Zaira Ramirez
Sioux City,IA
Summary
Detail-oriented and insightful professional with eight years of progressive employment working in behavioral services, youth development, and community engagement.
Dedicated to the possibilities of change and committed to improving the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our community through advocacy, accessibility to resources, and community engagement.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Employment and Education Specialist/Lead Community Support Specialist
Siouxland Mental Health Center
Sioux City, Iowa
09.2023 - Current
- Provided 1-on-1 vocational and educational supportive counseling.
- Researched local employment, educational opportunities, and community resources that supported client goals.
- Assisted in referring, coordinating, and securing community resources identified for the client.
- Collaborated with employers to identify current labor market trends and develop job opportunities for clients.
- Organized meetings with local agencies to provide program education and outreach.
- Maintained monthly outcome reports for each client.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment Counselor
Community and Family Resources
Des Moines, IA
07.2022 - 02.2023
- Conducted initial assessments, chart notes, and reports of clients progress in treatment program.
- Collaborated with clients in identifying their strengths and barriers to develop their personal goals for treatment.
- Identified client's barriers and connected them to appropriate community resources.
- Facilitated individual and group counseling utilizing evidence based curriculum.
- Supported clients with identifying their motivation to make a change in their life.
- Aided clients in crisis situations and developed risk assessments and safety plans.
Outpatient Counselor
Prelude Behavioral Services
Des Moines, IA
06.2020 - 06.2022
- Completed comprehensive assessments of clients' substance abuse history and developed individualized treatment plans
- Provided comprehensive case management services and connected clients to the appropriate resources
- Identified and addressed problem areas impacting client's ability to successfully complete treatment
- Collaborated with team members to monitor treatment progress and improve individual clients' plans
- Led educational and supportive discussions on addictions and recovery
Applied Behavior Analysis Technician
Balance Autism
Des Moines, IA
09.2019 - 06.2020
- Provided intensive 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children diagnosed with Autism in a clinical setting.
- Recorded, graphed, and tracked data on clients' behavior and progress pursuant to the standards of the BCBA.
- Formulated daily progress notes and submitted billing for every client.
- Trained behavior technicians on clients' programming and provided feedback.
Youth Counselor
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
Iowa City, IA
10.2017 - 05.2019
- Supervised and directed students of all ages and skill levels
- Coordinated developmentally appropriate projects centered on self efficacy and collaboration
- Managed behaviors through Implemented Positive Behavior Interventions and supports with at-risk youth
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IASkills
- Electronic Health Record Software
- Client Evaluation
- Community Resources
- Crisis Management
- Safety and Risk Assessments
- Clinical Documentation
- Case Management
- Rapport Building
- Advocacy
Timeline
Employment and Education Specialist/Lead Community Support Specialist
Siouxland Mental Health Center
09.2023 - Current
Outpatient Addiction Treatment Counselor
Community and Family Resources
07.2022 - 02.2023
Outpatient Counselor
Prelude Behavioral Services
06.2020 - 06.2022
Applied Behavior Analysis Technician
Balance Autism
09.2019 - 06.2020
Youth Counselor
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
10.2017 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Iowa