Rita Bell
Vancouver,WA
Summary
I am a dedicated human services professional with lifelong ties to Vancouver, Washington and a strong commitment to supporting individuals and families in Clark County. My professional background began in healthcare, where I primarily worked with the aging population and developed a deep understanding of the challenges people face when navigating complex systems and accessing essential resources.
For the past 10 years, I have transitioned my focus to housing and supportive services, working as a Housing Navigator with Birthright and as a Housing Case Manager with Share. Having personally utilized many of the community resources I now help others access, I bring both professional experience and a genuine understanding of the local housing landscape. I find this work deeply fulfilling and am passionate about helping people overcome barriers, connect with resources, and move toward greater stability and independence. I am eager for the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and making a meaningful impact in the housing and human services field. a dedicated human services professional with lifelong ties to Vancouver, Washington and a strong commitment to supporting individuals and families in Clark County. My professional background began in healthcare, where I primarily worked with the aging population and developed a deep understanding of the challenges people face when navigating complex systems and accessing essential resources.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Permanent supportive housing case manager
Share
Vancouver, Washington
06.2021 - Current
- Assessed client needs and developed personalized housing plans.
- Coordinated access to housing resources and support services.
- Conducted regular follow-ups to ensure client compliance with housing agreements.
- Collaborated with partner organizations to coordinate services for clients at risk of becoming homeless.
- Conducted initial interviews with clients to assess their housing needs and develop individualized housing stability goals.
- Facilitated weekly case management meetings with clients to review progress towards goals and provide additional support as needed.
- Modified treatment plans to accommodate changes in clients' health or progress.
- Advocated for clients to resolve medical or personal crises.
- Collaborated with other professionals to assess client needs.
- Identified environmental challenges to client progress through interviews with patient and caregivers.
- Mediated disputes between tenants and landlords when necessary to ensure a successful tenancy.
- Monitored client progress towards established goals and objectives outlined in service plans.
Community Volunteer
Birthright Of Vancouver Washington
Vancouver , WA
04.2018 - 09.2021
- Solicited feedback from volunteers and clients of Birthright to improve Birthrights relationship with clients and their individualized needs.
- Covered vacancies when other volunteers were absent or unavailable.
- Collaborated with team members to identify and accomplish agency objectives.
- Partnered with similar organizations to meet greater needs, preventing duplication and optimizing resource utilization.
- Advocated for placement of patients into community-based treatment settings such as lifeline addiction services.
- Presented talks at community groups to promote organizational mission and programs.
- Coordinated referrals to community services by advocating for individual needs and addressing roadblocks.
- Devised materials for fundraising programs uploaded to social media and websites and were mailed to former donors.
- Updated and maintained social media sites.
- Referred families to food banks, financial assistance programs, employment and training support and health and immigration services.
- Conducted needs assessments for families with young children.
- Kept up-to-date, thorough and accurate case files.
- Created relationships with businesses, community leaders and citizens to promote Birthright making connections to better serve the needs of the community.
- Explained available housing, domestic violence, employment, education and substance abuse treatment resources to clients.
- Determined customer eligibility for benefit programs and services.
- Collected and entered statistical data into databases.
- Met with clients to determine necessary services and make treatment recommendations.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and support requirements.
- Developed individualized service plans to address barriers to housing stability.
- Facilitated communication between clients and service providers for effective support.
- Maintained accurate case documentation in compliance with organizational standards.
- Provided referrals to community resources such as rental assistance, public benefits, legal services, employment programs.
- Collaborated with partner organizations to coordinate services for clients experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Conducted initial interviews with clients to assess their housing needs and develop individualized service plans.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed including emergency financial assistance, eviction prevention, mental health referrals.
- Assisted clients in locating appropriate affordable housing options based on their income and other criteria.
- Conducted regular home visits with tenants to ensure they are maintaining the unit according to lease requirements.
- Facilitated weekly case management meetings with clients to review progress towards goals and provide additional support as needed.
- Remained up-to-date on all relevant policies governing subsidized housing programs.
- Mediated disputes between tenants and landlords when necessary to ensure a successful tenancy.
Home Health Aide
Washington State
Washugal , WA
12.2015 - 12.2016
- Dressed, groomed and fed patients with limited physical abilities to efficiently handle basic needs.
- Organized and administered medications on clear schedules to help alleviate symptoms and optimize quality of life.
- Ran errands for clients and transported to appointments to maintain wellness and support daily living needs.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with each patient to facilitate best possible care and assistance.
- Transported client to doctor's appointments and to complete other related errands.
- Administered personal care to clients within private home settings and championed patient independence and well-being.
- Delivered high level of assistance in general household duties, which included cooking, meal prep and food shopping.
- Completed data entries in charts and logbooks to document client progress.
- Recorded vitals and communicated with physicians to provide health updates.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities and personal care needs.
- Coordinated transportation for clients to medical appointments or social activities.
- Collaborated with family members to address client needs effectively.
- Cared for patients by assisting with personal hygiene tasks and completing basic household chores.
- Followed HIPAA regulations to maintain confidentiality of sensitive patient information.
Education
GED -
Timber Lake Job Corps
Estacada, OR 09.1996 - 12.1998
Skills
- Client safety and first aid
- Compassionate client care
- Case management experience
- Spanish speaking
- Behavior redirection
Timeline
Permanent supportive housing case manager
Share
06.2021 - Current
Community Volunteer
Birthright Of Vancouver Washington
04.2018 - 09.2021
Home Health Aide
Washington State
12.2015 - 12.2016
GED -
Timber Lake Job Corps
09.1996 - 12.1998