Amanda Kuipers
Pembroke,Canada
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in client intake procedures and administrative coordination, dedicated to optimizing operational efficiency through exceptional communication and organizational skills. Proficient in healthcare documentation and client service protocols, ensuring seamless processes that prioritize trauma-informed, client-centered care. Committed to fostering a supportive environment that enhances client experiences and promotes effective collaboration among healthcare teams. Proven ability to adapt to fast-paced settings while maintaining a focus on quality service delivery.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Concurrent Specialist – MESA County of Renfrew HART Hub
Addictions Treatment Service (ATS)
Pembroke, ON
01.2025 - Current
- Implement trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centered practices to enhance continuity of care within MESA County of Renfrew HART Hub programs.
- Facilitate coordination of program activities at Intake centre, focusing on the development of clinics and clinical pathways in collaboration with community programs and partnerships.
- Assist support staff and community partners in effectively managing guest needs and navigating crises and behavioral challenges.
- Resolve client concerns by implementing creative solutions.
- Conduct ongoing research to remain informed about local social service programming.
- Coordinate information exchange between HART Hub, MESA outreach, and community partners to enhance client experience within the continuum of care and provide program clarification.
- Collaborate with community agencies by presenting on HART Hub programs to foster partnerships and increase program visibility.
- Provide expertise and guidance when conducting thorough case reviews with MESA partners to determine client needs and identify treatment gaps. Support referrals to community partners following healthcare best practices.
- Ensure timely and accurate maintenance of clinical documentation within EMR systems.
- Partner with Careteam development team to adapt content specifically for HART Hub needs.
- Promote utilization of Careteam within MESA partners to enhance coordination of care.
- Assist in maintaining compliance with PHIPAA confidentiality laws. Support navigation of consent complexities within multi-agency frameworks.
- Collaborated in the development of the tiered application process for HART Hub programs.
- Oversaw the creation of effective screening and assessment tools specific for the Intake Centre to ensure client safety and enhance case management, and began implementing tools with guests.
- Process and maintain incoming referrals for Supportive Motel and Bridge Housing programs. Communicate regularly with clients and referral agents to provide support.
- Assist in team meetings to discuss program updates and challenges. Support case conferences by providing relevant information and insights. Contribute to organizational initiatives by collaborating with team members.
Care Coordinator – Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP)
Addictions Treatment Services
County Of Renfrew, ON
01.2025 - 2025
- Collaborated with clients to identify needs and effectively managed referrals to various community resources and residential treatment programs for enhanced recovery outcomes.
- Utilized motivational interviewing principles to support clients in navigating change and overcoming ambivalence.
- Assessed client needs to develop comprehensive treatment strategies and coordinated interdisciplinary care discussions.
- Maintained comprehensive clinical notes and negotiated informed consent for client information release, upholding confidentiality protocols.
- Facilitated access to resources by connecting clients with support services, ensuring timely follow-through on referrals.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-ups, adjusting treatment plans based on evolving needs and circumstances.
Opioid Case Manager & Addictions Counsellor
Addictions Treatment Services
Pembroke, ON
01.2017 - 01.2025
- Fostered meaningful client relationships, ensuring effective communication and satisfaction throughout engagements.
- Conducted formal and informal screenings and assessments to evaluate clients' substance use impact on their lives. Identified clients' overall needs, strengths, resources, and psycho-social functioning to establish a treatment baseline.
- Collaborated with clients to identify needs and effectively managed referrals to various community resources and residential treatment programs for enhanced recovery outcomes.
- Facilitated client progress through stages of change by implementing motivational interviewing (MI) strategies, structured relapse prevention (SRP), and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).
- Maintained comprehensive clinical notes and negotiated informed consent for client information release, upholding confidentiality protocols.
- Achieved improved client understanding of substance use and concurrent disorders through targeted psychoeducation.
- Enhanced individual coping mechanisms by promoting harm reduction strategies and alternative skills.
- Advanced client engagement with opioid agonist therapies (OAT) and specific opioid issues to facilitate informed choices.
- Strengthened problem-solving and interpersonal skills, contributing to overall health and wellbeing. Reduced stigma and addressed additional topics based on client feedback.
- Developed tailored treatment plans through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client care outcomes.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Collaborated on interdisciplinary case reviews, utilizing insights to refine treatment approaches and improve service integration.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Spearheaded community initiatives to enhance partnerships and elevate program visibility.
- Collaborated with community organizations to broaden access to vital resources for clients facing challenges.
Clinical Associate / SSW Placement Student
Irving House Addiction Treatment Centre
Pembroke, ON
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Conducted comprehensive client assessments at intake to establish a positive rapport from initial contact.
- Oversaw client support during treatment by coordinating engaging recreational activities.
- Responded to client questions and concerns effectively. Offered confidential feedback to clients as needed.
- Maintained comprehensive clinical documentation and files to support effective patient care.
