health Work, San Diego Health and Human Services Agency 05/19
- CPR/AED Certification 08/23
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) 08/23
Timeline
Spanish Interpreter
Douglas Young Youth & Family Services
04.2023 - Current
Behavioral Therapist
MeBe Clinical Behavioral Therapy
10.2021 - 03.2022
Bilingual Case Manager
Manpower Staffing
05.2021 - 07.2021
Mental Health Aid
United Nursing International Staffing
08.2020 - 09.2023
- Mental Health Work, San Diego Health and Human Services Agency 05/19
- CPR/AED Certification 08/23
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) 08/23
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University San Marcos
Associate of Arts - Psychology Transfer
San Diego City College
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