Berna Palavra Email & Phone Number

* Provides clinical and case management services to BHCS clients; interviews clients and family members; conducts initial and ongoing psychosocial strength-based assessments.* Develops initial and ongoing treatment plans on assigned clients; identifies and pursues necessary resources to implement treatment plans.* Conducts individual, group, and family psychotherapy sessions; provides education on behavioral health care symptoms and the role of medication in alleviating such symptoms; diagnoses illnesses and dual recovery/co-occurring disorders.* Prepares and maintains psychosocial case histories for use in diagnostic evaluations and monitoring client progress.* Provides crisis intervention as needed; stabilizes clients in crisis including brief intervention in clinic; arranges for hospitalization and coordinates treatment elements.* Notifies clients and families of community resources and makes referral as necessary to meet basic needs such as housing, medical care, and employment.* Maintains all records in accordance with the Quality Assurance standards of Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services.* Participates in clinical case presentations and peer reviews.* Prepares reports, case summaries, correspondence and other written materials.* Testifies in court when required for determination of client’s legal status regarding outpatient court- ordered treatment.* Conducts mental status examinations and formulates Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-IV related diagnoses.* Collaborates with other departments and agencies related to client treatment planning.

Oakland, California, United States

* Works collaboratively on a multi-disciplinary team to coordinate treatment and supportive services for up to 30 adults with co-existing psychiatric and substance use conditions in all stages of treatment and recovery.* Provides culturally responsive, psycho-social rehabilitation case management services to meet clients’ comprehensive needs, including linking clients to housing, employment, medical, dental, psychological, parenting, legal, transportation, and money management resources.*In collaboration with the client, formulates client-centered, recovery-oriented, integrated treatment plan: assists client in identifying and articulating personal goals; identifies behavioral objectives and mental health symptoms that may be barriers to those goals; determines treatment strategies and interventions to achieve desired goals; establishes measurable outcomes to determine the effectiveness of treatment*Provides psycho-education to clients and when appropriate, family members, related to health, well-being, and lifestyle, including symptom management, medication, diet, sleep hygiene, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention; assists clients in the creation of personal WRAP plans, and/or Advance Directive.

San Leandro, California, United States

• Conducted evaluations, completed initial/annual assessments, and develop treatment plans identifying client’s objectives, needs, and goals. • Facilitated linkages for clients to health treatment, temporary and permanent housing and public assistance programs.• Provided on-going support and case management services to people with mental illnesses.• Assisted and coordinated services with health care providers and psychiatrists.• Ensured that clinical documentation is up-to-date, revise treatment plans as needed.• Provided psychoeducation on mental health and the role of medication in alleviating symptoms.

Danville, California, United States

• Maintained a caseload of 8 clients in senior living community with 3 levels of care: Assisted living, Memory care, Skilled nursing. • Administered assessments, including biopsychosocial, Mini Mental Status Exam, and Geriatric Depression Scale to support placement in appropriate level of care. • Collaborated in interdisciplinary meetings to coordinate services, discuss progress outcomes, and to request/expand clients services.• Designed and facilitated a monthly support group for 8-10 residents focused on issues such as emotional regulation, adjusting to a new living situation, communication skills, grief/loss, and depression.

• Implemented individualized programs for young children 3-6 years of age based on Applied Behavioral Analysis principles to increase communication, self-help, and social and play skills.• Performed in a team environment while working one-on-one with clients, carrying out programs designed by the Certified Behavior Analysts, and utilizing a combination of intensive teaching.• Utilized positive reinforcement and antecedent modification to increase appropriate behaviors.

• Updated critical legal databases, verified reports from law enforcement, and uploaded client documents to confidential database. • Contacted clients regarding upcoming court dates and documented client’s progress.• Attended case conferences and consultations in court, discussing client's cases and progression with Public Defender, District Attorney and Social Workers.• Adhered to confidentiality standards regarding cases and verbal exchanges.

• Attended community meeting and court hearing on behalf of clients. • Assisted case supervisors in identifying community activities suitable for foster youth. • Provided administrative support related to fundraising and to the executive director. • Assisted in fundraising logistics such as data entry, emails, letters and meeting schedules.

Master Of Social Work - Msw, Social Work

Activities and Societies: Vice President: Chi Psi Phi Alpha Honor Society. Co-Chair: General Social Work Graduate Association (SWGA)

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Sociology