Sara Almeida
Boston
Summary
Service-oriented professional with extensive experience in social services and mental health counseling. Proficient in applying evaluation techniques to develop clinical impressions and implement effective care strategies. Strong communication skills facilitate rapport-building with diverse individuals and professionals. Multilingual capabilities in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole enhance service delivery across various populations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Worker
Brigham's & Women's Hospital
Boston
09.2024 - Current
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient interactions and services provided.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes.
- Educated patients on available social services.
- Worked collaboratively with other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses to coordinate care for clients.
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
- Coordinated referrals to outside agencies for additional services such as substance use programs or vocational training.
Behavior Health Clinician
Boston Health Care for the Homeless
Boston
02.2021 - Current
- Led primary care staff in resolving behavioral health issues and psychiatric emergencies.
- Collaborated with BHCHP teams to address patient needs effectively.
- Maintained communication with patients' medical providers to ensure comprehensive care.
- Facilitated referrals to external addiction treatment programs as necessary.
- Educated and supported patients throughout their treatment journey.
- Conducted follow-up care in person and via telephone as required.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
Social Worker Intern
Renewal House
Boston
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Helped survivors of domestic violence through emotional support while coordinating them to resources in the community.
- Led a support group of survivors to provide support throughout their stay at the shelter.
- Carried out danger or safety assessments for survivors and their children.
- Aided survivors with restrained order and how to navigate the court system.
- Executed one on one therapy to survivors.
- Worked closely with other staff members in developing activities for the children.
Family Advocate, Community Advocacy Program
CCHERS
Boston
12.2017 - 01.2020
- Render assistance to families in dealing with experiences of domestic violence.
- Effectively provide emotional support to clients by connecting them with appropriate resources in the community.
- Demonstrate expertise in educating clients regarding domestic violence and how to cope with stressful events.
- Drive efforts in providing education and information regarding domestic violence, and the impact of violence on self and children.
- Render support to the client in coordinating needed services, such as safe housing and shelter, legal aid, assistance with restraining orders, child custody and child support, childcare, medical and mental health services, emotional support, and other services as needed.
- Obtain weekly supervision from a clinical supervisor.
Mental Health Worker
Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center
Boston
04.2017 - 12.2017
- Displayed dedication to assisting individuals, families, and groups who are mentally unstable and homeless.
- Worked on weekends at Women's Only Unit.
- Collaborated with Treatment Team in planning client's treatment plan and progress.
- Ensured strict confidentiality guidelines with regards to all clients, conversation referrals, and incidents.
Mental Health Counselor
Bournewood Hospital
Boston
06.2015 - 12.2017
- Partnered with nurses and other mental health counselors in providing direct care and crisis intervention to patients through an inpatient intensive treatment.
- Developed crisis intervention strategies for at-risk patients.
- Assisted in crisis intervention when needed to provide immediate support for clients in distress.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss client cases and review treatment plans.
Advocate | Group Leader | Mentor
Mothers for Justice & Equality
Roxbury
12.2015 - 01.2016
- Interacted with the youth from Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan to prevent violence and develop a better community.
- Stayed connected with communities in driving awareness of what is happening in neighborhoods.
- Visited different neighborhoods to conduct community service and educate youth on leadership.
Teaching Assistant | Counselor
BELL
Boston
12.2014 - 01.2015
- Supported educators with lesson planning and curriculum development initiatives.
- Assisted students during classroom activities to address individual learning needs.
- Facilitated effective communication among teachers, students, and parents to enhance engagement.
Education
Doctorate in Leadership Psychology -
William James College
05-2028
Master of Social Work -
Simmons College
Boston, MA05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Secondary in Spanish
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA05.2015
Skills
- Program planning and implementation
- Case review and management
- group facilitation
- Recordkeeping and documentation
- Rapid conflict resolution
- Regulatory and healthcare compliance
- Patient advocacy
- Crisis intervention
- Community outreach
- Collaborative teamwork
- Individual and group counseling
- Violence prevention
- Psychosocial assessment
- Substance use expertise
- Confidential documentation and recordkeeping
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Strengths-based solution-focused therapy
- Patient-centered care
Activities
Tutor, Emerson Elementary School
Timeline
Social Worker
Brigham's & Women's Hospital
09.2024 - Current
Behavior Health Clinician
Boston Health Care for the Homeless
02.2021 - Current
Social Worker Intern
Renewal House
01.2019 - 01.2020
Family Advocate, Community Advocacy Program
CCHERS
12.2017 - 01.2020
Mental Health Worker
Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center
04.2017 - 12.2017
Advocate | Group Leader | Mentor
Mothers for Justice & Equality
12.2015 - 01.2016
Mental Health Counselor
Bournewood Hospital
06.2015 - 12.2017
Teaching Assistant | Counselor
BELL
12.2014 - 01.2015
Doctorate in Leadership Psychology -
William James College
Master of Social Work -
Simmons College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Secondary in Spanish
Merrimack College