Saraijah Barnes
San Jacinto,CA
Summary
I bring over 4 years of experience working in mental health and social services, with a passion focusing on on social systems within the nonprofit sector and county organizations. My passion for enhancing community well-being has driven me to excel in managing projects that improve access to resources and streamline service delivery. With expertise in project coordination, crisis intervention, risk management and stakeholder communication, I have led initiatives that support vulnerable populations while ensuring operational efficiency. I excel in implementing project management best practices to drive positive outcomes in both nonprofit and public sectors, ensuring that services are accessible, effective, and sustainable.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Brown Sugar n' Coffee Inc.
Riverside, CA
03.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive business structure to launch the company.
- Created and managed the company's financial budgeting, forecasting, and reporting systems.
- Oversaw all aspects of operations including product development, marketing, sales, customer service and finance.
- Organized, community-based programs that meet dimensions of socio-emotional wellness.
- Collaborated with clinical practitioners to enhance quality of care, support, and resources for the community.
- Compiled data from multiple sources into meaningful information for decision-making purposes.
- Developed and implemented community outreach strategies to engage local stakeholders.
- Conducted research on best practices for program development.
- Built relationships with key stakeholders in industry associations to promote brand visibility.
- Developed and implemented innovative strategies to increase efficiency in the workflow process.
- Developed grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations.
- Researched potential funders and wrote tailored grant applications that met the funder's criteria.
Behavioral Health Specialist II
Riverside County
03.2023 - Current
- Conducted risk assessments for consumers to assist in linking the consumer to appropriate in-network facilities and agencies
- Worked effectively team with mental health professionals in determining the needs of individuals; responded to potential suicide telephone calls; explained basic services to consumers; discussed goals and objectives of proposed treatment plans and establishes contract with clients; assists clients in recognizing and solving conditions in their environment which may contribute to mental health problems
- Visited clients in a variety of living situations to help assess the mental health needs of them; placed clients who may have difficulty caring for themselves into an appropriate care or treatment facility
- Refers consumers to appropriate resources and/or makes appointment with behavioral health professional(s) for diagnosis and evaluation; assists the consumer, family, and other concerned individuals in filing for and obtaining various kinds of assistance such as financial, housing, or legal; monitors consumer services to insure that a continuum of services is available
- Gathered data from interviews, past records to gain understanding and verification of previous disorders and treatment episodes; referred to physicians for medication, observation, and treatment; advocated for the client; consulted with other individuals and groups regarding services available within the Mental Health Department and specific needs of particular consumers
Small Business Owner
Brown Sugar n' Coffee Inc.
Riverside, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Developed business plans and strategies to grow small business.
- Created budgets and monitored expenses to stay within budget limits.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, and customers.
- Analyzed market trends to inform product offerings and pricing decisions.
- Collaborated with marketing team to design promotional campaigns across multiple channels.
- Organized events such as conferences, seminars, trade shows. for networking opportunities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders, including government entities, corporate partners, and community organizations.
- Coordinated with internal teams to develop innovative solutions for program challenges.
Registered Behavioral Interventionist
Stepping Stones Group
07.2022 - 03.2023
- Identified and addressed individual mental health challenges to support patients
- Documented observations, interventions and concerns in patient charts and electronic systems, sustaining continuum of care from admission through to discharge
- Modeled appropriate communication and problem-solving skills in crisis situations involving patients, family or staff
- Collaborated with clients and clinicians to develop and support goals and clinical treatment plans
- Documented behavioral incidents to keep accurate records
- Completed daily client rounds and tracked client movements
- Cultivated relationships with fellow staff members to enhance team collaboration
Mental Health Technician
Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program
03.2021 - 07.2022
- Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention
- Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being
- Attended and facilitated therapeutic educational group meetings: DBT, CBT and ACT groups in addition to relapse prevention, self-esteem and family groups
- Conducted bio-psychosocial evaluations once a patient was admitted to the facility
- Administered PHQ-9, RAS-41, CSSR-S and DASS-21 assessments
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation
- Engaged with colleagues in treatment team meetings to promote positive patient treatment outcomes
- Coordinated with medical and paramedical professionals to provide appropriate input and effectively formulate and implement treatment plans for patients
- Composed safety plans
- Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications and managed patient behavior
Program Coordinator
Making Hope Happen Foundation
12.2018 - 03.2021
- Served low-income families with children age 0-5
- Network with community members in trusting in the research and evidence based program that is designed to prepare families and infants for academic readiness
- Event planning for community members and community partners
- Communicated project status, requirements and deadlines to stakeholders
- Provided Mental Health Trainings to San Bernardino and surrounding cities within the grant guidelines
- Designed and implemented program policies, frameworks and toolkits for change management processes
- Uncovered issues to determine solutions and assist program participants
- Project development
- Fostered relationships to define programming needs and strengthen organizational standing
- Stayed up-to-date on program procedures to maintain nonprofit status and accurately file taxes
- Maintained scheduling and optimal quality standards to keep audiences informed or entertained
- Organized fundraising events to promote company vision
- Partnered with program management on recommendations, process improvements and corrective action plans
Legal Aid Runner
SoCal United Legal Aid
05.2018 - 09.2018
- Filing court cases, managing client intake sheets, process serving and dropping case files at the county courts
- Participated in client interviews, observed questioning process and documented information
- Provided administrative support and conducted research to assist attorneys in civil litigation preparation
- Mailed and arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses and court officials
- Managed office scheduling and kept accurate notes on deadlines, motions and other dates
- Maintained knowledge on case status by reviewing relevant records and reporting back to clients
- Handled all telephone calls, meeting plans and conference organization requirements
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sociology, Pre-law
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino10-2025
Skills
- Behavioral Analyzing
- Epic, ELMR, KIPU
- CPR/AED
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Project Coordination
- Treatment Plans
- Assessment reports and other documentation
- Microsoft
Projects
In-Kind Donation Drive, 2019, 2020 Social Justice Summit, 2020 Serving Across Riverside Donation Drive, 2021 The Betterment Clinic, 2020 The Wellness Market, 2023
Languages
English
Timeline
Founder
Brown Sugar n' Coffee Inc.
03.2023 - Current
Behavioral Health Specialist II
Riverside County
03.2023 - Current
Small Business Owner
Brown Sugar n' Coffee Inc.
01.2023 - Current
Registered Behavioral Interventionist
Stepping Stones Group
07.2022 - 03.2023
Mental Health Technician
Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program
03.2021 - 07.2022
Program Coordinator
Making Hope Happen Foundation
12.2018 - 03.2021
Legal Aid Runner
SoCal United Legal Aid
05.2018 - 09.2018
Bachelor of Science - Sociology, Pre-law
California State University, San Bernardino
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