Provided day-to-day oversight of the centralized Access Department, ensuring that consumers and providers' needs were met in a timely manner. Provided daily guidance and mentorship to 3-5 clinical and support staff members within the department. Liaison to internal departments and regional contract staff, coordinating to improve processes and procedures that impact stakeholders. Responsible for writing policy/procedures and managing quality improvement projects within the department. Additional clinical responsibilities include Hospital Discharge Planning, Utilization Reviews, Access Screenings, Clinical Appeals, and facilitating clinical staffing meetings.

I serve as the clinical entry point for people seeking mental health services through the Upper Peninsula region. I conduct clinical screenings to determine if folks meet Medicaid criteria for intake appointments at their local community mental health center. I wear several different hats at Northcare; in addition to the clinical screenings, I also provide back up for the Utilization Management department, help manage an integrated care pilot program for Medicaid/Medicare clients, and I sit on the clinical hiring committee and am the lead trainer in my clinical department.

-- I was responsible for designing and implementing activity groups that responded to the psycho-social needs of residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. I was able to successfully introduce and implement a Creative Storytelling group to the facility, which gave residents with dementia a creative outlet for expression.--Active member of the interdisciplinary team that facilitated the medication reduction and behavior management program. I provided input regarding the resident's needs and behaviors as it pertained to their medication needs, and assisted with accurate charting and documentation.--I had the privilege of leading and facilitating family care conferences, in which I worked with an interdisciplinary team to update the family about their love one's health and well-being and listened to any concerns that arose.--I conducted intake assessments and social history interviews with new residents, including residents admitted to the rehabilitation unit.--I regularly interacted with and managed volunteer groups by giving tours of the facility, engaging them in group activities, and educating them on aging issues such as Alzheimer's and dementia.--I collaborated with a local hospice team to plan and implement the facility's first-ever memorial service to honor and celebrate the lives of residents that had passed away.

--I conducted intake interviews with applicants seeking affordable housing in our Transitional Living program, a program designed for single mothers searching for a stable living environment and support to achieve their long-term goals--such as further education, stable employment, and permanent housing.-- I was also responsible for educating individuals accepted into the program about their rights and responsibilities as tenants, and responsible for enforcing policies and procedures of the agency regarding housing and safety.-- I provided on-going case management to 5--10 individuals in the program and connected them with resources in the community in order to meet their needs.-- I met weekly with each client to assess their level of progress in achieving their goals, and collaborated with clients to find solutions to problems or obstacles they encountered. I offered psycho-social support to clients as they achieved their goals, and provided constructive feedback as needed.

--I was responsible for leading a group of youth with developmental disabilities in a residential camp setting. I engaged the group in all variety of sports and games, tailoring the activities to fit the individual needs of the campers.

--In partnership with the US Forest Service, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and the Marquette County Juvenile Court system, I engaged and mentored at-risk youth who participated in a native plants restoration initiative as part of their service to the community.--I facilitated small group discussions with the youth, focusing on life skills, goals, and strengths, and I collaborated with juvenile court staff to maximize participant's engagement by providing and coordinating meals and transportation.--I provided the executive director with administrative assistance, and helped plan and host an annual event celebrating the Institute's projects.