Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Vikki O'brien

Vancouver,BC

Summary

Skilled Yoga Facilitator and Navigator at Propel having a number of years of experience and expertise in HT, Substance Abuse & Mental Health. Demonstrated abilities in encouraging clients to express emotions and develop deeper insights to improve circumstances. Adept in applying evidence-based psychosocial treatments and behavioral interventions. Resourceful Facilitation Assistant currently with a strong background in guiding clients to develop skills and strategies to deal with problems Excellent problem-solving and motivational interviewing skills. Ready to leverage talents in the Addictions & Mental Health Field and years of experience to a dynamic new position.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Navigator

Salvation Army-Propel Illuminate
Vancouver, BC
01.2024 - Current
  • Developed and implemented individualized yoga therapy plans for clients with Mental Health & Substance Abuse issues.
  • Assessed clients' needs, developed service plans and monitored progress towards goals.
  • Facilitated communication between clients, families, caregivers, social services, and other agencies to ensure client needs were met.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients in emergencies.
  • Maintained accurate case records and documentation according to agency guidelines.
  • Counselled clients on available resources within the community that could help meet their needs.
  • Provided referrals to appropriate health care providers or other community resources.
  • Monitored client progress through regular follow-up contacts.
  • Assisted clients in understanding the connection between body movements, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods for improved overall well-being.
  • Instructed classes to teach clients how to practice yoga postures safely and effectively.
  • Created class sequences tailored to the needs of each student while ensuring safety at all times.
  • Educated individuals about the benefits of incorporating yoga into daily life routines.
  • Motivated individuals towards achieving their personal goals through positive reinforcement.

Mental Health Case Manager

Loft Community Services
York Region
05.2008 - 05.2010

F 2020-Present

  • Assessed client's individual needs and create care plans to address objectives and goals as identified during the evaluation.
  • Developed comprehensive treatment plans for patients diagnosed with various conditions our mandate was to support persons with Chronic Mental Health & Substance Abuse Issues.
  • Outreach & Community Support were my Primary focus, supporting clients to find & maintain independent housing, and developing strategies to maintain a positive mental health status. Coming from a harm reduction perspective my role was community-based so I could best support clients where they were,
  • Handled complex cases and participated in intradepartmental projects and team initiatives to determine the best treatment options for clients.
  • Supported clients while monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of care plans and providing modifications when necessary to achieve desired results.
  • Accurately documented all observations, interventions, and concerns in the client file and electronic systems, sustaining the continuum of care from admission through to discharge.
  • Interacted with clinical staff and external resources such as school or community personnel.
  • Delivered seamless care, minimizing misuse and diversion through close collaboration with peers.
  • Discharged clients with a plan of action to ensure a seamless transition to independence.
  • Provided individualized yoga instruction to clients of all ages and skill levels.
  • Developed a variety of classes based on the needs of the participants.
  • Created an atmosphere conducive to learning and relaxation through verbal cues and music selection.
  • Encouraged students to challenge themselves while maintaining safe boundaries.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance, contact information, health history forms.
  • Cultivated and maintained strong member relationships by providing individualized service.

Substance Abuse Specialist

Canadian Mental Health Association
Oshawa, ON
01.2006 - 04.2009
  • Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
  • Supported and counseled clients with drug and alcohol addiction.
  • Educated patients on detox and withdrawal, medications, addiction, recovery, coping skills and community resources.
  • Conducted individual therapy sessions for outpatient clients.
  • Worked closely with drug court staff in designing treatment plans specific to client needs.
  • Collaborated with patients to establish post-treatment strategies for sobriety.
  • Completed progress notes and all other pertinent paperwork in compliance with state regulations.
  • Developed effective treatment plans for clients living in the community.
  • Assessed and evaluated new clients and maintained contact with legal authorities regarding court-mandated treatment cases.
  • Partnered with clients to inspire and help maintain positive life changes.
  • Delivered expert therapeutic support to patients dealing with substance abuse, addiction and mental health issues.
  • Helped clients transcend addiction and rebuild lives by empowering each with knowledge and skills.
  • Collaborated with team members to monitor treatment progress and improve individual clients' plans.
  • Maintained clinical documentation for each case with detailed and timely updates.
  • Developed and facilitated relapse prevention programs.
  • Addressed complex histories with substance abuse, mental health issues and other concerns.
  • Tracked participant attendance, contributions and progress according to objectives.
  • Discharged clients with a plan of action to maintain independent living.

Education

Substance Abuse Counsellor - Substance Abuse/Mental Health

Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
Scarborough, ON
06.2004

Skills

  • Substance abuse therapy
  • Behavioral Interventions
  • Mental health disorders
  • Mental health treatment
  • Knowledge of the dynamics of human trafficking,
  • Trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention techniques
  • Human relations
  • Excellent Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Telephone and in-person counseling
  • Compassion & Empathy may be considered soft skills but their integral to this work
  • Well spoken
  • Excellent Listening skills
  • Motivational interviewing skills
  • Confident in my ability to apply harm reduction strategies to best engage and support the client needs & goals

Timeline

Navigator

Salvation Army-Propel Illuminate
01.2024 - Current

Mental Health Case Manager

Loft Community Services
05.2008 - 05.2010

Substance Abuse Specialist

Canadian Mental Health Association
01.2006 - 04.2009

Substance Abuse Counsellor - Substance Abuse/Mental Health

Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
Vikki O'brien