Sarah Lisowski
Laurel
Summary
Dynamic Behavioral Health Navigator with extensive experience at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, skilled in crisis intervention and effective communication. Proven track record in enhancing patient care through individualized support and safety compliance, while successfully coordinating referrals and educational resources to empower clients in navigating their behavioral health journeys.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Navigator
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
Pittsburgh
07.2023 - Current
- Assisted patients in navigating medical appointments and procedures.
- Evaluated client needs and referred them to appropriate services.
- Maintained accurate records of patient interactions and referrals.
- Coordinated appropriate educational material for patients, families and medical staff to accomplish best possible patient care outcomes.
- Provided emotional support to help patients cope with illness or difficult life situations.
- Attended regular meetings with staff members to discuss ongoing cases and develop new strategies for providing patient care.
- Identified gaps in existing services or resources for navigating healthcare issues.
- Provided patient education and counseling services to individuals in need of health navigation assistance.
- Connected patients with additional support systems such as social workers or mental health professionals.
- Coordinated referrals to appropriate specialists or community programs as needed.
- Conducted thorough assessments to determine the best course of action for each patient's individual needs.
- Maintained professional relationships with healthcare providers.
- Contacted patients to provide appointment reminders.
- Communicated with team members to confirm availability and resolve scheduling conflicts.
- Utilized scheduling software to manage appointments and track changes efficiently.
- Responded promptly to all customer inquiries regarding availability or schedule changes.
- Utilized MS Office and Excel to analyze data and create spreadsheets.
- Maintained up-to-date records of staff availability, absences, holidays, vacations.
- Set and confirmed customer appointments.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate resources when necessary.
- Provided compassionate support to individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Provided referrals to appropriate mental health providers or community services as needed.
Mental Health Safety Specialist
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
Pittsburgh
05.2022 - 07.2023
- Conducted safety audits to identify potential hazards in hospital environments.
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for staff and volunteers.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to promote a culture of safety awareness.
- Reviewed incident reports to analyze trends and recommend preventive measures.
- Monitored compliance with safety regulations and policies within the facility.
- Advised leadership on best practices for maintaining a safe workplace environment.
- Assisted in the investigation of safety incidents to determine root causes.
- Investigated accidents to determine root cause and develop preventive measures to avoid reoccurrence.
- Coordinated activities between multiple departments related to ensuring a safe working environment.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported changes to nursing staff.
- Assisted in daily living activities for patients with mental health challenges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
- Maintained a safe and supportive environment for patients at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques during challenging situations.
- Educated patients on coping strategies and resources for mental health management.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to help manage patient behavior.
- Ensured safety of all clients through continuous observation and monitoring during shift hours.
- Observed and documented changes in patient behavior and reported any significant changes to the clinical team.
- Established trusting relationships with clients by demonstrating empathy and understanding towards them.
- Modeled appropriate communication and problem-solving skills in crisis situations involving patients, family or staff.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals such as social workers, psychiatrists, counselors and nurses to coordinate quality care for each client.
- Encouraged positive behaviors through rewards systems when appropriate.
- Supervised visitors entering the facility according to established security protocols.
Behavioral Health Technician
CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Erie
03.2021 - 05.2022
- Provide emotional support to clients
- Deescalate emotional crisis
- Provide support to clients and parents
- Adhere to treatment plans
- Observe and document behaviors in the school setting
- Provided direct care and support to children with behavioral health needs.
- Assisted in implementing individualized treatment plans for each child.
- Monitored and documented patient behavior and progress during sessions.
- Educated families on behavioral strategies and coping mechanisms.
- Participated in training programs to enhance therapeutic techniques and knowledge.
Behavioral Health Technician
Millcreek Community Hospital
Erie
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Maintain a safe environment for patients
- Deescalate crisis situations
- Maintain a positive environment
- Provide emotional and physical support to patients
- Teach appropriate social skills and coping skills
- Assist youth in daily routines
Overnight Teacher Counselor
Youth Villages
Memphis
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Provided supervision to youth with intellectual disabilities
- Provided supervision to youth with problem sexual behaviors
- Completed paperwork relevant to client treatment
- Assisted youth during structured routines
- Observed and participated in treatment groups and activities
- Taught appropriate social skills
- Taught life skills group
- Processed with youth through collaborative problem solving
Youth Worker
Hermitage House Youth Services
Cambridge Springs
04.2016 - 06.2018
- Observe and participate in individual counseling and daily exercises
- Interact with juvenile delinquents and dependents
- Assist youth during structured routines
- Hold clients accountable for their actions and consequence when appropriate
- Teach appropriate social skills for everyday interactions
- Participate in community service activities
- Assist clients towards paying off restitution
- Complete paperwork relevant to client treatment
- Observe and documented client interactions
- Analyze client progress and documented weekly reports and psychiatric reviews
- Administer medications to clients and documented side effects
- Interact electronically and in person with guardians, case workers, and probation officers
- Participate in defusing and debriefing sessions as part of the crisis response team
- Complete Trauma Informed Victimization Assessments
- Transport clients to medical appointments and document outcomes and results
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA05.2016
Skills
- Behavioral Health
- Experience with Children
- Developmental Disabilities Experience
- Individual / Group Counseling
- Special Needs
- Special Education
- Autism Experience
- Social Work
- Medication Administration
- Behavioral Therapy
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Appointment scheduling
- Crisis intervention
- Behavioral support
- Safety compliance
- Effective communication
Certification
- CPR Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Registered behavior technician
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Assessments
Early childhood development, Highly Proficient, 05/01/21, Knowledge of the development of children ages 0-3 and of ways to foster that development
Timeline
Behavioral Health Navigator
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
07.2023 - Current
Mental Health Safety Specialist
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
05.2022 - 07.2023
Behavioral Health Technician
CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
03.2021 - 05.2022
Behavioral Health Technician
Millcreek Community Hospital
08.2020 - 02.2021
Overnight Teacher Counselor
Youth Villages
06.2018 - 08.2018
Youth Worker
Hermitage House Youth Services
04.2016 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania