Paris Dancy
Social Services/Qualified Mental Health Professional
Summary
Compassionate professional offering a comprehensive background in social services. A deep understanding of mental health and behavioral sciences with the ability to utilize knowledge and techniques to assist individuals in managing challenges. Strong yet flexible leadership style adaptable to changing demands of social services agencies. Skilled in providing patient-centered care, evidence-based interventions, and crisis intervention expertise.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Care Manager
Bend Health
10.2023 - 1 2024
- Collaborated with insurance providers to secure authorization for necessary services, maximizing patients'' benefits coverage.
- Utilized electronic health records systems proficiently for efficient documentation of clinical information according to regulatory standards.
- Monitored patient progress closely, adjusting care plans as needed to promote ongoing improvement.
- Participated in interdisciplinary case conferences fostering teamwork collaboration sharing best practice insights to optimize patient care outcomes.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through empathetic listening and compassionate communication techniques.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals for seamless care coordination efforts.
Service Coordinator
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
09.2023 - 10.2023
- Conduct comprehensive assessments, adhering strictly to our department's policy and procedural guidelines
- Ensure client welfare through regular, at least quarterly, monitoring tailored to each consumer's unique needs
- Maintain the highest standard of data integrity by updating consumer files as necessary
- Be responsible for timely documentation, ensuring all records are updated within our established timelines
- Uphold a safe and healthy environment by complying with all safety and health requirements and staying updated with mandatory training programs.
- Educated clients about available resources, tools, and support options designed to help them maximize their benefits from our services.
Care Counselor/ Coach
Cerebral
06.2021 - 08.2023
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in mental health counseling and service delivery.
- Implemented case management strategies that fostered client engagement in treatment programs and supported long-term success in meeting goals.
- Established rapport with diverse clientele through empathetic listening and effective communication skills.
- Collaborated closely with psychiatrists and other medical professionals, coordinating care to address both mental health symptoms and underlying medical conditions.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of counseling interventions regularly, making data-driven adjustments to treatment plans in response to client progress and feedback.
- Strengthened family dynamics through the provision of family counseling services, addressing relationship challenges and promoting open communication.
- Educated clients about available community resources, connecting them with appropriate supports as needed.
- Developed culturally sensitive treatment approaches, recognizing the unique needs of diverse populations served as a CARE Counselor.
- Promoted self-efficacy among clients by empowering them to take ownership of their recovery process.
Locker Plus, FC and RTS associate
Amazon
12.2019 - 07.2021
- Maintain morale of the team through customer-obsessed leadership
- Open/close the store and cover leadership responsibilities
- Receiving, picking, and random stowing of packages
- Assist customers and problem-solve scenarios such as missing and/or damaged packages
- Manage the package flow from the point it is received at the CPP to customer pick-up
- Check customers in at the Assisted Pickup Desk
- Cover other leadership responsibilities as necessary
- Regular attendance and punctuality
- Pick/stow customer orders
- Pack and ship customer returns
- Adhere to strict safety, quality, and production standards
- Assist RTS with problem-solving and troubleshooting deliveries.
- Optimized departmental processes with the implementation of innovative strategies, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
- Played an integral role in launching successful projects by coordinating tasks among team members while adhering closely to established timelines and budgets.
- Contributed to risk mitigation efforts through careful analysis of potential threats to operations or profitability, recommending appropriate action plans when necessary.
Department Manager
ARC Gateway
02.2019 - 08.2019
- Managed 6 employees and 55 clients in the Adult Enrichment program and Art department
- Develop, implement and coordinate the Adult Enrichment services at the Pollack Training Center
- Provide case management and ensure that all program participants receive appropriate services
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Supervise and train staff in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, securing better deals and ensuring timely deliveries.
- Participate in retail sales projects which include art shows, special events, ARC community projects etc
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
- Implemented quality control measures that resulted in improved products or services within the department offerings.
