Shenell Mclendon
Erie,United States
Summary
Accomplished Behavioral Health Therapist from UPMC Western Behavioral Health, adept in clinical interventions and fostering client-centered approaches. Demonstrated success in enhancing treatment outcomes and streamlining processes, with a strong foundation in professional ethics and cultural competency. Achieved significant client progress through innovative care plans and effective teamwork.
Empathetic professional with hands-on experience providing quality psychological services to children and adults. Skilled in identifying, assessing and diagnosing mental health and emotional issues. Develops and implements treatment plans and provides counseling and therapy to obtain maximum results for patients.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Therapist I
UPMC Western Behavioral Health
1330 West 26th St. Erie, PA 16508
12.2021 - Current
- Documented patient information through analyzing data, interview notes, and test results and identified and diagnosed nature of clients' problems.
- Evaluated treatment techniques after sufficient time periods to determine effectiveness for each client.
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Developed behavior intervention plans based on principles of applied behavior analysis.
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
- Determined if non-progressing clients should continue to be counseled or referred to other specialists.
- Conducted thorough discharge planning processes, ensuring a solid foundation for client success following the termination of therapy services.
- Referred clients to specialists, educational outreach programs, or social service agencies for additional interventional needs.
- Supported colleagues during challenging cases by offering insights gained from personal experience working with similar populations or presenting symptoms.
- Improved client mental health by implementing evidence-based interventions.
- Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accurate record-keeping and timely communication with relevant stakeholders.
- Optimized therapy session scheduling, minimizing cancellations or rescheduling conflicts to maximize therapist availability for clients in need.
- Gathered information about clients using observational techniques and interviews, case histories, and other assessment methodologies.
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stressors more effectively and improve overall wellbeing.
- Developed strong therapeutic relationships, fostering trust and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Coordinated care seamlessly with external and internal providers such as psychiatrists or medical doctors when necessary for optimal client outcomes.
- Enhanced treatment outcomes with comprehensive assessments, tailored treatment plans, and consistent progress monitoring.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to expand knowledge base and enhance practice capabilities continuously.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between levels of care for clients by collaborating with outpatient, inpatient, or residential treatment team members.
- Educated families about mental health issues, promoting understanding of diagnoses and empowering them to better support their loved ones during treatment.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
- Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Supported clients by representing needs and advocating for patient rights in healthcare, legal and community-based settings.
- Utilized strength-based practice to improve the quality of life and reduce problematic behaviors.
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural competence by adapting communication style and approach based on individual client background and preferences.
Blended Case Manager
Lakeshore Community Services
1350 West 26th St. Erie, PA 16508
10.2019 - 12.2021
- Managed support services and fostered communication among social workers, therapists, hospital staff, and patients.
- Increased referral rates by providing excellent service and building meaningful relationships with patients and caregivers.
- Identified care needs of individual patients and coordinated responses based on physician advice, insurance limitations, and procedural costs.
- Took active role in patient and family planning process, detailing instructions, and responding appropriately and effectively to questions and concerns.
- Ensured continuity of care for clients transitioning between services or providers, minimizing disruptions in treatment progress.
- Streamlined documentation processes by maintaining accurate and organized case files, enabling efficient information retrieval.
- Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Strengthened partnerships with community organizations through regular communication and collaboration on shared goals.
- Developed strong working relationships with clients'' families to involve them in care planning and support their understanding of the treatment process.
- Maintained client confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA regulations and agency policies, ensuring the protection of sensitive information.
- Reported plans, findings and results to employers and insurance carriers.
- Promoted client self-sufficiency by teaching life skills and goal-setting strategies, empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
- Adhered to established rules, ethical standards and codes of professional conduct conducive to positive learning atmosphere.
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural competence by adapting communication style and approach based on individual client backgrounds and preferences.
- Reduced barriers to care by advocating for clients' rights and needs within the mental health system.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing timely and compassionate support during crisis situations.
- Educated patients and loved ones about different treatment options and outside care approaches to reduce burden on hospital resources.
- Managed caseload efficiently while prioritizing the most urgent cases for immediate attention.
- Supported colleagues through active participation in staff meetings, sharing insights from cases and offering constructive feedback when appropriate.
- Maintained compliance with state regulations by staying updated on policy changes and adjusting practices as needed.
- Contributed to team effectiveness by consistently meeting deadlines for assessments, reports, and other required documentation.
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
Direct Support Professional
Lakeshore Community Services
1350 West 26th St. Erie, PA 16508
07.2018 - 10.2019
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- 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.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for clients.
- Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
- Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
- Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Promoted physical well-being by supporting clients in engaging in regular exercise routines or therapeutic activities suited to their abilities.
- Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
- Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
- Improved client self-sufficiency through teaching essential skills such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and financial management.
- Assessed clients'' needs on an ongoing basis, making adjustments to support plans as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Implemented individualized behavior management plans, reducing incidents of challenging behaviors within the residence.
- Advocated for clients'' rights within the broader community, raising awareness about issues affecting those with disabilities.
- Established strong relationships with local community resources to connect clients with additional supports as needed.
- Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, elevating overall quality of care provided.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, facilitating trust-based relationship for effective support.
Childcare Assistant Teacher
KinderCare Learning Centers
625 Holland St. Erie, PA 16501
04.2017 - 07.2018
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and orderly classroom environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations while supporting an optimal learning space for students.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Assisted lead teacher with snack time, arts and crafts and putting children down for naps.
- Communicated regularly with parents about daily activities and behaviors.
- Served as a reliable source of support for lead teacher during times of absence or need for additional assistance in the classroom.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering trust and collaboration for their child''s development.
- Contributed to a safe and nurturing environment by closely monitoring children during indoor and outdoor playtime sessions.
- Facilitated smooth transitions during daily routines by providing clear instructions and encouragement, helping children build confidence in their ability to navigate new experiences.
- Collaborated effectively with fellow teachers to share best practices and coordinate activities across classrooms in the childcare center.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Promoted healthy habits among children by incorporating physical activity into daily routines and providing guidance on proper nutrition choices during meal times.
- Fostered a sense of community within the childcare center through ongoing team-building exercises among staff members.
- Reported parent complaints and comments to managers and documented using Software.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
Education
Master Of Social Work - Social Work
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA08.2021
Bachelor Of Social Work - Social Work
Mercyhurst University
Erie, PA09.2019
Skills
- Client-centered approach
- Professional ethics
- Trauma-informed care
- Adaptability
- Cultural Competency
- Clinical assessment
- Clinical interventions
Certification
Licensed Social Worker
Timeline
Behavioral Health Therapist I
UPMC Western Behavioral Health
12.2021 - Current
Blended Case Manager
Lakeshore Community Services
10.2019 - 12.2021
Direct Support Professional
Lakeshore Community Services
07.2018 - 10.2019
Childcare Assistant Teacher
KinderCare Learning Centers
04.2017 - 07.2018
Master Of Social Work - Social Work
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor Of Social Work - Social Work
Mercyhurst University