Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Brenda Sarni

Los Angeles

Summary

Dedicated professional with eight years of experience in social services, focusing on marginalized communities in Los Angeles. Expertise in providing trauma informed care and support for individuals facing substance abuse, mental health issues, and challenges related to the prison-industrial complex. Committed to leveraging personal experience to drive initiatives aimed at ending homelessness, reducing risk of recidivism and fostering community resilience.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Case Manager

Project 180
Los Angeles
04.2026 - Current

Managed client-focused case management in mental health shelter through weekly individual meetings.
Created customized service plans featuring SMART objectives, applying trauma-informed and harm reduction frameworks.
Collaborated with housing navigators to improve housing stability and assist with clients' documentation readiness.
Addressed barriers to care through targeted support initiatives tailored to individual needs.
Oversaw conflict resolution and implemented crisis de-escalation techniques for safety enhancement.
Introduced behavior contracts that promoted safe practices within shelter premises.
Facilitated clients' access to medical services while ensuring full compliance with program guidelines.
Documented HMIS data entries accurately and maintained crucial case records.

Housing Navigator III

Project 180
Los Angeles
10.2025 - 04.2026

Managed caseload of 20 clients, performing intake assessments to evaluate service eligibility and formulate action plans.
Delivered educational sessions on community resources for housing, employment, healthcare, and legal support.
Facilitated document readiness by assisting clients with identification and verification processes.
Ensured accurate documentation of client interactions in compliance with agency policies.
Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to improve care quality and client outcomes.
Participated in team meetings addressing complex case reviews and service planning adjustments in high-acuity facility.

ICMS Program Manager

Lutheran Social Services
Long Beach
02.2024 - 10.2024

Oversaw both programmatic and administrative operations for a DHS-funded scattered site program, ensuring compliance with contract requirements and performance indicators. Supervised a team of six staff members, each managing caseloads of approximately 28 participants, providing ongoing guidance, support, and accountability to ensure high-quality service delivery. Monitored program outcomes and compliance metrics closely, identifying areas for improvement and providing targeted training and technical assistance as needed. Facilitated new staff onboarding, managed payroll processes, conducted weekly team meetings, and provided consistent individual supervision to support staff development and performance.

Program Manager

Weingart Center
West Hollywood
12.2022 - 02.2024

Facilitated high-quality client-centered services through effective shelter operations management.
Supervised teams to ensure compliance with agency policies while managing caseloads.
Monitored outcomes of housing placements, documenting results accurately for accountability.
Created a supportive client atmosphere through effective crisis intervention and conflict resolution strategies.
Drove continuous improvement via staff development initiatives focused on quality enhancement.
Strengthened service access by building partnerships with community stakeholders for better effectiveness.
Maintained strict compliance with government regulations across program operations.
Optimized operational processes, resulting in improved outcomes for diverse populations.

Interim Case Manager

Weingart Center
West Hollywood
02.2022 - 12.2022

Facilitated trauma-informed, client-centered services in shelter environment.
Engaged high-acuity populations through strengths-based support to foster trust and stability.
Developed smart goals to guide clients toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing.
Assisted clients in gathering essential documentation for housing placement, including identification and income verification.
Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to promote positive client outcomes while ensuring accurate record-keeping.

PSH Case Manager

Brilliant Corners
Los Angeles
09.2021 - 02.2022

Managed caseload of 30 clients, developing individualized service plans through comprehensive assessments.
Facilitated stable housing placements and access to emergency financial aid and essential resources.
Advocated for client rights with external agencies to ensure equitable access to housing services.
Coordinated services through consistent communication with clients and service providers.
Completed intakes, housing applications, unit viewings, lease signings, and housing stabilization using Housing First model.
Documented progress in HMIS and CHAMP systems to track client outcomes.

MIST Case Manager

Housing Works
Hollywood
12.2019 - 12.2020

Managed caseload of 30 clients in scattered site program to promote housing stability.
Conducted regular one-on-one meetings to deliver life skills support and enhance engagement.
Facilitated access to housing opportunities, legal aid, and public benefits for clients.
Coordinated applications and communication with housing authorities and landlords.
Provided transportation assistance for medical appointments to ensure continuity of care.
Maintained accurate case documentation in compliance with confidentiality standards.
Ensured adherence to program regulations through timely documentation practices.

Tattoo Removal Clinic Assistant

Homeboy Industries
Los Angeles
06.2017 - 12.2019

Ensured efficient and safe daily clinic operations with a focus on patient-centered care.
Restocked examination rooms and team stations to optimize preparation for appointments.
Maintained workflow efficiency by managing rapid patient turnover effectively.
Committed to HIPAA compliance, safeguarding patient privacy and securing data integrity.
Handled hazardous materials safely, adhering to established protocols.
Supported front desk operations with patient registration and processing duties.
Accurately documented clinical activities and updated medical records to enhance care continuity.

Education

Associate - Biblical & Theological Studies

Victory Outreach Bible College
04-2026

Diploma - Medical Assisting

Everest College
Alhambra, CA
03-2006

Skills

  • Planning and organization
  • Effective communication
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Problem solving
  • Program leadership
  • Critical thinking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Case management software
  • Client tracking systems
  • Data management
  • Outcome reporting
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Harm reduction strategies
  • Housing first model
  • Overdose prevention techniques
  • Motivational interviewing
  • HMIS proficiency
  • CHAMP proficiency
  • Crisis intervention
  • Case documentation

Timeline

Case Manager

Project 180
04.2026 - Current

Housing Navigator III

Project 180
10.2025 - 04.2026

ICMS Program Manager

Lutheran Social Services
02.2024 - 10.2024

Program Manager

Weingart Center
12.2022 - 02.2024

Interim Case Manager

Weingart Center
02.2022 - 12.2022

PSH Case Manager

Brilliant Corners
09.2021 - 02.2022

MIST Case Manager

Housing Works
12.2019 - 12.2020

Tattoo Removal Clinic Assistant

Homeboy Industries
06.2017 - 12.2019

Associate - Biblical & Theological Studies

Victory Outreach Bible College

Diploma - Medical Assisting

Everest College
Brenda Sarni