Mental Health Assistant

Denise A. Berio *

Denise Alexandra Berio

**** ********* **** ****

Miami, Florida 33143

Home-305-***-**** Cellular-786-***-****

E-mail: abj5lk@r.postjobfree.com

EDUCATION

Carlos Albizu University, Miami, Florida

January 2005-

Masters in Clinical Psychology.

Currently in attendance

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) with a specialty in Forensic

Psychology (currently in progress).

Saint Thomas University, Miami Lakes, Florida

January 2001-December 2002

Masters, Marriage and Family Therapy

Current G.P.A. Status: 3.979

Member of Kappa Gamma Pi (Catholic Honor Society)

And Tao Sigma Iota (National Student and Professional Graduate

Honor Society). Masters Program Swimming in University Of Miami

Hurricanes Club.

Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida

August 1996-December 1999

Bachelors of Science, Psychology

Minor: Spanish

G.P.A.: 3.3

Dean’s List, Direct and Independent Study of Human Genome

Project, and Intramural Swimming.

Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Miami, Florida

August 1992-June 1996

High School Diploma

Varsity Swim Team, State Finalist alternate for the 100 yard Butterfly

in 1995-1996

Denise A. Berio 2

EMPLOYMENT

Correctional Medical Services in collaboration with Dade

April 2009-current

Correctional Institution (DCI)

Behavioral Health Specialist: I am currently in charge of interpreting Psychological

testing [Toni-3 (A/B), WASI, WAIS, BETA-III, BHS (Beck’s Hopelessness Scale)],

and clinical interview of all newly committed male adult inmates and youth offender

inmates charged and convicted as adults to the Florida State Prison System and

assigned to outpatient mental health in Dade CI. Upon completion of the above I am

in charge of monitoring and providing adequate (comparable to community services)

mental health services such as cognitive and behavioral therapy to said inmates

(average case load was about 15-20 inmates daily). I ensure they are being followed

up with psychiatric therapy when and if necessary. I also evaluate all psychological

emergencies that fall within my assigned case load…I am assigned all inmates that

come into the compound with a Department of Corrections number ending in 6 or 7. I

collaborate with security and classification regarding all inmates in the compound

should a request from them to evaluate an inmate arise. I also collaborate with

classification to evaluate and follow-up with inmates that are depressed over having a

loss in the family due to death regardless of their psychiatric grade status. I am tasked

with providing the most effective and comparable mental health services as those

provided in the community to all inmates that need services while in the care of the

Department of Corrections. I am responsible to ensure all Health Services Bulletins

are properly abided by and that we are in compliance as per the documentation on

each inmate seen in Mental Health. I am tasked with the provision of group services

to the inmate population that desires participation in said groups and those that are

referred by their case managers (BHS). I am responsible for auditing all psychiatric

emergency documentation monthly to ensure that proper and adequate information is

provided and that all mental health consents are up to date at the time of the

emergency. In addition, I conduct Sex Offender Screenings to assess which inmates

needed to be provided with sex offender treatment while incarcerated as well as

which need to be further evaluated for Civil Commitment (assessment is sent to the

Department of Children and Families for review and implementation upon

completion of my report). Finally, I am tasked with orienting all newly committed

inmates that entered Dade CI to the Mental Health Process (including but not limited

to the limits of confidentiality and the $4.00 co-pay policy for requests for MH

services) and how to access mental health while incarcerated within the Florida

Corrections System.

Special skills required to complete the work within corrections at present are as

follows: OBIS system knowledge, CARP system knowledge, Case Law knowledge,

Ethical standards according to the APA ethics code, Knowledge of the Florida statutes

pertinent to mental health services, Knowledge of the Health Services

Bulletins/Technical Instructions related to mental health in corrections as well as the

DOC procedures related to mental health, liaison (good relationship) with security

and classification, as well as with the South Florida Reception Center Administrative

Heads (SFRC), etc.

