Moira Cairns

**** ** **.

Red Deer, AB

ad33cw@r.postjobfree.com

Cell phone 403-***-****

Empathetic, trustworthy, and intuitive professional offering 17 years of direct support experience in various sectors within the Human Service field. Currently seeking a rewarding career opportunity where my client-centered approach, case management and experience in diverse cross-cultural environments will be fully utilized for the betterment of the client.

Summary of Qualifications & Skills

• Building rapport and trust with a variety of clientele to ensure successful working relationships

• Demonstrating competency working with clients of varying mental and physical health ability; able to clearly assess client needs in order to provide appropriate service

• Proficient collecting pertinent, sensitive and confidential client information while respecting the dignity, individualism and well-being of the client

• Professional assessment skills; able to advocate, provide appropriate referrals, and make sound decisions based on the unique physical and mental health needs of the client

• Facilitated a variety of support groups for a diverse clientele of varying cultural, demographic backgrounds; utilized tact and diplomacy while presenting

• Demonstrated strong crisis intervention skills; able to remain calm when deescalating tense situations to prevent heightened anxiety in the client and others

Work Experience current to past

Operations Assistant

Family Services of Central Alberta

Red Deer AB (part time)

October 2021 - present

All accounts receivable responsibility for the Home Support and Adult Day Support Programs. All invoicing and collection of time slips, all scheduling of workers and clients, and all time sheet and expense calculations. Also administering counselling schedules and payments for therapists. Using debit machine and Simply Accounting.

SUPPORT WORKER

Blackfalds (part time)

ETANA Dec 22 to present

Supporting individuals with past addiction issues and mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and FASD. Maintaining physical and social functioning with clients under Office of the Public Trustee and Office of the Public Guardian, in a structured setting.

Following individual support plans and risk assessments.

Administration of all medications according to Medical Administration Certification.

Transportation of clients to various events such as volunteer work positions.

Maintenance of all computerized and report written client documents Maintained upkeep of residential space according to Licensing Board requirements

Practitioner

EPIC Program

COSMOS Group of Companies

Red Deer, AB

April 2018 to August 2020

Provided support services and opportunities to individuals with mental health disabilities, acquired brain injury, and addiction issues. The EPIC (Encouraging Progressive Independence in the Community) program offered community recreation, volunteering opportunities, and various workshops.

Facilitated and supported the development and documentation of individualized, person-centered plans to provide a framework for ongoing support.

Designed service plans to provide individual development, community disability/development, life skills development and personal development.

Through guardianship, and/or independent clients, I supported individuals to exercise their right and responsibility to make life choices and participate actively in meaningful, respectful and authentic relationships, that aligned with and supported their goals and aspirations

Assisted, supported, and encouraged individuals to achieve their personal goals through the development of basic living skills and others, with a view to enhancing the individuals’ confidence, competence and participation within their social network.

Provided one on one emotional support to individuals to assist them in expressing their feelings, desires and frustrations.

Provided formal supports such as referral to appropriate trauma therapy, psychiatric treatment, drug addiction programming, and those for anxiety, depression, and various psychiatric disorders.

I facilitated workshops of many kinds and consistently provided support

Youth and Family Counselor

Private - Red Deer, AB December 2017 to February 2018

-Implementing and maintaining the development of appropriate personal and social functioning with young people and their families in a structured setting.

-Being an effective and appropriate role model and working with clinical team to provide effective therapeutic milieu

Maintaining therapeutic relationships including attendance at school conferences, case conferences, psychiatric conferences, and other duties with youth and families.

Maintained upkeep of residential space according to Licensing Board requirements

Was responsible for meal prep, cleaning and transportation of young people.

Administered medication according to CAC policy standards.

Activity Aide

Michener Extendicare - Red Deer, AB October 2017 to Dec 2017

This was a term position, providing recreational programming for residents of various ages and conditions in a long term care facility. Providing one on one support for residents and small group activities.

Tracking client activities statistically, using assessment of client to plan activities individually and in groups, transporting residents to and from programs, and other responsibilities.

Client Services Coordinator

Parkinson Alberta - Red Deer, AB 2014 to 2017

Providing education, information, and in office support for new and existing clients, caregivers, family and the public, for the Central Alberta Region (I ran my own regional office).

I fully facilitated 6 support groups in Central Alberta, and brought medical, caregiver support, client support, and educational presentations to clients in communities, in my office, and in support groups.

I also facilitated large conferences such as The Hope Conference, and offered presentations to other agencies educating them about Parkinson Disease itself).

I also helped develop a non-competitive boxing program for those with PD and other neurological issues. My skill was a strong understanding of clients psychological and physical situations with this progressive disease. I also administered a budget, payments, and screened applicants.

Care Giver Support Worker

Central Alberta Brain Injury Society - Red Deer, AB 2010 to 2011

This was a one year contract position. I worked in the communities of Eckville, Bashaw, Innisfail, and Red Deer towards building support groups for clients and caregivers with acquired brain injury.

I also provided in office support to clients with a brain injury, and to caregivers. I provided library resources, and researched resources (i.e. coping methods, mood issues, movement issues, and mobility equipment and transportation). We also ran a social club weekly for clients and caregivers.

Outreach Coordinator

Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre - Red Deer, AB 2006 to 2009

After completion of my Post-graduate (Masters in Counseling Psychology) Certificate, I again worked in this position from 2012-2014, for a total of 5 years.

I provided outreach and resource services for older and younger persons with disabilities such as stroke, health issues, physical health, and many other problems.

My position was to assess health, home safety, and social wellbeing of clients, in their homes and in the community (seniors’ lodges, long term care facilities, etc.).

I provided in home and community assessments involving safety (such as environment, nutrition levels, drug addiction, etc.), finding and helping apply for housing, and helping with all types of Federal and Provincial governments support programs such as OAS, CPP, CPP disability, AISH, Guaranteed Income Supplement Program, dealing with Revenue Canada debts, and dealing with other legal areas such as wills and estates, powers of attorney, and guardianships.

I also designed and facilitated a pool group for older persons with disabilities such as stroke, an Alberta Health Services aphasia chat group for those with communication difficulty after stroke, co- facilitation of a post stroke wellness group, and I assisted clients who were abused, find new accommodations (often RCMP assisted).

My complete passion is and was to serve those in need of support. I strongly believe in a client-centred approach.

Education

Post Graduate Certificate in Counseling Psychology

Athabasca University - Athabasca, AB

September 2009 to April 2011

Certificate in Gerontology

Mount Royal College - Calgary, AB

2008

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Malaspina University - Nanaimo, BC

Certifications/ASSIST

Center for Suicide Prevention

Canadian Mental Health Association

Oct 24-25, 2019

Expiry Oct 24, 2022

ASSIST

Center for Suicide Prevention

Canadian Mental Health Association

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