Mental Health Behavior Specialist
Resume:
Wendy Dudeck
Mental Health/Behavior Specialist Professional
Avoca, PA
**********@***.***
Mental Health Professional with specialized skills and advanced degrees in Counseling, Addictions Counseling, Healthcare Administration and Public Health. Behavior Specialist Licensure and CAADC in progress.
Work Experience
Counselor/Therapist
Sanctuary Treatment Center - Lake Ariel, PA
December 2017 to May 2020
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct screening interviews to determine the need for a drug and alcohol assessment and for emergent care services in the specific areas of detoxification, prenatal care, and psychiatric care; make referrals to appropriate health and human services agencies as needed based on the outcome of the screening interview
Conduct confidential, quality assessments, that are gender-responsive and trauma-informed, utilizing PCPC criteria to determine the appropriate level of care.
Use a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to work collaboratively with clients and internal and external support and treatment team members to help support clients in their treatment and recovery.
Provide clinical consultation to referral resources, Mentors, family members, and others to help support clients in their recovery.
Work closely with clients to engage them in the decision-making process and help them understand the benefits of assessment and accessing the appropriate level of care as indicated.
Collect and review referral information upon assignment of clients from the referral source and consult with others as needed to support coordination of services and scheduling of client interviews.
Coordinate with the Intake Coordinator as needed to contact clients to confirm appointment dates, times, and assessment locations.
Collect information from collateral resources to aid in determining diagnosis and need for treatment.
Based on assessments, make referrals to the most appropriate programs and agencies in an effort to help clients access the right level of care to best meet their treatment needs
Assist clients with scheduling an admission or first appointment date at the program or facility where they are referred.
Monitor client access to and involvement with treatment and other providers to help address barriers to treatment and the recovery process; follow up with client within seven days of referral to assess process and client’s satisfaction with adjusting to the program.
Treatment Counselor
PA Treatment and Healing - Scranton, PA
September 2016 to May 2017
Conduct screening interviews to determine the need for a drug and alcohol assessment and for emergent care services in the specific areas of detoxification, prenatal care, and psychiatric care; make referrals to appropriate health and human services agencies as needed based on the outcome of the screening interview
Conduct confidential, quality assessments, that are gender-responsive and trauma-informed, utilizing PCPC criteria to determine the appropriate level of care.
Provide individual/group/family therapy and psycho-education groups as
necessary.
Model and support health and wellness activities and healthy coping skills for clients.
Coordinate the admission and intake with the
appropriate staff to ensure a timely and smooth transition into treatment; if client is
referred to a program of another agency, forward all required documentation to that program
If client does not keep assessment appointment, follow up by phone, mail or email and offer to
reschedule the appointment
Work collaboratively with client’s funding sources to obtain initial authorizations for
reimbursement for intervention and recovery support services
Work cooperatively with the legal system to ensure coordination of services including Court
appearances when appropriate
Complete paperwork requirements and maintain quality, up-to-date clinical records, including
Outcomes Survey information and information for invoicing; enter necessary information into
an electronic medical records (EMR) system
Consult with supervisor and/or psychiatrist as needed
Maintain working knowledge of other drug and alcohol treatment agencies and programs and a
list of resources that can be shared with clients
Remain in compliance with internal and external policies, procedures, regulations, and
standards, including all of PATH’s policies and procedures and Quality Assurance Plan, DDAP requirements, State Licensing standards, County Monitoring requirements, and managed care regulations
Participate in all assigned meetings, staff development, and training as required
School Therapist, Wellness Instructor
VisionQuest Alt Learning Center - Luzerne, PA
September 2014 to August 2016
Group/Individual Therapy/Wellness Instruction/Curriculum Development
Provided both individual and group therapy for patients suffering from addictions, including: Meeting with clients to evaluate their health and substance problems, identifying issues and create goals and treatment plans, teaching clients coping mechanisms, leading group therapy sessions, providing updates and progress reports to courts, referring clients to additional support groups as necessary, setting up aftercare plans, and meeting with family members and provide guidance and support
Development and management of a comprehensive school counseling program.
Continuous review and discussion of the comprehensive school counseling program with the school administrator.
Development and maintenance of a written plan for effective delivery of the school counseling program based on current individual school data and student needs.
