Hi, I’m
Vernice Smith
Jamestown,NC
Summary
Professional Healthcare Outreach Specialist with 15 + years experience building client provider relationships in the healthcare industry. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. . Devoted professional proactively and quickly identifies best course of action for given scenarios. Confident handling tasks independently and in teams with highly organized approach to work. Strong advocate for those in need and committed to providing best possible service.
Overview
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Elevance Health/ HealthyBlue NC MedicaidWinston Salem, NC
Community Health Outreach Specialist
05.2021 - 08.2023
Job overview
- 2.3 years experience in contributing to improvement of health and well-being of diverse and high-risk populations, such as minority groups, low-income families, and pregnant women. By developing and maintaining working relationships with clients, agencies, and providers, and advocated for their needs and goals.
- Managed over 75-80 client calls per day.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources
- Developed long-lasting partnerships with local leaders, management team and peers with active engagement, exemplary communication and consistent issue resolution
- Utilized MS Office and Electronic Medical Record Systems to document and keep case files updated, accurate and aligned with company requirements.
- Surveyed local program participants to ascertain problematic areas requiring improvement.
- Approached issues proactively to best meet current and future community needs
- Acted as main point of contact between management, clinical staffs and external community
- Connected individuals with available and relevant resources
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
RHA Health Services, LLCHigh Point, NC, NC
Habilitation Specialist
09.2019 - 05.2021
Job overview
- Successful provided Case Management for caseload of 50 clients with IDD for 1.7 years.
- Conducted assessments to identify individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and needs
- Developed and implemented habilitation plans based on results of assessments
- Provided direct habilitation services to individuals with developmental disabilities
- Coordinated habilitation services with other professionals
- Maintained case notes and documented critical incidents
- Advocated for clients to obtain new services and coordinated necessary referrals
- Observed, documented, and reported on patients' conditions and recommended modifications to treatment plans
- Intervened in crisis situations to restore balance and de-escalate conflicts
- Helped clients build their coping mechanisms to better manage daily challenges of life.
- Took clients out into community on regular basis and maintained close supervision during outings.
- Wrote case notes and documented incidents involving clients.
- Supervised and assisted residents with grooming, personal hygiene, meal planning and housekeeping to promote activities of daily living.
- Transported residents to and from appointments and other activities to encourage mobility.
- Developed resident activities and programming to encourage new skills and maintain present skills.
- Delivered training needs, behavior management and communication to support goal plans.
- Offered instructions to help individuals learn, retain or improve competencies for maximal functioning.
- Assisted direct support staff in maintaining clean and organized classroom.
Family Services Of The Piedmont Slane Center
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern
08.2017 - 05.2018
Job overview
- Under direction/Supervision of Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor:
- Evaluated patient needs, identified optimal services, and follow-up to verify positive results, as well as orienting clients to chemical dependency programs to help improve compliance and long-term success
- Completed /Maintained accurate records of patients' histories, progress, and documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents clearly, concisely, and on-time
- Identified problem areas that impacted participants' ability to successfully complete treatment and intervened in emergencies to de-escalate situations and advocate for patient's needs
- Established network of substance abuse facilities and other outside community agencies and actively pursued referrals to benefit clients
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to discuss cases and improve treatment strategies
- Conducted screenings
- Completed DAST/NM ASSIST assessments
- Used DSM-5 to accurately diagnosis mental health conditions.
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues
- Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served
- Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines
Education
Walden UniversityMinneapolis, MN
BA from Addiction Counseling
11.2025
Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown, NC
Associate Of Science from Human Services Technology /Addiction Counseling
06.2018
Skills
- Health Coaching
- Team Assignments
- Managing Enrollments
- Assignment Management
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Schedule Management
- Reasoning Ability
- Training Skills
- Care Plan Development
Additional Information
- Authorized to work in the US for any employer.
Timeline
Community Health Outreach Specialist
Elevance Health/ HealthyBlue NC Medicaid
05.2021 - 08.2023
Habilitation Specialist
RHA Health Services, LLC
09.2019 - 05.2021
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern
Family Services Of The Piedmont Slane Center
08.2017 - 05.2018
Walden University
BA from Addiction Counseling
Guilford Technical Community College
Associate Of Science from Human Services Technology /Addiction Counseling
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