Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Affiliation
Timeline
Generic

Alicia Lyons

Detroit,US

Summary

Human services professional with 20 years of case management and counseling experience, including 15 years in non-profit management. Expertise in supporting diverse populations, including women, families, and individuals with serious mental illness. Demonstrated leadership through effective staff motivation and resolution of complex organizational challenges. Committed to enhancing health and well-being in social services while possessing transferable skills for diverse sectors.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Substance Abuse Counselor Supervisor

Star Center (OPMAT)
Detroit, MI
01.2025 - Current
  • Manage clinical operations, ensuring high-quality care and regulatory compliance.
  • Lead and evaluate a team of counselors, enhancing training and supervision.
  • Implement data-driven evaluations, resulting in improved counseling effectiveness.
  • Identify training needs, boosting team performance and compliance.
  • Ensure adherence to federal and state regulations, maintaining operational standards.

Call Center Substance Abuse Specialist

Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
Detroit, MI
01.2021 - 03.2025
  • Addressed needs of various populations, including individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse disorders.
  • Conducted clinical screening to determine the level of care for those in need of substance abuse and mental health services.
  • Employed managed care concepts and processes by analyzing specific utilization plans and implementing solutions.

Program Manager

Cherry Health’s - CTC-East Reentry Program
Detroit, MI
02.2023 - 01.2025
  • Oversaw daily operations of a 24-hour, 150-bed reentry facility, ensuring compliance with Bureau of Prisons (BOP) standards.
  • Led a team in monitoring residents and home confinement participants via GPS tracking systems.
  • Proactively identified risks and implemented safety contingency plans.
  • Coordinated repairs, vendor contracts, and resource allocation to uphold a secure and functional environment.
  • Implemented a comprehensive training program for staff, boosting team efficiency and improving resident engagement through targeted support.
  • Analyzed incident reports to identify trends, which led to the development of proactive measures, reducing safety incidents and enhancing resident well-being.

Contracted (Temp) Program Analyst

City of Detroit, Housing and Revitalization Department
Detroit, MI
09.2021 - 04.2022
  • Evaluated HUD program effectiveness, enhancing policy alignment and strategic objectives.
  • Demonstrated agency program expertise, driving improved mission understanding and policy execution.
  • Managed financial planning, contributing to long-term program goal achievement and fiscal responsibility.

Substance Use Specialist

Wellplace Access Center
Detroit, MI
10.2019 - 01.2021
  • Conducted intake interviews, enhancing client engagement and support strategies.
  • Led individual and group counseling sessions, fostering a collaborative recovery environment.
  • Implemented motivational techniques, achieving measurable improvements in client behavior.
  • Supported individuals with substance issues, contributing to significant positive changes.
  • Developed behavior modification plans, resulting in effective client progress.

Executive Director

Help USA, Franklin Intake and Assessment Women's Shelter
Bronx, NY
01.2017 - 10.2019
  • Directed daily operations of 200-bed shelter, aiding 500+ women monthly.
  • Managed 86 professionals across four departments, enhancing team efficiency.
  • Developed and implemented service initiatives, achieving strategic goals.
  • Led strategic planning, resulting in improved service delivery.
  • Facilitated program development, fostering community support.

Program Director

SUS/Palladia Inc.
New York, NY
11.2007 - 12.2016
  • Supervised management staff across multiple shelters, residential facilities, and centers.
  • Developed and updated strategic short- and long-term goals by analyzing program data and social service trends.
  • Enhanced team performance through staff training, mentoring, and quality assurance initiatives.

Education

Master of Public Administration - Pi Alpha

Metropolitan College of New York
New York
01.2007

Bachelor of Professional Studies - Cum Laude

Metropolitan College of New York
New York
01.2006

Skills

  • Program and project management
  • Strategic planning and analysis
  • Community engagement and outreach
  • Team building and leadership
  • Case management and counseling
  • Crisis management and intervention
  • Clinical supervision and support
  • Documentation and compliance
  • Budget management and oversight
  • Quality assurance and improvement
  • Data entry and management
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Research and evaluation skills
  • Microsoft Office proficiency

Certification

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), 2022
  • Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), 1999

Professional Affiliation

Alumni Member - SAMSHA Women's Addiction Services Leadership Institute (WASLI), 2009

Timeline

Substance Abuse Counselor Supervisor

Star Center (OPMAT)
01.2025 - Current

Program Manager

Cherry Health’s - CTC-East Reentry Program
02.2023 - 01.2025

Contracted (Temp) Program Analyst

City of Detroit, Housing and Revitalization Department
09.2021 - 04.2022

Call Center Substance Abuse Specialist

Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
01.2021 - 03.2025

Substance Use Specialist

Wellplace Access Center
10.2019 - 01.2021

Executive Director

Help USA, Franklin Intake and Assessment Women's Shelter
01.2017 - 10.2019

Program Director

SUS/Palladia Inc.
11.2007 - 12.2016

Master of Public Administration - Pi Alpha

Metropolitan College of New York

Bachelor of Professional Studies - Cum Laude

Metropolitan College of New York