DIANNE Smith
Chesapeake
Summary
To pursue a career that will permit me to utilize my educational experience and ambition in a challenging position that offers opportunities for personal growth and security.
Experienced with patient care and therapeutic support in psychiatric settings. Utilizes crisis intervention techniques to manage high-stress situations effectively. Track record of maintaining accurate documentation and fostering safe, supportive environment for patients.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric Care Technician
Southeastern Virginia Training Center
08.2025 - Current
- Provided direct patient care, ensuring safety and comfort in daily activities.
- Assisted in implementing individualized treatment plans under supervision of healthcare professionals.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported changes to the clinical team for timely intervention.
- Educated patients on coping strategies and therapeutic activities to promote mental wellness.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
MR/MH Direct Support
Department of Human Service
05.2013 - 05.2019
- Promoting consumer empowerment through assistance and training in the areas of self-advocacy, and support building. Assist in the assessment process by gathering data, properly completing required forms, and explaining the process to the client. Assist in service networking by maintaining communication with the day program developing professional relationships with the consumer and support team member, following the ethical standard of practice, and recognizing his or her limitations. Completes all required training, education/certification, medication certification, and continued professional development. Assist the consumers in meeting their physical grooming, toileting, eating, and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
CNAs, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Beth Sholom Village Center
07.2012 - 08.2013
- Responsible for maintaining ADLs and monitoring the residents for safety. Confidentiality is responsible for various testing, blood pressure, and monitoring of a patient’s input and output.
Residential Counselor, Psychiatric Aides
Barry Robinson Center
07.2010 - 04.2013
- Responsible for admitting procedures, intake calls, charting, skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads, meeting deadlines, and providing clients care management. Participation the developing and implementing the initial Treatment Plan and subsequent treatment Updated Responsibilities include providing patient care and working as a team player. Guide clients in hygiene, room care, and chores to develop skills to maintain good health and cleanliness using hygiene supplies, and room care checks. Lead, coordinate, and plan for staff/clients on assigned shifts to provide leadership, safety, and consistency by using the charge Counselor Checklist, Assignment Sheet, and Change of Shift Report.
Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health (IDMH) Support, Specialist
Agape Counseling & Therapeutic Services, Inc.
08.2010 - 09.2010
- Responsible for providing training and support services to clients with intellectual, or mental health disabilities and reinforcing functional skills and appropriate behavior relative to their health and safety. Teaching the consumer about his or her ADL providing the client with medication management skills, monitoring the consumer's health, nutrition, and physical condition. Provide crisis intervention when necessary. Monitor consumer’s health, nutrition, and physical condition and make necessary reports to referring agencies.
Program Coordinator/Site Director, Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program
YMCA Community Services
09.2004 - 05.2010
- Responsible for supervising the staff performance to ensure they are complying with dress code and mandatory training. Coordinate staff schedules to ensure proper staff-to-child ratios are maintained during the hours of operation, Director of the summer day camp, and maintain appropriate and necessary documentation. Implementing programs and recruiting participants Report to supervisor and Branch Director Develop relationships with the community and government agencies to schedule programs to recruit participants. Administration skills include preparing budget and program reports and excellent management skills.
Mental Health Counselor
Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center
02.2008 - 06.2008
- Provide personal hygiene training techniques and assaultive behavior management. Responsible for admitting procedures, monitoring consumer health and nutrition intake, educating the consumer and family regarding existing community services, facilitating the consumer’s advocacy, as well as educating the consumer on how to access the services for themselves.
CNA Aid and Attendants
Chesapeake General Hospital
08.1996 - 08.2006
- Responsible for assisting patients with am care, blood pressure, and lab work. Monitoring the patients. Responsible for transporting patients to various testing sites recognizing abnormal changes in patient condition and reporting them accordingly. Respond to patient monitor alarms in a timely fashion. Responsible for initiating timely emergency measures according to the role responsibilities for Code Blue and Code Red. Responsibilities include maintaining all confidentiality of the patient’s information.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
CNAs, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Oakwood Nursing Care Center
07.1995 - 08.1996
- Assisting patients with meals, walking, and monitoring the resident's safety.
CNAs, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Maryview Nursing Care Center
01.1991 - 08.1995
- Responsible for scheduled observation and monitoring activities and obtaining in-service hours as determined by policy. Responsible for reporting environmental safety hazards, including damaged equipment. Maintaining proper body movement and, monitoring patient’s safety, assisting patient with meals, walking, and providing activities to residents.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Elementary
Norfolk State University
12.2003
Skills
- Some calculator skills, several training classes including CPR, school-age care, childcare working with Youth group 5-12 years old, word processing, publisher, and nursing assistant
- Professional boundaries
- Self-awareness
- Mental health support
- Behavioral management
- Ethical practice
- De-escalation techniques
Certification
- Certified Nurse Aide Commonwealth of Virginia
- 03/2017 03/2018 Training Certifications YMCA 11/2006 None
Honors
Activities include Norfolk State Gospel Choir and Political Science Association Club Members.
Additional Information
After-School Site Director/ Summer Camp Director, working as a Residential substance abuse counselor and working toward a master’s degree in psychology.
Timeline
Psychiatric Care Technician
Southeastern Virginia Training Center
08.2025 - Current
MR/MH Direct Support
Department of Human Service
05.2013 - 05.2019
CNAs, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Beth Sholom Village Center
07.2012 - 08.2013
Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health (IDMH) Support, Specialist
Agape Counseling & Therapeutic Services, Inc.
08.2010 - 09.2010
Residential Counselor, Psychiatric Aides
Barry Robinson Center
07.2010 - 04.2013
Mental Health Counselor
Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center
02.2008 - 06.2008
Program Coordinator/Site Director, Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program
YMCA Community Services
09.2004 - 05.2010
CNA Aid and Attendants
Chesapeake General Hospital
08.1996 - 08.2006
CNAs, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Oakwood Nursing Care Center
07.1995 - 08.1996
CNAs, Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Maryview Nursing Care Center
01.1991 - 08.1995
Bachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Elementary
Norfolk State University
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