- Develop curriculum, on-site/off-site activities and products
- Maintain wage and hour compliance
- Assess ongoing progress/satisfaction of persons served and modify curriculum and/or requisition program supplies as appropriate
- Assist in preparing annual Adult Enrichment budget and monitor monthly fiscal status
- Maintain regular communications with PTC Manager and attend relevant meetings
- Work closely with persons served, families, and Support Coordinators to assure all needs are met
- Assure that minimum standards from relevant agencies (APD, ESE School Contract, CMS, etc.) are observed through regular records review
- Oversee the health and safety status of the Adult Enrichment area through regular inspections, emergency drill training for staff and program participants
- Stock adequate first-aid supplies and adhere to proper medication procedures
- Participate in PTC community retail sales projects such as; art shows, special events, Day of Caring, fund-raisers, etc.
- Advocate for people with developmental disabilities through public/community relations
- This includes answering telephones, completing/distributing participant payroll and assisting with other department area coverage
- Participate in community public relations efforts giving presentations to special interest groups and conducting tours of PTC
Care Coach
Humana
02.2016 - 11.2017
- Responsible for 100 clients in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties
- Promoted patient self-management by providing education on chronic condition management and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Identified and resolved barriers that hinder effective care
- Streamlined care coordination processes, resulting in timely referrals and access to appropriate resources.
- Ensured patient is progressing towards desired outcomes by continuously monitoring patient care through use of assessment, data, conversations with member, and active care planning
- Prioritized time management effectively balancing competing demands within dynamic fast-paced healthcare environments.
- Understood own work area professional concepts/standards, regulations, strategies and operating standards
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify patients'' needs, strengths, and barriers to achieving optimal health outcomes.
- Made decisions regarding own work approach/priorities, and follows direction
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals for seamless care coordination efforts.
- Work is managed and often guided by precedent and/or documented procedures/regulations/professional standards with some interpretation
- Managed complex caseloads, ensuring timely assessment, intervention, and documentation for optimal care outcomes.
- The Care Coach assessed and evaluated member's needs and requirements in order to establish a member specific care plan and coordinates services
- Utilized electronic health records systems proficiently for efficient documentation of clinical information according to regulatory standards.
- Ensured members are receiving services in the least restrictive setting in order to achieve and/or maintain optimal well-being by assessing their care needs
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary by assessing risk levels promptly addressing safety concerns collaboratively with the treatment team.
- Plan and implement interventions to meet care needs
- Collaborated with insurance providers to secure authorization for necessary services, maximizing patients'' benefits coverage.
- Coordinated services, monitored and evaluated the case management plan against the member's personal goals
- Monitored patient progress closely, adjusting care plans as needed to promote ongoing improvement.
- Guided members/families towards resources appropriate for their care
- Maintained strict adherence to professional ethics and confidentiality guidelines, safeguarding sensitive information and promoting trust.
- Visit Medicaid members in their homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and/or Long Term Care Facilities and other care settings - 75-90% local travel.
Child Protective Investigator
Department of Children and Families
07.2012 - 02.2016
- Protecting children and working with families to conduct investigations of alleged abused, abandoned, neglected or exploited children
- Managed high caseloads efficiently, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and level of risk to the child.
- Conducts investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and/or special conditions for children
- Engages families to understand the family's perspectives about family dynamics, challenges and solutions, identifies needs and determines the level of intervention needed to include voluntary services or court ordered dependency services
- Utilized strong interviewing skills to gather critical information from children, parents, educators, medical professionals, and law enforcement personnel.
- Assesses danger threats, child vulnerabilities and caregiver protective capacities in order to determine whether a child is safe or not safe
- Ensured compliance with state regulations regarding timelines for investigations, documentation, and reporting requirements.
- Develops with family and other persons as necessary any required present and/or impending danger plans based on analysis of danger threats in operation
- Arranges emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in the home
- Provided expert testimony in court hearings, contributing to informed decisions on child welfare matters.
