Sarah Linares
Keizer
Summary
Dynamic Crisis Intervention Specialist with extensive customer service experience, a proven track record at Northwest Human Services. And DHS, adept in risk evaluation and verbal de-escalation. Skilled in client advocacy and documentation, I effectively foster trust and collaboration, enhancing client outcomes through personalized care plans and proactive support. Committed to continuous improvement and community outreach initiatives.
Results-driven crisis intervention professional with proven record of effectively managing high-pressure situations. Consistently delivers support through team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs. Key skills include conflict resolution and emotional intelligence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Northwest Human Services
Salem, OR
04.2026 - Current
- Provided crisis assessment and intervention services to individuals in distress.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans.
- Facilitated crisis resolution by utilizing de-escalation techniques and active listening skills.
- Documented client interactions and interventions in electronic health record systems.
- Assisted clients in accessing community resources and support services effectively.
- Conducted follow-up assessments to monitor client progress and adjust strategies as needed.
- Engaged in ongoing training to enhance crisis intervention competencies and methodologies.
- Supported outreach initiatives to raise awareness about mental health resources within the community.
- Provided emotional support to clients, enabling them to better cope with challenging situations.
- Supported families in understanding their loved ones'' needs during times of crisis, promoting better engagement in the healing process.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring seamless service delivery.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, establishing trust and fostering open communication channels.
- Mentored new team members on best practices within the field of crisis intervention, enhancing their skills and knowledge base.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge of industry trends and best practices by attending professional development events, conferences, and workshops.
- Prevented potential crises by proactively identifying triggers and risk factors in clients'' lives.
- Served as a liaison between clients and other service providers, coordinating care plans efficiently.
- Improved overall team efficiency through regular training sessions and process improvements.
- Promoted self-care among colleagues by organizing workshops focused on stress management techniques applicable within professional settings.
- Built safety plans to lower risk of crisis and intervened in specific manners outlined by procedures.
- Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with patients and address concerns.
- Documented risk to each client and context of concerns.
- Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments.
- Conversed with individuals in crisis which called or texted hotline for assistance.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Offered supportive counseling and crisis intervention to individuals in crisis.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to increase client engagement in treatment.
- Worked with family members to develop support networks and multifaceted coping techniques focused on client needs.
- Educated clients and families about dangers of substance abuse and addiction.
- Maintained client records to document assessment, treatment plans and progress.
- Evaluated patients based on mental and physical parameters discovered through interviews and standardized assessments.
- Helped clients to cope with suicidal ideation or self harm.
- Help clients to find buffers and reasons to live
- Use multi-line phone
- Use nextGen, icarol, and ignite
- Use Microsoft office apps
- Work closely with 911, behavioral health and mobile crisis unit
- Provide resources
- Schedule follow up
Human Services Specialist
Oregon Department Of Human Services
Keizer, OR
09.2018 - 08.2025
- Facilitated client access to essential services and resources.
- Conducted assessments to determine client needs and eligibility for programs.
- Developed training materials to enhance staff understanding of service protocols.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline case management workflows.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for client interactions and documentation.
- Advocated for clients' rights, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and policies.
- Worked fast to complete tasks and meet daily deadlines.
- Followed instructions and procedures to complete assigned tasks.
- Maintained work areas by cleaning and straightening for maximum productivity and safety.
- Cleaned and straightened work areas to maximize productivity and safety.
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Consistently met deadlines under pressure while maintaining high-quality work output in a fast-paced environment.
- Improved team morale and productivity through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Established strong working relationships with clients through excellent communication skills, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust.
- Reviewed files, records and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Kept office supplies well organized and sufficiently stocked, placing orders promptly to replenish materials before depleted.
- Processed incoming and outgoing mail and packages according to established procedures.
- Utilized office management software to record and track customer information.
- Edited and proofread documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Purchased and maintained office supplies.
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings and appointments.
- Assisted with onboarding of new employees.
- Informed and supported business leaders through consistent communication and administrative support duties.
- Worked with confidental information of clients to determine eligibility for SNAP,TANF,ERDC,MEDICAL AND TADVS funds.
