Natalia Ruiz
Atascadero
Summary
Licensed Psychiatric Technician with 20+ years experience working with a diverse population including individuals with mild to severe psychiatric impairments. Clinical experience includes treatment planning, psychotropic medication administration, and crisis interventions. A strong background in collaborating with other agencies to provide wrap-around support for patients. Committed to advocating for the well-being and mental health wellness of patients.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Residential Adult Counselor
Adult Transition Program
01.2022 - Current
- Assist residents in developing and utilizing coping skills, independent living skills, daily/weekly house chores, and activities of daily living.
- Provided crisis intervention at the onset of emotional distress and utilize de-escalation techniques to ensure their and other's safety.
- Provided guidance to residents to address personal challenges and promote mental well-being by creating a safe and supportive environment
- Encourage residents to access community resources, support systems, and employment opportunities.
- Monitor adherence to medication, recognize side effects, and provide education regarding the benefits of medication to their overall mental health condition.
- Established therapeutic relationships with residents through active listening, validation, and positive reinforcement.
- Participated in ongoing professional development training to remain current on evidence based practices.
Clinical Supervisor
Pacific Psychiatry
06.2022 - 03.2025
- Supervise and oversee the day-to-day operations of the clinic.
- Ensure efficient workflow and productivity by monitoring staff performance, providing guidance, and implementing process improvements.
- Served as a liaison between clinical staff and administration to address concerns and optimize workflows.
- Monitor and enforce compliance with policies and procedures, including 10-minute break policies and clinician messaging channels.
- Coordinate patient care by managing patient escalations, responding to patient inquiries, and ensuring timely communication with staff and clinicians.
- Collaborate with the Chief Operations Officer to develop and implement strategies to improve operations, prevent issues, and enhance patient care.
- Manage mail distribution, check depositing, and reconciliation of received checks.
- Supervise Clinical Liaisons to ensure timely completion of tasks and provision of high-quality patient care.
- Develop and disseminate training materials to staff to promote knowledge sharing and compliance.
- Assist with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and higher-level care cases as needed.
- Coordinate clinician schedules, including meeting blocks and daily notes.
- Ensure accurate logging of supplies received and distribution of orders.
Medication Manager/License Psychiatric Technician
San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Service
10.2012 - 05.2022
- Build rapport with clients and family, maintained therapeutic relationships, developed, updated and implemented treatment plans
- Provided coordination of care with hospitals, agencies, and other facilities for continuity of care during patient hospitalization.
- Supported patient transition from an inpatient setting back into the community by providing ongoing education on medication management and self-care strategies.
- Managed medication inventories and ensured timely refills for optimal patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to track progress towards treatment goals.
- Observed individuals for typical and atypical behavior and provided therapeutic and crisis interventions, followed by required documentation.
- Ability to assessed, intervened, and write 5150 Holds by completing the county 5150 designation training.
- Assisted patients with insurance inquires such as obtaining approval for prior authorization requests, TAR, ensuring lower co-pays via Tier Exception, linking patients with with Patient Assistance Programs for certain medications.
- Educated patients on potential adverse reactions between medications and/or illicit substance use to reduce risks of potential overdose or adverse events along with educations related to proper medication usage, dosages, and potential side effects .
- Facilitated communication between patients and providers, improving medication adherence.
Licensed Psychiatric Technician
Atascadero State Hospital
06.1999 - 05.2010
- Promoted a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment by fostering open communication among staff and patients alike.
- Facilitated weekly sponsor/therapeutic groups for 10 or more patients
- Established de-escalation techniques as well as physical intervention when necessary
- Charting patient progress, document and report abnormalities to psychiatrist and treatment team
- Ability to administer medication in times of crisis, monitor behavior and side effects
- Monitor patients on 1 to 1 basis, due to psychiatric behaviors i.e
- Suicidal ideations, self harm behaviors, psychotic breakdown, or medical condition
- Interacted and encouraged patients to do activities of daily living
- Staying in compliance with policy and procedures
Education
Associates - Registered Nursing
Cuesta College
06.2012
Skills
- Active listening
- Empathetic communication
- Crisis intervention
- Therapeutic strategies
- Case management
- Conflict resolution
- Emotional support
- Mental health assessment
- Client advocacy
- Trauma-informed care
- Cultural competence
- Mindfulness techniques
- Confidentiality adherence
Personal Information
License: PT30808
Timeline
Clinical Supervisor
Pacific Psychiatry
06.2022 - 03.2025
Residential Adult Counselor
Adult Transition Program
01.2022 - Current
Medication Manager/License Psychiatric Technician
San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Service
10.2012 - 05.2022
Licensed Psychiatric Technician
Atascadero State Hospital
06.1999 - 05.2010
Associates - Registered Nursing
Cuesta College
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