Denise A. Berio 3

MHM Services, Inc. in collaboration with South Florida

July 2008-April 2009

Reception Center (SFRC)

Behavioral Health Administrator: (promotion to Administrator began in July 2008): Under this position I was

in charge of monitoring that inpatient, outpatient and psychological testing and

screening units were working according to procedural mandates of the Department of

Corrections, MHM procedures and policy and ethical boundaries stipulated by the

American Psychological Association. I was tasked to be the direct supervisor of all

clerical and support staff and ensure proper coverage for all personnel at all times to

ensure the process of Mental Health is

never hindered by absenteeism. I was tasked with monitoring the successful

completion of all Sex Offender Screenings weekly, weekly auditing of charts,

collection and organization for submission of all mental health related supporting

documentation that relates to the Correctional Medical Authority Correction Action

Plans, collection and organization for submission of all the mental health related

standards of the ACA audit requirements mandated by the Department of Corrections

Quality Assurance Sector, liaison between the Chief of Security, Warden, and

Assistant Wardens and MHM Regional supervisors, ensure proper flow and

completion of work mandates in the psychological testing and screening unit,

maintenance of MHM Mental Health personnel files in the institution, monitoring and

maintenance of updated PPDs/licenses/ CPR certifications for all Mental Health Staff,

case assignments for the psychological testing and screening unit, conducting

psychological testing and screening when needed due to lack of coverage when full

staffing has not been reached, conducting Sex Offender Screenings, monitoring the

unclassified inmates report to ensure all newly committed inmates have been

classified under Mental Health, Liaison with Classification department to ensure

classification to Mental Health is up to par, conducting one-day-processes for high

danger or high profile cases, ensuring that mentally retarded inmates are sent for

review to the impaired inmates panel for proper care while in the Correctional

System, monitor “no shows” to appointments and report them to the Captain, Chief of

Security and Senior Health Services Administrator, monitor supplies and testing

materials orders for all of Mental Health and ensure cost effective use of materials,

inform Senior Psychologists of updated Health Services Bulletins/Technical

Instructions as well as Department of Corrections Procedures needing review and

training for staff, reporting any failures of procedure to the Program supervisors and

manager for troubleshooting and solution finding, etc.

MHM Services Inc., in collaboration with South Florida

July 2007-July 2008

Reception Center (SFRC)

Behavioral Health Specialist: (Duration in position until promotion: July 2007-July

2008): In charge of conducting and interpreting Psychological testing [Toni-3 (A/B),

WASI, WAIS, BETA-III, BHS (Beck’s Hopelessness Scale)], and clinical interview of

all newly committed male adult inmates and youth offender inmates charged and

convicted as adults to the Florida State Prison System (part of their orientation

process). Upon completion of the above I was in charge of allotting said inmates

(average case load was about 15 to 21 inmates daily) with a grade that stipulates the

necessary MH treatment that inmate requires (i.e. psychiatric referral, or further

psychological assessment and therapy/observation) while in the care of the

Department of Corrections. Upon conclusion of all of the above I was in charge of

completing a report stipulating the above described results for each inmate on my

case load by the completion of business day. In addition, I conducted Sex Offender

Screenings to assess which inmates needed to be provided with sex offender

treatment while incarcerated as well as which need to be further evaluated for Civil

Commitment (assessment is sent to DCF for review and implementation upon

completion of my report).

Denise A. Berio 4

Finally, I was to orient all newly committed inmates that entered the Florida State

Prison System to the Mental Health Process (including but not limited to the limits of

confidentiality and the $4.00 co-pay policy for requests for MH services) and how to

access mental health while incarcerated within the Florida Corrections System.

The Children’s Psychiatric Center, Inc.

September 2006-July 2007

Therapist (Pieceworker): In charge of conducting therapy sessions with clients and

maintaining treatment plans, diagnosis status verification, C-GAS, CFARS and

progress notes up to date, as well as determine when treatment termination and

discharge planning is warranted and conducting discharge when it is time for it.

Other responsibility is to evaluate for referral to groups, or case management when

needed, and refer when warranted.

Additional Duties: Conducting and managing drug prevention groups of between 3

to 10 clients in the “healthy living” program, under a grant provided to CPC, where

children between first to eighth grades are provided drug prevention group services.

Bay Point Schools

July 2006-September 2006

Program Therapist: In charge of conducting individual, group and family therapy

sessions with a caseload of 20 clients (between the ages of 13 to 19) committed to this

level 6 correctional-facility, by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). I was also

in charge of maintaining treatment plans, diagnosis status verification, C-GAS,

CFARS and progress notes up to date, as well as determine when treatment

termination and discharge planning is warranted and conducting discharge when it is

time for it. Additional responsibility was to evaluate for referral to specialized

groups, or refer any necessary family or individual needs to case management when

warranted.