Effectively communicate the goals of the comprehensive school counseling program to education staff (i.e., administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community/business leaders).
Maintain current and appropriate resources for education staff.
Provide direct services through Guidance Curriculum, Individual Student Planning and Preventive and Responsive Services.
Utilize data to develop comprehensive programs that meet student needs.
Implementation of developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented group activities to meet student needs and school goals.
Incorporate into their program, the life skills that students need to be successful following graduation.
Assist all students, individually or in groups, with developing academic, career and personal/social skills, goals, and plans.
Accurately and appropriately interpret and utilize student data.
Collaborate with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational, career, and life planning.
Provide individual and group counseling to students with identified mental health and co-occurring addiction concerns and needs.
Consult and collaborate effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs.
Implement an effective referral and follow-up process as needed.
Utilization of leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, skills to promote student success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development and addictions treatment and prevention for all students.
Behavior Specialist Consultant/Mobile Therapist/Evaluator
Evergreen BIC - Luzerne, PA
December 2013 to July 2014
Provide individual and family based therapy.
Develop and implemented treatment plans.
Manage training sessions and provided supervision of bachelor level mental health professionals.
Receive direct supervision from a licensed clinical psychologist.
Conduct psychological evaluations of children and adolescents.
Complete written psychosocial reports and required treatment documentation.
Head Start Program Mental Health Consultant
Family Enrichment Center - Lackawanna County, PA
August 2011 to August 2013
Review the child's social/behavioral screening (ASQ) and observe children individually and in small groups for behavioral concerns for 9 Head Start locations in Lackawanna County PA.
Review parent input letters provided by the parents with noted concerns/questions are and provide written feedback provided back to the parent.
Work with center staff by suggesting solutions to issues including behavior modification techniques and practical strategies based on the individual needs of the children or groups of children.
Document outcome of visits including recommendations and suggestions and referrals.
Psychological Evaluator
Family Enrichment Center
January 2011 to August 2013
Conduct psychological evaluations of children and adolescents for BHRS service providers.
Conduct initial psychological evaluations as well as quarterly reevaluation.
Complete written psychosocial reports, which included diagnosis, GAF Score and treatment recommendations.
Mobile Therapist/Behavioral Specialist Consultant
Family Enrichment Center
April 2009 to August 2013
Provided individual and family based therapy.
Developed, implemented, and regularly updated treatment plans.
Managed training sessions and provided weekly supervision of bachelor level mental health professionals.
Received direct supervision from a licensed clinical psychologist weekly.
Office Manager
Heartland Home Health - Pittston, PA
January 2008 to April 2009
Utilized fundamentals of accounting and budget administration to conduct capital purchases, monthly/annual accrual procedures, A/R aging and A/P distribution analysis.
Therapeutic Support Staff
Family Enrichment Center - Scranton, PA
January 2007 to January 2008
Implemented specific therapeutic interventions according to behavioral plans designed by therapists or behavioral specialist consultants.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Assistant to Chief Operating Officer
Hazleton General Hospital - Hazleton, PA
January 2006 to January 2007
Reviewed and negotiated employment contracts, including compensation, benefits, bonus structure, relocation expense reimbursement, vacation time and non-compete agreements.
Education
Master of Science in Counseling, Concentration in Addictions
Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
2010 to 2012
Master of Science in Health Care Administration, Concentration in Public Health
King's College - Wilkes-Barre, PA
2006 to 2008
BA in Mass Communications
King's College - Wilkes-Barre, PA
1997 to 2003
Skills
Program Management (8 years)
Program Development (7 years)
Counseling (10+ years)
Financial Management (10+ years)
Human Resources (10+ years)
Computer Skills (10+ years)
Public Relations (10+ years)
Employee Supervision (10+ years)
Records Management (10+ years)
Addictions Counseling (5+ years)
Healthcare (10+ years)
Administration (10+ years)
Written Communication (10+ years)
Mental Health (10+ years)
Social Work (10+ years)
Written Communication (10+ years)
Certifications/Licenses
Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership, King’s College, Wilkes Barre,
PA
Graduate Certificate in Public Health,
King’s College, Wilkes Barre, PA
Functional Behavior Assessment,
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
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