Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Karen Watkins

Peoria

Summary

Dynamic Behavioral Health Technician with extensive experience at Lateef Behavioral Care, skilled in crisis intervention and patient monitoring. Proven ability to enhance patient engagement and develop individualized care plans, fostering a safe and supportive environment. Recognized for effective group therapy facilitation and maintaining meticulous documentation of patient progress.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Behavioral Health Technician

Lateef Behavioral Care
Phoenx
08.2021 - 01.2025
  • Completed daily client rounds and tracked client movements.
  • Encouraged positive interactions between other Behavioral Health Technicians and clients and patients.
  • Recorded patients' health metrics using thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
  • Maintained client and employee areas in good working order and with adequate supplies.
  • Encouraged patients to develop interpersonal skills and engage in social interactions or other therapeutic activities.
  • Conducted one-on-one counseling sessions with patients and families.
  • Identified behaviors associated with substance abuse and recognized signs of being under influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Organized daily activities such as arts and crafts, games, and music therapy that promote healthy coping skills.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress and treatments received.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions with multiple patients.
  • Performed searches of resident belongings prior to admissions and throughout stays.
  • Participated in weekly case management meetings to discuss individualized treatment plans for each client and patient.

Behavioral Health Technician

Sunrise Behavioral Health
Peoria
04.2019 - 06.2021
  • Completed daily client rounds and tracked client movements.
  • Encouraged positive interactions between other Behavioral Health Technicians and clients and patients.
  • Maintained client and employee areas in good working order and with adequate supplies.
  • Assisted in coordinating transportation for appointments outside the facility when necessary.
  • Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient care, condition, progress, and concerns.
  • Monitored patient safety in all areas of the facility.
  • Responded promptly to any emergency situations that may arise within the facility.
  • Established and maintained professional working relationships with clients, staff and public.
  • Identified behaviors associated with substance abuse and recognized signs of being under influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Encouraged patients to develop interpersonal skills and engage in social interactions or other therapeutic activities.
  • Organized daily activities such as arts and crafts, games, and music therapy that promote healthy coping skills.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress and treatments received.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions with multiple patients.
  • Performed searches of resident belongings prior to admissions and throughout stays.
  • Engaged in regular communication with medical personnel regarding any changes in patient status or condition.
  • Collaborated with doctors, psychologists or therapists in working with patient treatments.
  • Issued medications from clinic dispensary and kept records using specified procedures.
  • Monitored patients' well-being and reported changes or unusual behavior or physical illness to medical staff.
  • Assessed patient behavior, reactions and responses to treatment plans.
  • Aided patients in performing activities of daily living.
  • Influenced patients' behavior with interaction, counseling or instruction.

Behaviral Health Technician

Lateef Behavioral Health Care
Phoenix
09.2013 - 04.2019
  • Cultivated relationships with fellow staff members to enhance team collaboration.
  • Conducted searches of clients upon return to facility.
  • Encouraged patients to develop interpersonal skills and engage in social interactions or other therapeutic activities.
  • Enforced rules and regulations pertaining to client and patient care while maintaining a safe environment.
  • Documented patient behavior, interventions completed and patient response to interventions.
  • Followed standard admissions procedures and documentation requirements for client intakes.
  • Encouraged positive interactions between other Behavioral Health Technicians and clients and patients.
  • Participated in weekly case management meetings to discuss individualized treatment plans for each client and patient.
  • Assisted patients improve social relationships and engagement.
  • Maintained client and employee areas in good working order and with adequate supplies.
  • Administered oral medications following physician's prescriptions and instructions.
  • Monitored patient safety in all areas of the facility.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy when working with clients.
  • Completed patient reports daily and submitted to management for evaluation.
  • Identified behaviors associated with substance abuse and recognized signs of being under influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Documented behavioral incidents to keep accurate records.
  • Conducted intake interviews with new patients to complete forms, assess mental health condition or obtain treatment history.
  • Administered medications as prescribed by physician or psychiatrist.
  • Instructed new employees on protocols to use when interacting with psychiatric patients.
  • Assisted in coordinating transportation for appointments outside the facility when necessary.
  • Performed searches of resident belongings prior to admissions and throughout stays.
  • Aided patients in performing activities of daily living.
  • Educated clients on important life skills, housekeeping and food preparation.
  • Recorded patients' health metrics using thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress and treatments received.
  • Organized daily activities such as arts and crafts, games, and music therapy that promote healthy coping skills.
  • Cultivated relationships with patients, discussing ways to help improve overall health while alleviating self-harm practices.
  • Responded promptly to any emergency situations that may arise within the facility.
  • Assessed patient behavior, reactions and responses to treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with doctors, psychologists or therapists in working with patient treatments.
  • Developed individualized therapeutic plans for patients based on their mental health needs.
  • Observed patients' behaviors during recreational activities and outings.
  • Monitored patients' well-being and reported changes or unusual behavior or physical illness to medical staff.
  • Led individual and group therapy supporting prescribed procedures.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions with multiple patients.
  • Influenced patients' behavior with interaction, counseling or instruction.
  • Accompanied patients to medical and counseling appointments.
  • Completed daily client rounds and tracked client movements.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to patients in need.

