Shanitra L. Dennis, MSW
Conroe,TX
Summary
Results-driven behavioral health professional with extensive experience in clinical services, case management, and interdisciplinary collaboration seeking a role in a compliance and quality-focused setting. Skilled in regulatory adherence, program monitoring, and continuous quality improvement, with a strong commitment to patient safety, operational excellence, and evidence-based care. Proven ability to support policy implementation, enhance service delivery, and contribute to high-performing, client-centered environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN
University of Texas Medical Branch, Correctional Managed Care
2021.01 - Current
- Conducted on average 10/month comprehensive intake and clinical interviews to support evidence-based treatment planning for individuals with complex behavioral health needs.
- Delivered individual and group therapy services, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention in alignment with clinical, ethical, and patient safety standards.
- Developed, implemented, and regularly reviewed individualized treatment plans (ITPs) to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational guidelines.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, including psychiatric providers, medical staff, and administration, to ensure coordinated, high-quality patient care.
- Monitored program compliance and effectiveness through quality improvement (QI/QM) activities, case reviews, and telehealth consultations with psychiatric providers.
- Identified service gaps, barriers to care, and areas for program improvement; contributed to corrective strategies and process enhancements.
- Coordinated discharge planning and community reentry services, ensuring continuity of care through referrals and collaboration with external agencies and families.
- Supported policy adherence and regulatory readiness by maintaining accurate documentation and participating in audits, reviews, and program evaluations.
- Assisted in training and educating medical, mental health and CCA staff on best practices, policy updates, and standards of care.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of a new intensive outpatient program; collaborated with leadership and interdisciplinary teams to support program rollout and sustainability; recognized as Employee of the Quarter.
- Active member of the S.E.R.V.E. Committee, contributing to staff retention initiatives and promoting a positive workplace culture to enhance employee morale across the agency.
ADJUCNT SOCIOLOGY INSTRUCTOR
Lee College
2021.01 - Current
- Instruct (17-20 avg. per class) freshman and sophomore -level Sociology courses to students in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) correctional facilities. (2-3 classes weekly/semester)
- Maintain accurate student accounting records in compliance with Lee College requirements.
- Submit required student reports to the Admissions & Records Office according to schedule.
- Direct and evaluate the learning experience of the students in accordance with adopted curricula and approved procedures.
- Provided counsel/guidance to students when necessary.
- Prepare and assist student with employment skills.
- Teach assigned classes in keeping with approved syllabi, outlines, and instructional materials.
YOUTH OFFENDER CASE MANAGER III
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
2019.01 - 2021.01
- Reviewed referrals and assessed eligibility for an average of 50 youth in the Youthful Offender Program in alignment with organizational policies and regulatory guidelines.
- Monitored participant progress and program compliance, ensuring adherence to treatment plans, safety standards, and program requirements.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans based on assessed needs, evidence-based practices, and program standards.
- Facilitated group sessions and provided structured educational programming while promoting engagement and accountability.
- Conducted assessments and interviews to identify service needs, barriers to care, and risk factors impacting outcomes.
- Maintained accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of case records, program activities, and services in accordance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Identified service gaps, compliance concerns, and operational challenges; collaborated with leadership and teams to support corrective actions and program improvements.
- Coordinated continuity of care by managing records, tracking program transitions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistent service delivery.
- Served as a liaison between offenders, clinical staff, and facility security to support communication, policy adherence, and a safe treatment environment.
- Supported program monitoring, audits, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance service effectiveness and regulatory readiness.
PASRR (Preadmission Screening and Resident Review) HABILITATION COORDINATOR
The Harris Center for Mental Health & Intellectual Developmental Disability
2018.01 - 2019.01
- Coordinated services for a caseload of 30 clients with intellectual disabilities, ensuring compliance with treatment plans, organizational policies, and regulatory standards.
- Implemented and monitored individualized service plans, ensuring appropriate linkage to clinical and non-clinical services and continuity of care.
- Conducted intake assessments and ongoing evaluations to determine client needs and eligibility for services.
- Reviewed and monitored medical documentation and assessments to support service authorization, compliance, and quality care delivery.
- Maintained accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of client services, assessments, and case activities in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated monthly client visits and quarterly interdisciplinary meetings to assess progress, ensure service effectiveness, and support continuous quality improvement.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other providers to evaluate treatment effectiveness and ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
- Identified service gaps, barriers to care, and compliance concerns; contributed to corrective actions and process improvements.
