Sandra Ayala
Elgin,IL
Summary
Observant individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills builds meaningful relationships with clients and families. Experienced in working with clients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Offers crisis intervention to help individuals navigate through traumatic experiences.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Bilingual Mental Health Counselor
Ecker Center For Mental Health
01.2023 - Current
- Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients.
- Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions.
- Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to assist patients.
- Presented case history material to review and discuss with other staff members.
- Strengthened family support systems by providing psychoeducation and facilitating open communication between patients and their loved ones.
- Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
- Maintained detailed documentation of clinical notes, tracking patient progress throughout the course of treatment.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Implemented self-care practices for personal wellbeing and modeled healthy coping strategies for clients to emulate in their own lives.
Bilingual Billing Specialist
Ecker Center For Mental Health
11.2020 - Current
- Researched and resolved billing discrepancies to enable accurate billing.
- Assisted with billing inquiries and provided timely responses to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Provided excellent customer service, developing and maintaining client relationships.
- Monitored customer accounts to identify and rectify billing issues.
- Worked with multiple departments to check proper billing information.
- Worked effectively with medical payers such as Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurances to obtain timely and accurate payments.
- Contacted clients with past due accounts to formulate payment plans and discuss restructuring options.
- Prepared and submitted monthly billing reports to management for financial overview.
- Assisted colleagues in resolving complex billing issues, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing within the department.
- Reconciled accounts receivable to general ledger.
Direct Support Professional
Association For Individual Development
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Administered medication as directed by physician.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
- Updated patient files with current vitals, behaviors, and other data relevant to treatment planning.
- Developed rapport to create safe and trusting environment for care.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Adapted support approaches based on individual client preferences, fostering increased trust and rapport over time.
- Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
- Provided compassionate and patient-focused care to cultivate well-being.
- Laundered items, changed sheets and made bed to keep patients' bedroom clean.
- Guided patients to restroom to support bladder and bowel relief requirements.
- Recorded patients' pulse, blood pressure and respirations (TPRs) to assess and document important health information.
- Replaced bandages, dressings and binders to care for wounds and encourage healing.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychobiology
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL05.2020
Skills
- Adept at Treatment and Discharge Planning
- Clinical Documentation
- Building Rapport
- Bilingual in Spanish and English
- Active Listening
- Effective Communication
- Payment Posting
- Professionalism
- Organizational Skills
- Data Entry Proficiency
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving Abilities
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork Abilities
- Administrative Support
Timeline
Bilingual Mental Health Counselor
Ecker Center For Mental Health
01.2023 - Current
Bilingual Billing Specialist
Ecker Center For Mental Health
11.2020 - Current
Direct Support Professional
Association For Individual Development
06.2020 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Psychobiology
Elmhurst College
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