- Use programs such as Work Number, SAVE, MMIS, TRACKS, DHR, One Eligibility to enter in information
- Work remote and have secure internet and setup
- Use customer service trainings to work with clients
- Schedule clients for appointments or reschedule
Cashier
Panera Bread
Keizer, OR
03.2012 - 08.2018
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Assisted customers with menu selections, enhancing overall dining experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work area to meet health standards.
- Trained new cashiers on procedures and customer service techniques.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow during peak hours.
- Monitored inventory levels and communicated needs to management for replenishment.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
- Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate cash transactions.
- Contributed to store success by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility.
- Addressed customer needs and made product recommendations to increase sales.
- Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies implemented at POS systems, ensuring seamless transition periods for both staff and customers.
- Provided backup support for other departments when needed, showcasing versatility within the retail environment.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while processing transactions efficiently.
- Exceeded productivity goals through consistent attention to detail and organization during busy shifts.
- Promoted store promotions and incentive programs to increase overall sales revenue.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, reducing stock shortages and minimizing wastage.
- Developed rapport and fostered brand loyalty by offering personalized service.
- Ensured accuracy in financial transactions, reconciled cash with receipts daily.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store policies and procedures, ensuring compliance in all transactions.
- Contributed to clean and safe shopping environment, performed regular sanitation of checkout area.
- Reduced processing errors by meticulously following transaction procedures.
- Managed cash drawer accurately, ensuring all transactions balanced at end of day.
- Boosted team efficiency, shared best practices in cash handling and customer interaction.
- Assisted in inventory management, contributing to reduction in stock discrepancies.
- Fostered positive customer relations by resolving complaints and inquiries promptly.
- Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
Cashier
JCPenney
McMinnville, OR
06.2007 - 02.2012
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues to ensure satisfaction.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced transaction times and increased efficiency.
- Streamlined checkout process for increased efficiency and reduced waiting times.
- Enhanced shopping experience, provided product information and location assistance.
- Facilitated smoother checkout process, trained new employees on POS systems.
- Improved efficiency, organized checkout area for optimal workflow.
- Improved store atmosphere with thorough and prompt cleaning of checkout area.
- Facilitated positive shopping experience, greeted customers warmly upon entry.
- Supported marketing initiatives by setting up and maintaining promotional displays.
- Strengthened team morale and cooperation by assisting coworkers during peak hours.
- Increased sales of promotional items by informing customers about current offers.
- Enhanced customer loyalty by participating in rewards program enrollment.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, reducing instances of theft at checkout.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Learned duties for various positions and provided backup at key times.
- Worked with floor team and managers to meet wide range of customer needs.
- Responded promptly to requests for assistance, spills and customer inquiries.
- Processed refunds and exchanges in accordance with company policy.
- Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors, and resolving discrepancies.
- Maintained current knowledge of store promotions and highlighted sales to customers.
- Encouraged customers to make additional purchases by highlighting current deals and keeping lane well-stocked.
- Set up new sales displays each week with fresh merchandise.
- Conducted inventory counts by adding each item in stock and documenting in computer system.
- Demonstrated product features, answered questions and redirected objections to highlight positive aspects.
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work area to meet health standards.
- Trained new cashiers on procedures and customer service techniques.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow during peak hours.
- Monitored inventory levels and communicated needs to management for replenishment.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration And Management - Business Management
Chemeketa Community College
Salem, OR06-2031
High School Diploma -
Mcminnville High School
McMinnville, OR06-2009
Skills
- Risk evaluation
- Professional boundaries
- Verbal de-escalation
- Substance abuse awareness
- Behavioral management
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Adaptability
- Client confidentiality
- Suicide prevention
- Interpersonal relationships
- Research
- Referral networking
- Legal compliance
- Remote support provision
- Patient confidentiality
- Documentation skills
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Multitasking Abilities
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Clinical documentation
- Client advocacy
- Written communication
Timeline
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Northwest Human Services
04.2026 - Current
Human Services Specialist
Oregon Department Of Human Services
09.2018 - 08.2025
Cashier
Panera Bread
03.2012 - 08.2018
Cashier
JCPenney
06.2007 - 02.2012
Bachelor of Business Administration And Management - Business Management
Chemeketa Community College
High School Diploma -
Mcminnville High School