Catherine (Cat) Mykytiuk
Vista
Summary
Dedicated Outreach Specialist with years of clinical experience working with the unhoused population with an emphasis on co-occurring disorders.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
ERF (Encampment Resolution) Outreach Specialist
Interfaith Community Services
Oceanside
06.2025 - Current
- Conducts in the field outreach and engages with individuals experiencing homelessness within SR 78 Caltrans Right of Way and Buena Vista Creek areas between the border of Oceanside and Carlsbad to provide rapid rehousing
- Conducts biopsychosocial assessments, program intakes, and safety screenings to identify client needs and barriers to housing, health, and stability.
- Develops individualized service plans with clients, breaking long-term goals into actionable steps and updates progress regularly.
- Provides linkage to mental health/SUD treatment, housing, healthcare, and basic needs resources.
- Advocates for clients in the rapid rehousing program by communicating with property management companies
- Maintains accurate documentation in HMIS and ETO to track client progress
Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor (Outreach)
Interfaith Community Services
Carlsbad
12.2024 - 06.2025
- Conducted in the field outreach and engaged with individuals experiencing homelessness to identify those with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Substance Use Disorder or other (SUD)/Mental Health (MH) needs
- Utilized Motivational Interviewing and other counseling skills when connecting with individuals in pre-contemplation stage of change
- Worked collaboratively with community partners, including other withdrawal management programs and other recovery programs, to support eligible individuals and households
- Screened and assessed referrals from Carlsbad Homeless Outreach Team and other service providers to support client recovery
- Collaborated with regional Emergency Department social workers, SUD counselors, and mental health practitioners to facilitate seamless care and system navigation for clients
- Provided linkage to recovery support services, including vocational, educational, and crisis care services, and assists clients in developing informal support systems
- Facilitated referrals and coordinates entry into Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), detox, and other treatment options as appropriate.
- Completed accurate and thorough documentation of client meetings, interactions, and progress toward goals in a timely manner
- Entered data into the regional Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) client database and other necessary data for the City of Carlsbad
Homeless Outreach Specialist
Interfaith Community Services
Oceanside
09.2022 - 12.2024
- Provided field-based outreach at various sites in the community to individuals experiencing homelessness with an emphasis on substance use disorders and serious mental illness
- Provided direct services to homeless clients and families, including intake, assessment, referrals, and case management as well as client advocacy with the goal of supporting self-sufficiency
- Provided direct services to clients including short term counseling, crisis intervention, and linkage with longer term services
- Entered data into the regional Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) client database, the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and/or other electronic data systems as required
- Ensured the confidentiality of client information and health records
- Met regularly with supervisor and participated in agency meetings and staff trainings
- Provided trauma informed and culturally competent client services
Resource Counselor
Community Interface Services
Carlsbad
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Provided supportive social services to clients with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities
- Vocational services such as job development, placement, and coaching at participant's work sites
- In-home support services for clients in supportive living
- Helped clients live independently and experience lifestyles and living situations similar to those without disabilities
- Provided social and recreational resources and opportunities for clients
- Experience in writing case notes, daily progress notes, case management, and drafting and maintaining other documentation
Barista
Captain's Grounds Coffee
Oceanside
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Took coffee, food, and other beverage orders and prepared them for customers quickly and effectively
- Maintained a clean and professional appearance and dining area for guest satisfaction
- Washed dishes and restocked the bar line to ensure fast service efficiency
Sales Associate
Captain's Helm
Oceanside
09.2017 - 05.2021
- Cash register experience
- Organized, restocked, and cleaned the shop to look presentable for customers
- Unpacked, tagged, and priced products
- Re-merchandised products to liven their appeal
- Created many lasting bonds and friendships with locals and customers
Stock Associate/Sales Associate
JCPenney
Carlsbad
02.2017 - 09.2017
- Cash register experience
- Unloaded and unpacked merchandise, as well as stocking it on the floor
- Pricing and signing experience
- Organized and recovered merchandise, making sure the sales floor looked clean and appealing
- Maintenance of dressing rooms
Education
Master's Degree - Social Work
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA05-2027
CADTP Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor -
Tarzana Treatment Centers College
Woodland Hills, CA12.2023
Bachelor's Degree - Sociology
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA05.2021
Associate's Degree - Liberal Arts & Humanities
MiraCosta College
Oceanside, CA05.2018
Skills
- Strong client advocate
- Works well under pressure
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
- Years of experience providing trauma-informed care to vulnerable populations
- Extensively trained in motivational interviewing and de-escalation techniques
- Experience with daily data entry and clinical case management
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel
References
- Angela Espinosa, (719) 480-1539
- Barbara Hess, (619) 518-9242
- Bianca Bustamante, (760) 585-8874
Volunteer Experience
Children's Minister/Volunteer, Rhythm Church Children's Ministry, Oceanside, CA, October 2023 - PRESENT
- Supervise, play, and teach children the Gospel while their parents attend church service
- Clean and straighten up classroom after every class
- Teach by example the importance of forgiveness, respect, communication, and resolving conflict
- Help the children to grow closer to the Lord and embrace their unique spiritual gifts
Children's Minister/Volunteer, North Coast Church Children's Ministry, Vista, CA, November 2016 - February 2017
- Supervised and played with children while their parents were at service
- Cleaned, disinfected, and vacuumed the classroom after every session
- Taught by example the importance of forgiveness, respect, communication, and resolving conflict
Cat and Dog Volunteer, Oceanside Humane Society, Oceanside, CA, June 2014 - June 2015
- Fed, walked, socialized the animals, and cleaned kennels
- Assisted interested adopters with information about the animal and adoption process
- Worked alongside other volunteers and helped them when necessary
- Learned patience and responsibility with the animals, and the importance of positive reinforcement
Timeline
ERF (Encampment Resolution) Outreach Specialist
Interfaith Community Services
06.2025 - Current
Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor (Outreach)
Interfaith Community Services
12.2024 - 06.2025
Homeless Outreach Specialist
Interfaith Community Services
09.2022 - 12.2024
Barista
Captain's Grounds Coffee
05.2022 - 08.2022
Resource Counselor
Community Interface Services
06.2021 - 09.2022
Sales Associate
Captain's Helm
09.2017 - 05.2021
Stock Associate/Sales Associate
JCPenney
02.2017 - 09.2017
Master's Degree - Social Work
California State University San Marcos
CADTP Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor -
Tarzana Treatment Centers College
Bachelor's Degree - Sociology
California State University San Marcos
Associate's Degree - Liberal Arts & Humanities
MiraCosta College