- Managed case closures in accordance with established guidelines after confirming completion of required services and successful linkage to resources.
- Supported program monitoring, audits, and quality assurance initiatives to maintain regulatory readiness and improve service delivery outcomes.
CONTINUITY OF SERVICE LIAISON
The Harris Center for Mental Health & Intellectual Developmental Disability
2013.01 - 2014.01
- Coordinated transition of 40 individuals from State Supported Living Centers (ICF-ID) into community-based waiver programs (HCS), ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and program guidelines.
- Served as a liaison between State Supported Living Centers and Local Authority departments to support communication, policy adherence, and coordinated care transitions.
- Monitored individuals on the community placement list, ensuring readiness for transition through ongoing assessment, documentation review, and adherence to required processes.
- Maintained accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of transition activities, eligibility status, and service coordination efforts.
- Identified barriers to community placement and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to implement corrective actions and support successful outcomes.
- Supported continuity of care by coordinating with providers, case managers, and community resources throughout the transition process.
- Participated in program monitoring, audits, and quality assurance efforts to ensure regulatory readiness and improve service delivery.
- Contributed to process improvements by identifying service gaps and recommending strategies to enhance transition efficiency and client outcomes.
QUALIFIED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY PROFESSIONAL
Brenham Supported Living Center
2011.01 - 2013.01
- Coordinated and monitored services for an assigned caseload of 20 residents with intellectual disabilities, ensuring compliance with individualized support plans, regulatory requirements, and patient safety standards.
- Conducted routine observations and evaluations of program delivery to ensure adherence to established policies, procedures, and evidence-based practices.
- Scheduled, facilitated, and documented interdisciplinary Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings to assess progress, ensure compliance, and support continuous quality improvement.
- Maintained accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of resident care, program outcomes, and service delivery activities.
- Provided leadership and supervision to 16 direct support staff, ensuring adherence to policies, quality standards, and best practices in care delivery.
- Trained and guided staff on implementation of support plans, regulatory expectations, and quality standards to enhance service consistency and outcomes.
- Identified service gaps, performance issues, and compliance concerns; implemented corrective actions and process improvements.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, person-centered care and continuity of services.
- Supported audits, reviews, and quality assurance initiatives to maintain regulatory readiness and improve program effectiveness.
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Houston
01.2016
Bachelors of Arts - Social Work
Prairie View A&M University
01.2009
Skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Proactive task management
- Proficient in MS Office Suite
- Proficient in written and oral communication
- Conflict resolution & problem-solving
- Cultural competence & sensitivity
- HIPAA confidentiality standards
- Documentation accuracy & timeliness
- Treatment planning & goal tracking
- State and federal regulatory compliance
- Audit readiness & quality assurance
CORE COMPETENCIES & STRENGTHS:
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain compliance in fast-paced environments.
- Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to initiate tasks and support program operations independently
- Adaptable, reliable, and detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Skilled in identifying challenges and developing effective strategies to enhance service delivery and client outcomes
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic systems for documentation, data tracking, and maintenance of compliant records
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience collaborating across interdisciplinary teams
- Extensive experience in behavioral health, social services, and non-profit settings
- Strong knowledge of client-centered care, case management, and coordinated service delivery
- Effective team collaborator with the ability to work independently while supporting organizational goals and compliance standards
- Willing to relocate: Anywhere
INTERNSHIPS:
Social Work Internships
- The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD | 2015
- Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet School | 2014 -2015
Timeline
MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN
University of Texas Medical Branch, Correctional Managed Care
2021.01 - Current
ADJUCNT SOCIOLOGY INSTRUCTOR
Lee College
2021.01 - Current
YOUTH OFFENDER CASE MANAGER III
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
2019.01 - 2021.01
PASRR (Preadmission Screening and Resident Review) HABILITATION COORDINATOR
The Harris Center for Mental Health & Intellectual Developmental Disability
2018.01 - 2019.01
CONTINUITY OF SERVICE LIAISON
The Harris Center for Mental Health & Intellectual Developmental Disability
2013.01 - 2014.01
QUALIFIED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY PROFESSIONAL
Brenham Supported Living Center
2011.01 - 2013.01
Master of Social Work -
University of Houston
Bachelors of Arts - Social Work
Prairie View A&M University