- Promoted preventative health measures among patients by educating them on relevant topics such as nutrition, sleep, exercise habits, stress management techniques.
- Served as a mentor for new Clinical Associates joining the team – providing guidance on departmental policies/procedures and sharing clinical expertise.
SSW Placement Student
Salvation Army
Pembroke, ON
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Facilitated successful operation of youth centre by enhancing program offerings. Improved youth engagement through effective supervision of after school activities. Strengthened community partnerships to broaden support services for youth. Resolved conflicts and crises for youth, contributing to their overall well-being.
- Orchestrated logistics and planning for an international community-building trip to Nicaragua, engaging youth and adult allies in collaboration with Renfrew County Youth Network and Me to We.
- Facilitated engaging workshops and group sessions, fostering a collaborative environment for skill development.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive space by applying trauma-informed practices in all interactions.
- Cultivated relationships with youth to build trust, ensuring their voices were heard and valued.
Support Worker
Community Living Renfrew County South
Arnprior, ON
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Monitored and adhered to individualized behavioral plans and care programs, ensuring optimal safety and wellbeing for clients with developmental disabilities and mental health issues.
- Cultivated strong client relationships and facilitated community engagement opportunities.
- Executed nonviolent crisis intervention (CPI) strategies to effectively deescalate crises for individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Facilitated seamless communication among team members, ensuring comprehensive understanding of client needs and service delivery.
- Monitored ongoing client progress, adjusting care strategies based on evolving needs and circumstances effectively.
- Implemented person-centered approaches to care that promoted the dignity and autonomy of each individual served.
Occasional Secondary Teacher
Renfrew County District School Board
Pembroke, ON
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Utilized a range of inclusive management strategies to address specific student requirements while cultivating a supportive classroom environment.
- Ensured compliance with lesson plans and instructional guidelines, addressing challenges by adapting lesson content as needed.
- Documented and communicated student observations to teachers and administration, ensuring timely feedback and support for student development.
- Fostered strong relationships with students from diverse backgrounds, promoting trust and open communication within the classroom setting.
- Led extracurricular activities that supported social skills development and community involvement among students.
- Utilized technology effectively in the classroom to enhance learning experiences and facilitate collaboration.
- Conducted professional development workshops for staff on implementing inclusive teaching practices.
- Facilitated collaborative group activities that encouraged peer interaction and enhanced students' critical thinking skills.
Education
History, Minor in English
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON2010
Trauma Certificate
Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfred Laurier University
Waterloo, ON2024
TEACH Core Course – Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Centre For Addictions And Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto
Toronto, ON2022
Concurrent Disorders Certificate Program
CAMH, University of Toronto
Toronto, ON2021
Social Service Worker (SSW) Diploma -
Algonquin College
Pembroke, ON2017
Bachelor of Education - Intermediate / Senior – History / English
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON2013
Honours Bachelor of Arts - History, Minor in English
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON2010
Skills
- Trauma-informed, client-centered care
- Interpersonal skills
- Clinical expertise and guidance
- Case management skills
- Clear communicator
- Strong understanding of current program frameworks
Certification
- First Aid and CPR / AED, Canadian Red Cross, 2026-01-01
- SafeTALK, LivingWorks, 2017-01-01
- Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2016-01-01
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, CPI, 2016-01-01
- Victim Services Training Program, Victim Services of Renfrew County, 2016-01-01
- Additional Qualification – Special Education – I, University of Ottawa, 2013-01-01
- Promoting Diversity and Ending Discrimination Workshop, University of Ottawa, 2012-01-01
- LGTBQ Ally Training, University of Ottawa, 2012-01-01
Designations
Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW)
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), Registration No. 829546, 2017 - current
Registered Teacher
Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), Registration No. 639445, 2013 - current
Timeline
Concurrent Specialist – MESA County of Renfrew HART Hub
Addictions Treatment Service (ATS)
01.2025 - Current
Care Coordinator – Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP)
Addictions Treatment Services
01.2025 - 2025
Opioid Case Manager & Addictions Counsellor
Addictions Treatment Services
01.2017 - 01.2025
Clinical Associate / SSW Placement Student
Irving House Addiction Treatment Centre
01.2016 - 01.2017
SSW Placement Student
Salvation Army
01.2016 - 01.2017
Support Worker
Community Living Renfrew County South
01.2013 - 01.2017
Occasional Secondary Teacher
Renfrew County District School Board
01.2013 - 01.2014
History, Minor in English
University of Ottawa
Trauma Certificate
Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfred Laurier University
TEACH Core Course – Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Centre For Addictions And Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto
Concurrent Disorders Certificate Program
CAMH, University of Toronto
Social Service Worker (SSW) Diploma -
Algonquin College
Bachelor of Education - Intermediate / Senior – History / English
University of Ottawa
Honours Bachelor of Arts - History, Minor in English
University of Ottawa