Kirstin Bartlett
Langley,BC
Summary
Mental Health & Substance Use Clinician with 13+ years of experience supporting high-acuity and marginalized populations in hospital, outreach, and community settings. Advanced training in assessment, crisis response, and recovery-oriented practice. Skilled in suicide risk assessment, intake triage, treatment planning, and trauma-informed therapeutic intervention. Recognized for strong clinical judgment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client advocacy. Currently completing a Master of Social Work (MSW).
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
MHSU Clinician- Bachelors (Access Central)
Fraser Health Authority
Langley, BC
02.2025 - Current
- Streamline access to mental health services by triaging high-volume referrals and determining appropriate level of care based on urgency, risk, and clinical best practice.
- Enhance client safety by conducting comprehensive suicide and violence risk assessments and initiating timely safety planning and crisis intervention.
- Improve continuity of care by coordinating referrals across outpatient, crisis, psychiatric, and community-based services.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration by consulting with physicians, nurses, and allied professionals to determine optimal treatment pathways.
- Reduce service delays by prioritizing cases based on acuity and system capacity.
MHSU Clinician- Bachelors (ACT Team)
Fraser Health Authority
Maple Ridge
05.2024 - Current
- Stabilized high-acuity clients with severe and persistent mental illness through intensive community-based assessment and intervention.
- Increased treatment engagement by developing individualized, recovery-oriented care plans addressing co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges.
- Reduced psychiatric crisis episodes through early intervention, safety planning, and coordinated urgent care responses.
- Facilitated therapeutic groups that strengthened coping skills, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention strategies.
- Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and interventions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, attending conferences and participating in continuing education opportunities.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration for better client care through effective communication and teamwork.
Mental Health Screener
Provincial Health Authority
Vancouver, BC
01.2024 - Current
- Strengthened early intervention outcomes by conducting comprehensive mental health screenings and facilitating timely, appropriate referrals.
- Enhanced client and staff safety by effectively de-escalating high-risk situations using crisis intervention strategies.
- Reduced immediate risk through thorough suicide and self-harm assessments, implementing safety planning and follow-up supports.
- Increased client engagement by delivering culturally responsive assessments tailored to diverse backgrounds.
- Contributed to service quality improvement through active participation in peer review and professional practice standards.
Claims Coordinator
Attorney General's Office
Vancouver, BC
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Improved claims processing efficiency by identifying trend patterns and recommending proactive system improvements.
- Increased data accuracy and audit readiness through meticulous documentation and quality control practices.
- Resolved high-volume client inquiries promptly, enhancing customer satisfaction and preventing escalation.
- Strengthened team workflow by collaborating on process optimization strategies that improved overall client experience.
- Safeguarded sensitive information through strict adherence to confidentiality and compliance standards.
MHSU Clinician- Bachelors (Homeless Outreach Team)
Fraser Health Authority
Surrey, BC
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Expanded access to care for individuals experiencing homelessness by delivering trauma-informed outreach assessments in community settings.
- Improved service engagement among hard-to-reach clients through relationship-based, low-barrier approaches.
- Coordinated cross-sector supports to address mental health, housing instability, and substance use concerns simultaneously.
Mental Health Outreach Worker
Options Community Service Agency
Surrey, BC
02.2018 - 05.2023
- Provided crisis intervention services, successfully deescalating situations and connecting clients with necessary supports.
- Developed strong professional networks with local service providers, enhancing collaboration and resource sharing for client benefit.
- Assisted families in understanding their loved one''s mental health challenges, providing guidance on how best to offer support during difficult times.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, prioritizing urgent matters while maintaining a high standard of care across all cases.
- Connected clients to appropriate resources within the community, promoting independence and self sufficiency.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation for effective communication with other service providers.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in mental health social work field.
- Established trusting relationships with clients through empathetic listening and open communication techniques.
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans for clients, resulting in improved well-being and daily functioning.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide optimal care and support for clients with complex needs.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
Community Counsellor
Options Community Service Agency
Surrey, BC
08.2012 - 05.2023
- Ensured safety of residents by monitoring and enforcing shelter rules and protocols consistently.
- Streamlined intake process, effectively assessing new clients'' needs and determining appropriate resources.
- Contributed to the establishment of a supportive and inclusive atmosphere within the shelter through active listening and empathetic engagement with clients.
- Addressed crisis situations with sensitivity, utilizing conflict resolution skills to maintain a safe environment for all parties involved.
- Enhanced living conditions for shelter occupants through diligent cleaning and maintenance of facility spaces.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, ensuring timely documentation that contributed to effective case management practices.
- Facilitated successful reintegration into society for numerous clients by assisting them in finding stable housing options after leaving the shelter environment.
- Organized donation drives within the local area, successfully securing clothing items, toiletries, and other essentials for shelter residents.
- Collaborated with local service providers to secure essential resources for the betterment of shelter inhabitants.
- Built strong relationships with community stakeholders, resulting in increased funding opportunities for the organization''s programs.
- Assisted clients in obtaining necessary documentation such as identification cards or birth certificates to aid in their job search or housing applications process.
- Served as a liaison between clients and social service agencies, effectively advocating on their behalf and securing necessary resources.
- Provided clients with job search assistance, leading to increased employment rates among the shelter population.
- Increased community awareness about homelessness issues by organizing public outreach events and presentations.
Safe School Liaison
Surrey School District
Surrey, BC
01.2011 - 08.2012
- Contributed to a positive school climate by addressing student concerns and fostering strong relationships with families.
- Served as a mentor for at-risk youth, providing consistent support while monitoring their academic progress and personal growth.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of family needs, connecting them with appropriate resources when necessary.
- Advocated for students'' needs, working closely with administrators to implement necessary accommodations and supports.
- Managed sensitive situations involving students or families professionally and confidentially, maintaining trust within the school community.
- Supported students and family members, actively listening to concerns and offering compassionate care.
Education
Master of Social Work- Student
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, ON06-2028
Psychology Minor in Criminology
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Surrey01-2011
Skills
- Mental Health & Substance Use Assessment
- Suicide & Violence Risk Assessment
- Crisis Intervention & Safety Planning
- Intake & Triage Decision-Making
- Treatment Planning
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Case Management
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Clinical Documentation
- Ethical & Professional Practice
Timeline
MHSU Clinician- Bachelors (Access Central)
Fraser Health Authority
02.2025 - Current
MHSU Clinician- Bachelors (ACT Team)
Fraser Health Authority
05.2024 - Current
Mental Health Screener
Provincial Health Authority
01.2024 - Current
Claims Coordinator
Attorney General's Office
08.2023 - 05.2024
MHSU Clinician- Bachelors (Homeless Outreach Team)
Fraser Health Authority
05.2023 - 08.2023
Mental Health Outreach Worker
Options Community Service Agency
02.2018 - 05.2023
Community Counsellor
Options Community Service Agency
08.2012 - 05.2023
Safe School Liaison
Surrey School District
01.2011 - 08.2012
Master of Social Work- Student
Wilfrid Laurier University
Psychology Minor in Criminology
Kwantlen Polytechnic University