Carolina Bañales

System Navigator (Bilingual)

Sacramento, California, United States

About

I hold a strong commitment to mental health advocacy and fostering community wellness. With experience in coordinating essential services and ensuring clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs. I am dedicated to empowering my clients and holding a welcoming, and safe environment for all.

Experience

  • System Navigator (Bilingual) at Pacific Clinics
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 8 mos

  • Recovery Counselor at Stars Behavioral Health Group
    Feb 2023 - 2026 · 3 yrs

    The Stay is a crisis residential facility that holds 15 beds and is a 30 to 60 day long voluntary program that provides services to young adults ranging from the ages of 18 to 29 with a mental health diagnosis. As a recovery counselor I presented myself in every shift with a positive attitude and encouraging demeanor. During each shift, my purpose was to get our clients closer to meeting their treatment objectives and becoming more self-sufficient, and successfully transitioning out into the community. By leading groups catered to their treatment objectives and organizing daily activities to keep the clients, engaged and active in the program.

  • Service Coordinator at Alta California Regional Center
    Dec 2020 - Sep 2022 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Alta California Regional Center is a non-profit that is federally funded by California's Department of Developmental Services. Children and adults with a qualifying developmental disability are able to receive services and case management. As a Service Coordinator in the adult unit I managed a mixed caseload of 90 clients containing English and Spanish-speaking individuals. I directly worked with clients and their families to ensure they felt supported and their needs were met. I researched available resources within the community and instructed families on how to navigate their county resources. In addition I made internal referrals and met with committees to fund such things like vehicle modifications, dental work and day programs.

  • Community Health Worker at WellSpace Health
    Jan 2020 - Sep 2020 · 9 mos

    Managed a caseload of 75 clients experiencing homelessness and with medical diagnosis requiring a higher level of attention. I developed intervention strategies based on client's medical needs and their abilities. I scheduled and accompanied client's to their medical appointments to ensure their concerns and questions were thoroughly answered. I empowered and provided clients with the needed resources to encourage their independence. I thoroughly documented all interactions with clients and services made to better their health.

  • UC Davis Trio Scholars Program (Davis, California, United States)
    • Lead Peer Advisor
      Sep 2018 - Sep 2019 · 1 yr 1 mo

      As the lead peer advisor, I prepared and presented training PowerPoint for the current and incoming peer advisors. I delegated tasks amongst the peer advisors, and organized events for the 140 students in the program. I continued to advise and empower 40 students throughout the school year and upheld the program's mission statement.

    • Peer Advisor
      Sep 2017 - Aug 2018 · 1 yr

      As a peer advisor, I advised 40 students throughout the school year. Providing them with the resources and information that they need to ensure their success at UC Davis and beyond. I collaborated with the other peer advisors to organize events for the 140 students in the program that upheld program's mission statement.