Lauren Sargent
San Diego
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate human services and mental health professional with a passion for helping individuals become self-sufficient and resilient. Skilled in high-pressure environments requiring crisis support and therapeutic interventions, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). San Jose State University graduate with a B.A. in Sociology, with professional experience in crisis intervention, substance use counseling, and individual and group therapy. Holds certifications in DBT, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), and Mental Health First Aid. Experienced in universal intake for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKS programs, maintaining confidentiality and upholding professional standards in case management. Highly adaptable and trauma-informed, with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Guided by strong moral principles, ethical standards, and professional integrity.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Services Specialist
County of San Diego
11.2024 - Current
- Conduct daily intakes for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs, assessing eligibility, financial needs, and connecting clients to appropriate resources
- Manage case renewals and benefit adjustments, advocating for equitable access while ensuring compliance with county, state, and federal regulations
- Deliver face-to-face trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to diverse populations, including low-income families, homeless individuals, immigrants, older adults, and individuals with disabilities
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community organizations to remove barriers, promote client empowerment, and support holistic well-being.
- Assist clients in resolving benefit challenges and navigating systems, providing education and referrals to housing, mental health, employment, and food security resources
- Maintain confidential, accurate case documentation in accordance with HIPAA and county standards
- Participate in ongoing professional development in motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and social welfare policy to enhance service delivery
Mental Health Technician II
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Facilitated group and individual therapy sessions using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and DBT for adolescents and adults (ages 11–60)
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including therapists, nurses, physicians, CPS, PERT, and MCRT to deliver coordinated, patient-centered mental health care
- Monitored and documented patient behavior and progress, providing data to guide treatment planning and interventions
- Assisted with admissions, discharges, suicide screenings, and daily care, ensuring safety and trauma-informed support
- Intervened in behavioral crises, conducting de-escalation and restraint techniques to maintain a safe therapeutic environment
- Communicated with families, external providers, and clinical staff to coordinate care and support continuity of treatment
- Contributed to individualized treatment plans by providing behavioral insights and supporting patient engagement
- Maintained accurate, confidential clinical documentation in compliance with HIPAA and facility policies
Behavioral Technician
Intervention Center for Autism Needs
10.2021 - 05.2022
- Provided one-on-one ABA therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ages 3–15), promoting social, academic, and adaptive skills
- Collected and documented behavioral data, tracking progress and informing ongoing assessments and treatment adjustments
- Delivered individualized interventions in homes, schools, and community settings, supporting daily living, classroom participation, and social development
- Developed and implemented behavior intervention plans tailored to client needs and treatment goals
- Communicated with parents, teachers, and clinicians to review progress, address concerns, and coordinate strategies
- Applied evidence-based ABA techniques including positive reinforcement, task analysis, and antecedent modification to support behavior change
- Modeled behavioral strategies for caregivers to support skill generalization and family engagement
- Maintained accurate, timely documentation in compliance with agency and clinical standards
Legal Assistant
Lexint Law
10.2020 - 02.2021
- Assisted attorneys with court hearings, trials, and depositions, taking detailed notes and analyzing courtroom proceedings to support case strategy
- Drafted, edited, and filed legal documents including motions, pleadings, contracts, briefs, and correspondence in compliance with procedural standards
- Managed client communication and administrative tasks, including calls, emails, scheduling, and case coordination
- Organized and maintained case files and legal records, ensuring accuracy and timely access for attorneys and staff
- Supported case management by tracking deadlines, preparing summaries, and coordinating meetings with clients and court personnel
- Maintained strict confidentiality and adherence to legal and ethical standards in all aspects of case handling
Water Polo and Swim Instructor
El Monte Aquatic Center
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Provided swim instruction and water polo coaching to children ages 3–15, teaching swimming techniques, water safety, and sport-specific skills
- Developed and implemented lesson plans, practice drills, and game strategies tailored to different skill levels
- Directed practices, scrimmages, games, and tournaments, fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill progression
- Demonstrated and coached proper swimming strokes, water polo techniques, and drills, ensuring clear guidance and safe execution
- Maintained pool facilities and equipment, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and readiness for all sessions and events
- Provided mentorship and positive reinforcement, encouraging personal growth, confidence, and resilience in young athletes
- Coordinated with parents and guardians to monitor student progress and adjust programs to meet individual developmental and learning needs
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA05.2022
High School - undefined
Arcadia High School
Arcadia, CA06.2018
Skills
- Psychiatric Competencies: Behavioral Analysis, Expertise in Patient Care, Development of Treatment Plans, Data Collection, Management Skills, Ability to Maintain Confidentiality, Adaptability, Knowledge in Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis in Groups and with Individuals, Effective Communication
- Administrative skills: Collaboration, Competence with Computer Processing Functions as well as Other Standard Office Equipment, Ability to Manage and Prioritize Multiple Tasks, Organizational Skills, Ability Calmly and Effectively Resolve Customer Issues, Flexibility
- Interests: Swimming, Water Polo, Dance Performance, Singing, Yoga, Tai Chi, Roller Skating, Traveling
Certification
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Certification (2024) - DBT Linehan Board of Certification
- Mental Healthy Aid Certificate (2024) - Mental Health America of San Diego
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Certificate (2024) - Crisis Prevention Institute
- Certificate of Community Service (2017) - Global Leadership Adventures
Timeline
Human Services Specialist
County of San Diego
11.2024 - Current
Mental Health Technician II
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
03.2024 - 10.2024
Behavioral Technician
Intervention Center for Autism Needs
10.2021 - 05.2022
Legal Assistant
Lexint Law
10.2020 - 02.2021
Water Polo and Swim Instructor
El Monte Aquatic Center
01.2017 - 12.2017
High School - undefined
Arcadia High School
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
San Jose State University