Rebecca Gassaway
Ukiah,CA
Summary
Dedicated direct care worker with a strong focus on patient safety and wellness. Proven success in assisting clients with daily living activities and meal preparation while ensuring comfort and security through vigilant monitoring. Resilient professional knowledgeable in medical procedures and community service regulations, committed to enhancing patient quality of life.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Community Care
Ukiah, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Support adults with developmental disabilities and older adults in achieving greater independence and quality of life.
- Coordinate medical, dental, behavioral health, and specialty care appointments while providing reliable transportation.
- Assist with medication management, prescription pick-up, medication reminders, and communication with healthcare providers.
- Complete benefits applications, annual recertifications, and housing-related documentation.
- Teach independent living skills including budgeting, meal preparation, personal hygiene, housekeeping, and community integration.
- Connect individuals with primary care providers, behavioral health services, specialists, pharmacies, and community resources.
- Advocate for clients during medical appointments to support continuity of care and positive health outcomes.
- Maintain accurate documentation while collaborating with case managers, healthcare providers, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Promote client choice, dignity, safety, and person-centered care.
Outreach Specialist
Mendocino Coast Hospitality Center
Fort Bragg, CA
09.2023 - 09.2024
- Conduct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness and connect them with healthcare, housing, behavioral health, and social services.
- Develop individualized case plans based on each client's needs and goals.
- Assist clients with housing navigation, Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment, identification documents, and community resource referrals.
- Participate in street medicine outreach alongside healthcare professionals.
- Provide harm reduction education, connect clients with overdose prevention resources, and support access to Narcan when appropriate.
- Advocate for clients by coordinating supportive services and reducing barriers to medical and behavioral healthcare.
- Maintain confidential documentation and provide ongoing follow-up to support long-term stability.
Care Manager / Peer Support Counselor
Redwood Community Services
Fort Bragg, CA
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Provided peer support services using recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches.
- Assisted individuals in developing and achieving wellness and recovery goals.
- Supported medication adherence and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Taught coping strategies, independent living skills, self-advocacy, and relapse prevention techniques.
- Encouraged active participation in treatment planning and community engagement.
- Collaborated with behavioral health professionals and community providers to coordinate client care and improve outcomes.
House Manager
Mendocino Coast Hospitality House
Fort Bragg, CA
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Oversee overnight shelter operations while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment.
- Support residents with daily living needs, medication distribution, and wellness checks.
- Respond calmly and effectively during crisis situations, using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques.
- Complete shift reports, incident documentation, and communication logs.
- Foster a respectful, supportive environment that promotes stability, recovery, and overall well-being.
Education
Associate Degree -
Human Services
07.2026
GED -
Clearlake Adult School
Skills
- Community Health & Outreach
- Case Management
- Care Coordination
- Client Advocacy
- Resource Navigation
- Health Education
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Harm Reduction
- Street Medicine Outreach
- Motivational Interviewing
- Crisis Prevention & De-escalation
- Peer Support Services
- Behavioral Health Support
- Substance Use Recovery Support
- Narcan Education & Overdose Prevention
- Medi-Cal & CalFresh Enrollment Assistance
- Benefits & Housing Navigation
- Documentation & Case Notes
- Appointment Coordination
- Medication Support
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Team Collaboration
- Communication
Certification
- CalMHSA Peer Support Specialist Certification
- Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training
- CPR Certification
- Valid California Driver's License
- Life Skills Certificate
- Anger Management Certificate
- Stress Management Certificate
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Community Care
01.2025 - Current
Outreach Specialist
Mendocino Coast Hospitality Center
09.2023 - 09.2024
Care Manager / Peer Support Counselor
Redwood Community Services
04.2023 - 08.2023
House Manager
Mendocino Coast Hospitality House
10.2022 - 04.2023
Associate Degree -
Human Services
GED -
Clearlake Adult School