Ernestine howard
Boston
Summary
Dedicated Mental Health Assistant with over 3 years of experience in providing emotional support and facilitating therapeutic group sessions. Skilled in effective communication, crisis intervention, and mental health education, contributing to positive patient outcomes and enhanced recovery journeys.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Assistant
Arbor Hospital
Jamaica Plain
08.2022 - Current
- Assisted in daily patient care and support activities at Arbor Hospital.
- Observed and documented patient behavior and mental status during shifts.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to implement individualized care plans.
- Participated in therapeutic group sessions under supervision of licensed professionals.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for patients and staff members.
- Engaged patients in recreational activities to promote social interaction.
- Provided emotional support to patients, fostering a trusting relationship.
- Communicated effectively with families regarding patient needs and progress.
- Actively listened to clients without judgement while providing a safe space for them to express themselves freely.
- Conducted assessments of clients' mental health status and progress towards treatment goals.
- Coordinated with other healthcare providers such as psychiatrists or psychologists to ensure continuity of care for clients.
- Administered therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or problem-solving techniques.
- Maintained accurate records of all client interactions and activities in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Provided resources for additional support services such as housing assistance or peer support groups.
- Educated families about mental health topics, including diagnosis, treatment options, medication management.
- Assisted in developing life skills such as budgeting, time management, social skills building, job interviewing skills development.
- Participated in community outreach programs designed to raise awareness about mental health issues.
- Supported patients during hospitalizations or residential stays to provide structure throughout the day and assist with daily living tasks.
- Provided individual and group counseling to clients with mental health issues.
- Attended meetings with other healthcare professionals to discuss patient progress towards recovery goals.
- Collaborated closely with family members of clients to ensure that they are informed of the client's condition and progress.
- Monitored patients' medication compliance through regular check-ins and provided education about potential side effects or drug interactions.
- Created a safe environment that promotes self-expression, respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, empathy, and acceptance among residents.
Lead Medical Support Assistant
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Jamaica Plain
11.1986 - 01.2016
- Assisted veterans in completing intake forms and navigating healthcare systems.
- Trained new assistants on office procedures and patient interaction protocols.
- Answered telephone calls, recording accurate messages and relaying to designated staff.
- Verified accurate patient demographic and insurance information to enter into electronic medical system.
- Communicated pertinent information and potential problems to physicians and nurses.
- Scheduled follow-up appointments for patients based on their individual needs.
Education
High School Diploma -
Jeremiah E Burke
Dorchester06-1973
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Behavioral observation
- Therapeutic intervention
- Care plan implementation
- Record maintenance
- Mental health education
- Effective communication
- Crisis intervention
- Behavioral management
Timeline
Mental Health Assistant
Arbor Hospital
08.2022 - Current
Lead Medical Support Assistant
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
11.1986 - 01.2016
High School Diploma -
Jeremiah E Burke