In addition, in charge of conducting MAYSI and SASSI evaluations, Conducting and

maintaining precautionary observation procedures for suicide/homicide risk clients,

conducting Suicide assessments as per DJJ protocol, developing bio-psychosocial

evaluation reports, and conducting intake interviews for recently admitted inmates.

Finally, I was responsible for maintaining the client’s probation officers up to date on

their progress for court reviews, attending treatment team meetings to discuss client’s

progress and possible release or status upgrade or demotion, and the accurate

maintenance of the mental health records including progress notes, monthly treatment

reviews, group notes and monthly progress reports among any other miscellaneous

contact notes.

Special Training Acquired: PAR Certified (Protective Action Response), and CPR

certified according to DJJ regulations.

Denise A. Berio 5

The Children’s Psychiatric Center, Inc.

March 2005-July 2006

Therapist (Pieceworker): In charge of conducting therapy sessions with clients and

maintaining treatment plans, diagnosis status, C-GAS, CFARS and progress notes up

to date, as well as determine when treatment termination and discharge planning is

warranted and conducting discharge when it is time for it. Other responsibility is to

evaluate for referral to groups, or case management when needed, and refer when

warranted.

Extra Duties: worked as a contracted worker (therapist,) via CPC, within the

department of juvenile justice (corrections) in both Bay Point Schools and Dade

Group Treatment Home providing mental health services to committed juvenile

delinquents between the ages of 10 and 19 (some court ordered cases, some substance

abuse cases and some privately requested cases).

The Mentor Network Inc

July 2003- 2005

Program Therapist/ Clinical coordinator: In charge of providing therapeutic

services to foster children in the program (most of who have suffered physical,

emotional, and verbal abuse, as well as neglect). My primary roles and

responsibilities entailed: completing initial intake assessment; identifying high risk

behaviors, developing initial treatment plan, emergency plan, comprehensive

treatment plan, completing psychosocial evaluations for individuals receiving

services, providing direct services as identified on treatment plan, participating in the

multi-disciplinary team for each client, managing a case load of 15 individuals

receiving services, scheduling and coordinating all psychiatric

evaluations/appointments and treatment plan reviews for individuals being served,

providing emergency coverage and crisis interventions, maintaining documentation

on all client related matters (in accordance with Medicaid guidelines), represent the

company by advocating for the individual receiving services, and develop a

professional alliance and relationships in the community to help the clients. In

addition, I am in charge of attending and testifying on the best interest of each client

in court (expert witness representation of those clients who have court related cases).

I give my therapeutic assessment of each court case in court as well as a report on

the client’s best interest as viewed therapeutically and his/her progress in therapy. I

am also required to participate in the planning and development of Mentor Pre-

service/ In-service overviews and continuing education to be offered to independent

contractors.

The Children’s Psychiatric Center, Inc.

September 2002-July 2003

Therapist (Pieceworker): In charge of conducting therapy sessions with clients and

maintaining treatment plans, diagnosis status, C-GAS, CFARS and progress notes up

to date, as well as determine when treatment termination and discharge planning is

warranted and

conducting discharge when it is time for it. Other responsibility is to evaluate

for referral to groups, or case management when needed, and refer when

warranted.

Denise A. Berio 6

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School, Miami, Florida

August 2000-June2002

Paraprofessional at the Kindergarten level: Assist kindergarten teacher in day to

day school activities such as teaching some of the lessons, correcting school work and

exams, conducting “one on one” sessions with children who are at a slower

developmental rate, supervising and assisting children for both their academic, health

(physical) and

emotional needs.

Additional duties: Maintain the student with such health problems as diabetes at

an appropriate sugar level, monitor his/her sugar, and make sure the snacks are

provided as the child’s doctor prescribed.

After school care: Make sure all late pickups are supervised and safe until it is time

for them to go home or to the “After school care” program.

Dr. Andrea Berger (Doctorate Degree in Philosophy) Center for

June 2000-August 2000

Reading and Study skills, Miami, Florida

Reading and Study Skills Assistant: Work on an individual basis with learning and

emotionally disabled students to help them improve their reading and comprehension

level.