CNA/BHT

Suncrest Healthcare
Phoenix
10.2007 - 05.2012
  • Managed and maintained patient rooms, shared-living areas and nursing stations.
  • Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
  • Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
  • Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
  • Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
  • Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
  • Answered patient call signals and signal lights to determine patients' needs.
  • Observed patients for any physical or emotional changes, reported findings to medical staff immediately.
  • Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.
  • Documented patient care services by charting in designated areas.
  • Transported residents within the facility as needed.
  • Answered signal lights, bells or intercom systems to determine resident needs.
  • Provided physical support to assist patients with bathing, dressing and toileting.
  • Maintained a clean, safe environment for the patient by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Provided assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
  • Educated patients on self-care techniques that would help them maintain their independence.
  • Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate.
  • Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
  • Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
  • Collected specimens, monitored vitals and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
  • Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
  • Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
  • Demonstrated excellent customer service skills when interacting with patients, families and guests.
  • Reported changes in patient conditions to registered nurse or physician.
  • Collected specimens from patients for laboratory testing purposes.
  • Turned and repositioned bedridden patients to prevent bedsores.
  • Assisted with range of motion exercises and other rehabilitative activities per physician orders.
  • Monitored vital signs such as pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
  • Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
  • Monitored food intake and output as directed by nursing staff.
  • Answered patient call lights promptly and responded to requests appropriately.
  • Recognized signs, symptoms of abuse, neglect and reported them per policy.
  • Documented information in patient charts and communicated status updates to interdisciplinary care team.
  • Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
  • Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
  • Assisted with lifting patients to move on or off beds, examination tables and surgical tables.
  • Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
  • Used mobility devices to transport patients.
  • Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
  • Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
  • Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times.
  • Performed vital sign assessments, such as taking blood pressure and temperature.
  • Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
  • Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality patient care was delivered at all times.
  • Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations regarding confidentiality of information.
  • Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.

Education

Associate of Arts - Practical Nursing

Maricopa Community Colleges, Gateway Community College
Phoenix, AZ
05-2004

High School Diploma -

South Mountain High School
Phoenix, AZ
05-1990

Skills

  • Crisis intervention
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Patient monitoring
  • Behavioral assessment
  • Medication administration
  • Record keeping
  • Team collaboration
  • Patient engagement
  • Treatment planning
  • Emergency response
  • Conflict resolution
  • Substance abuse identification
  • Satori alternative to managing aggression (SAMA)
  • Document conditions
  • Behavioral support
  • Nonviolent crisis intervention
  • Active listening
  • Heartsaver first aid
  • Multicultural competence
  • Nutrition planning
  • Written communication
  • Activities of daily living management
  • Safety management
  • Parent and caregiver training
  • Excellent communication
  • Detail-orientated
  • De-escalation strategies
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Individualized care planning
  • Mental health support
  • Crisis prevention intervention (CPI)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Behavioral Health Technician

Lateef Behavioral Care
08.2021 - 01.2025

Behavioral Health Technician

Sunrise Behavioral Health
04.2019 - 06.2021

Behaviral Health Technician

Lateef Behavioral Health Care
09.2013 - 04.2019

CNA/BHT

Suncrest Healthcare
10.2007 - 05.2012

Associate of Arts - Practical Nursing

Maricopa Community Colleges, Gateway Community College

High School Diploma -

South Mountain High School

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