- Notifies state attorney, law enforcement, child protection team and other required individuals as appropriate
- Provides written present and impending danger assessments
- Completes Risk Assessment on families investigated and explains risk score to family
- Conducts staffing's required for families with risk scores that are High and Very High Risk
- Presents safety plan and impending danger assessment at case management case transfer staffing and participates in discussion as to recommended follow-up actions
- Provides families with services linkages to agency and community resources based on needs assessment and provides recommendations for development of case plan to Case Manager
- Develops with the family a signed Present Danger Plan and a signed safety plan for any identified threats and interventions
- Maintains thorough documentation in the client records/appropriate information system(s) and maintains organized client files
- Reports indication of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline
- Establishes and maintains cooperative and professional working relationships with organizations and other agencies involved with child protective investigations such as community based providers, Children's Legal Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community/agency resources
- Ensures effective communication with deaf or hard-of hearing customers or companions in accordance with the ADA and/or Section 504 and shall manage service records and report this data and any resources and/or training needs to their designated program point of contact
- Mentor-As a mentor, provided training, guidance and leadership to other investigators
- Additionally, I assisted investigators in obtaining their certification, by providing supervision in the areas of documentation, interviewing, case closures, removals, placements, court procedures and policies.
Mental Health Technician
Dover Behavioral Health Systems
10.2007 - 09.2010
- Counseling and supporting adolescents who have suffered various forms of abuse, have been born with mental illness and those who have substance abuse problems
- Supported families in understanding their loved one''s mental health condition and provided resources for ongoing support.
- Duties also included work that involved group leadership and giving practical guidance on day-to-day activities to residents in the facility
- Position required skills to communicate effectively both orally and written to work constructively with members/occupants of the facility both individually and in group settings
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members, contributing valuable insights to optimize patient care and outcomes.
- My work experience also involved dealing with both individuals and families in the community and required the ability to establish and maintain community contacts
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Responsible for providing group leadership as a Proctor for residents in the facility
- Provided practical advice and counsel to individuals on everyday problems of adjustment to the group
- Educated patients on coping strategies and self-help techniques to better manage their mental health symptoms.
- Knowledgeable in basic interviewing skills that include communicating acceptance, interest, and encouragement and selective use of questioning, explanation, and guidance in working with clients to help them explore their problems
- Maintained detailed records of patient interactions, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference.
- Monitored patients'' progress, documenting changes in behavior and updating treatment plans accordingly.
- Empowered patients by setting realistic goals, encouraging personal growth, and celebrating achievements throughout the recovery process.
- Leveraged professional expertise in behavioral management techniques to minimize disruptions within the therapeutic environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Associates of Arts - Business
Skills
Team Building
Coaching
Advocacy
Leadership
Case Management
Medication Administration
Sports Coaching
Investigations
Crisis Intervention
Social Work
Developmental Disabilities Experience
Conflict Management
Group Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Health
Crisis Management
Behavior Management
Sports coaching
Supervising experience
Mentoring
Communication skills
Motivational interviewing
Microsoft Suite
Care plans
Addiction counseling
Computer skills
Safety plans
PTSD Care
Writing skills
Child welfare
Experience with children
Management
Administrative experience
Employee evaluation
Root cause analysis
Resource Utilization
Case assessments
Medical chart documentation
Mental health awareness
Conducting interviews
Law enforcement interaction
Court Testimony
Child Interviewing
Additional Information
Stats based on clients who work with me one on one.Clients who are considered moderate to severe depression see a 1.6% decrease in their symptoms, improved mood and report no suicidal ideation.Clients who are considered to have moderate to severe anxiety see 1.9% decrease in their symptoms, increased focus and concentration.
Timeline
Behavioral Care Manager - Bend Health
10.2023 - 1 2024
Service Coordinator - The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
09.2023 - 10.2023
Care Counselor/ Coach - Cerebral
06.2021 - 08.2023
Locker Plus, FC and RTS associate - Amazon
12.2019 - 07.2021
Department Manager - ARC Gateway
02.2019 - 08.2019
Care Coach - Humana
02.2016 - 11.2017
Child Protective Investigator - Department of Children and Families
07.2012 - 02.2016
Mental Health Technician - Dover Behavioral Health Systems
10.2007 - 09.2010
Delaware State University - Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
Lincoln Community College - Associates of Arts, Business
Custom
Case management & social work, Proficient, 10/01/22