Supervisor: Dr. Andrea Berger, Doctorate Degree in Philosophy

Epiphany School, Miami, Florida

January 2000-June 2000

Teacher’s Assistant: Assist kindergarten teacher in day-to-day school activities such

as teaching the lessons, correcting schoolwork and exams, conducting individual

lessons to learning-disabled children, and supervising children.

Discovery Zone, Tallahassee, Florida

May 1999-July 1999

Assistant: Supervise the children in the playroom, organize parties, maintain the

cash register, and assist in catering parties.

Pan American Hospital, Miami, Florida

June 1996-August 1996

Clerical Assistant: Maintain files for the hospital’s general clinic.

Pan American Hospital, Miami, Florida

June 1995-August 1995

Payroll Assistant: Create and maintain payment files for all personnel,

update the files daily, answer payment requests made by hospital

personnel, and attend to general filing and clerical work.

ADDITIONAL

EXPERIENCE

Sensory Integration Therapy

November 2000-June 2004

Therapeutic facilitator: The patient is a child diagnosed with cerebral

palsy. The parent is taught by the occupational therapist how to perform certain

therapeutic activities, which are targeted to improve the patient’s current condition.

In the case where a parent cannot conduct these required activities for any reason, the

parent then can call a therapeutic facilitator (me) to do the necessary activities with

the child.

Denise A. Berio 7

The parent and occupational therapist of the child teaches the facilitator what

to do and the facilitator in turn follows their direction. Some activities consist of

stretching joints through massaging techniques, applying light pressure to head and

face, brushing arms, legs, and back to stimulate feeling sensations, and playing

special music/nature sounds via ear phones, to stimulate hearing and directional skills

improvement.

Internship #1 Parkway Regional Mental Health Center

May 2002-December 2002

Marriage and Family Therapy intern: Took part in internship at Parkway Regional Mental Health Center, a crisis

unit which typically caters to Baker Acted individuals and severely mentally ill

patients, in August 2002. I am currently in charge of conducting Psychosocial

evaluations, one-to-one (1:1) sessions, follow-ups on patients (which

we conduct every 30 and 90 days from the date of release), discharge planning,

completing multidisciplinary progress notes, and conducting group sessions

accompanied by another therapist. All of my duties are supervised.

Supervisor: Annette Burn, Licensed Social worker And

Becky McGeiver, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Practicum: Alliance for Psychological Services

January 2007-2009

Clinical Psychology PsyD intern: Took part in practicum at Alliance for Psychological Services, a therapeutic

services agency which typically caters to court related or mandated cases and sex

offender treatment. I am currently in charge of conducting Mental Health

Assessments, Personality Assessments, one-to-one (1:1) individual sessions, Couple’s

therapy, group therapy, discharge planning, and completing multidisciplinary progress

notes. All of my duties are supervised. Case load consist primarily of domestic

violence cases and sex offender cases, primarily I treat the offenders.

Supervisor: Dr. Sczechowicz, Jr, PhD, BCFE, #PY3369

SKILLS Fluent in Spanish. Knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, SPSS and Internet applications; Excel;

Conducting MAYSI and SASSI evaluations, Conducting and maintaining precautionary observation

procedures for suicide/homicide risk clients, conducting Suicide assessments as per DJJ protocol,

developing bio-psychosocial evaluation reports, PAR Certified (Protective Action Response), and CPR

certified according to DJJ regulations. Conducting MSO evaluations (Mental Health Evaluations,

personality assessments, MMPI, Rorschach, BDI, Incomplete sentence forms, Bender-Gestalt, House-

Tree-Person, etc.) Knowledge and experience in conducting the following: BHS, Beta-3, Toni-3 (A/B),

WASI, WAIS, and ABC. Fluent knowledge in maneuvering in the OBIS system and the CARP system.

Knowledge of the HSB/TIs in the Florida Prison System related to Mental health as well as the DOC

Department procedures associated with mental health. Knowledge of the Florida Statutes related to

mental health and the ethical code standards stipulated by APA.

Charachter References:

Denise A. Berio 8

Carola Calderine 786-***-****

1.

abj5lk@r.postjobfree.com

2. Cristina Ramirez 305-***-****

abj5lk@r.postjobfree.com

Professional References:

1. Dr. Edward Schecowicz 305-***-****

abj5lk@r.postjobfree.com

2. Alvaro Domenech 305-***-****

Contact this candidate