Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Naomi Gwaka

Nairobi

Summary

With a proven track record at Gucha District Hospital, I excel in counseling and public speaking, enhancing patient outcomes through empathetic support and effective communication. Leveraging skills in mental health support and data confidentiality, I've significantly contributed to team knowledge and patient recovery, embodying a commitment to continuous improvement and client empowerment.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Psychosocial Support Counselor

Gucha District Hospital
01.2022 - Current
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
  • Led psychoeducational groups to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

Medical Social Worker and Community Development

Gucha District Hospital
01.2020 - Current
  • Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
  • Connected patients with community resources, ensuring access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
  • Developed cultural competence through ongoing professional development opportunities, providing culturally sensitive services to diverse patient populations.
  • Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments.
  • Explained medical care options to help families make informed healthcare decisions.
  • Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
  • Improved patient outcomes by conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments and developing individualized care plans.
  • Worked with medical teams, patients and families to implement effective treatment plans.
  • Provided ongoing counseling to help patients deal with conditions and processes

First Aider

Gucha District Hospital
11.2019 - Current
  • Administered appropriate wound care techniques for various types of injuries, promoting faster healing and reducing complications.
  • Increased employee awareness of safety precautions through regular presentations on first aid best practices.
  • Reduced workplace injuries by conducting safety training sessions for employees.
  • Provided mental health support to individuals experiencing emotional distress after traumatic events, facilitating their recovery process.
  • Helped save lives by performing CPR and administering AEDs when necessary during cardiac arrest incidents.
  • Developed strong relationships with coworkers, fostering trust and collaboration within the organization''s emergency response team structure.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by providing timely and accurate first aid care during emergencies.
  • Collaborated with medical doctors and other healthcare professionals.
  • Assisted with lifting and moving patients.

HIV Testing Services

LVCT
11.2022 - 09.2023
  • Provided support to patients newly diagnosed with HIV during post-test counseling sessions, connecting them with vital care resources within their communities.
  • Increased visibility of the Program Manager role within professional networks through active participation in conferences, panels discussions, workshops related to public health and HIV/AIDS programming.
  • Continuously sought feedback from patients, staff members, partners, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement in programs services and ensure ongoing quality improvement efforts.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing effective HIV testing and counseling strategies.
  • Managed a team of dedicated professionals, fostering an environment of teamwork and continuous learning.
  • Conducted ongoing research into emerging trends in HIV prevention and treatment options, incorporating cutting-edge knowledge into program design.
  • Maintained strict adherence to confidentiality protocols when handling sensitive patient information, ensuring trust between clients and our organization was upheld.
  • Implemented targeted outreach efforts to high-risk populations, improving awareness of the importance of regular HIV testing.

Adherence Counseling

LVCT
11.2022 - 09.2023
  • Encouraged peer support among clients by fostering an inclusive and non-judgmental atmosphere in group settings.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing empathetic listening and tailored guidance during one-on-one sessions.
  • Reduced the number of crisis situations by proactively addressing potential triggers and risk factors.
  • Tracked client attendance rates at therapy sessions to identify any patterns or barriers impacting engagement.
  • Assisted lead counselors in creating customized treatment plans for individual clients'' needs.
  • Improved communication between clients and their families by facilitating group therapy sessions.
  • Monitored medication adherence among clients and shared relevant information with prescribers to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
  • Supported patients needing medical care to relieve patient anxiety and promote positive outcomes.

Education

Certificate - HIV TESTING SERVICES

NASCOP
Migori
08.2019

Certificate - ST.John's Ambulance Kenya

First Aide
Nairobi
10.2019

Certificate - Adherence Counseling For HIV Care And Treatment

Bela Cancer Foundation
Migori
09.2019

Certificate - Social Work And Community Development

Nyanchwa Technical College
Kisii
04.2019

Certificate - Psychosocial Support Counseling

AFRICAN MIRAGE INSTITUTE
NAIROBI
11.2018

Skills

  • Skilled in intake interviewing
  • Counseling
  • Public speaking ability
  • Mental Health Support
  • Building rapport
  • Career Counseling
  • Empathy Development
  • Peer Counseling
  • Social Work
  • Decision-Making
  • Data Confidentiality
  • Problem-Solving

Timeline

HIV Testing Services

LVCT
11.2022 - 09.2023

Adherence Counseling

LVCT
11.2022 - 09.2023

Psychosocial Support Counselor

Gucha District Hospital
01.2022 - Current

Medical Social Worker and Community Development

Gucha District Hospital
01.2020 - Current

First Aider

Gucha District Hospital
11.2019 - Current

Certificate - HIV TESTING SERVICES

NASCOP

Certificate - ST.John's Ambulance Kenya

First Aide

Certificate - Adherence Counseling For HIV Care And Treatment

Bela Cancer Foundation

Certificate - Social Work And Community Development

Nyanchwa Technical College

Certificate - Psychosocial Support Counseling

AFRICAN MIRAGE INSTITUTE
Naomi Gwaka