Amanda R Martinez
Sugar Grove,United
Summary
Successful at helping clients unravel physical, mental and emotional layers to identify root causes of problems and develop strong coping skills for diverse scenarios. Proficient in interdisciplinary collaboration with passion for leaving positive impact on patient lives.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Counselor
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
East Moline, IL
07.2023 - Current
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
- Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Facilitated weekly group sessions to encourage self-reflection and problem-solving.
- Conducted evaluations to help patients develop measurable treatment goals.
- Acted as client advocate to coordinate required services or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
- Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
- Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Therapist
Clarity Clinic
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Documented patient information, treatment plans, and patient responses
- Tracked progress according to goals for interventions
- Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans and treatment reports
- Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans
- Implemented evidence-based interventions through cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy
- Facilitated recovery-oriented support groups and psychoeducation workshops
- Developed and maintained relationships with referral sources to support continuity of care
- Developed strategies to help patients cope with stress and anxiety and build resilience
- Provided individual and group therapy sessions to patients suffering from mental health issues
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and deliver treatment plans and patient care
- Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills
- Assessed clients' mental health needs, developed treatment plans and monitored progress
- Coordinated workshops using holistic approaches such as feng shui, reiki and meditation
- Attended continued education sessions to maintain professional standards and stay up-to-date with new developments
- Raised awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma through community education and outreach
- Documented client progress to track effectiveness and inform future treatment plans
- Provided crisis intervention to support clients during times of urgent need
- Introduced meditation, guided imagery, breathing techniques, and reiki to patients and families
- Worked with interdisciplinary treatment team to develop treatment plans
- Delivered mental health support for female patients suffering from post-partum depression and generalized anxiety disorder
- Supported clients in developing coping skills to help patients manage life challenges and difficulties
- Worked with clinical psychiatrist and primary care physician to review patient progress and update treatment plans
- Performed assessments to evaluate clients' mental health status, needs and goals
- Facilitated support groups, supporting safe and collaborative environments for clients
- Helped clients work through emotional and psychological issues in both individual and group therapy sessions
- Maintained client confidentiality to protect patient privacy
- Built and maintained therapeutic relationships, fostering positive, supportive and empowering client environments
- Utilized evidence-based techniques to deliver successful treatment
- Conducted follow-up assessments to monitor clients' progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
- Educated clients and families on mental health issues to promote understanding and support
- Developed treatment plans to outline steps necessary for clients to achieve goals
- Addressed cultural and diversity issues to provide clients with culturally responsive care
Veterans Therapist
Footprints to Recovery
05.2022 - 07.2022
- Counseled individuals, groups and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Counseled clients individually 2x week and oversaw caseload of 13 clients.
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
- Tracked progress according to goals for interventions.
- Conducted and completed patient interviews and integrated bio-psychosocial and other assessments, as needed, in timely manner
- Confidently established therapeutic relationship with patient and provided ongoing mental health treatment within scope of practice denoted by my state license
- Assessed patient’s psychosocial needs and family history and provided individual therapy for patients to ensure that these identified needs were addressed during treatment
- Provided weekly one-to-one counseling via online video or telephone services and provided crisis intervention as needed
- Prepared weekly treatment plans and discharge planning for patients to advance within therapeutic model
- Provided crisis intervention when needed and made appropriate referrals and/or established precautionary measures if need be
- Provided psychosocial counseling/treatment services to restore patients to optimum social and physical well-being (within their capacity)
- Provided therapy in individual sessions for co-occurring, mental health, trauma, and personal growth- related concerns
- Conducted regular case review meetings to review and discuss client progress, assure consistent implementation of treatment plan goals/objectives, and promote team involvement in problem solving/resolution
- Documented patient information, treatment plans and patient responses.
- Provided tools for clients and families to communicate better and negotiate issues for improved family relationships.
- Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans, and treatment reports.
- Evaluated treatment techniques after sufficient time periods to determine effectiveness for each client.
- Encouraged clients and family members to practice and use skills and strategies for confronting problems constructively.
- Managed caseload of individual clients, couples and family therapy sessions.
- Gathered information about clients using observational techniques and interviews, case histories and other assessment methodologies.
- Worked with interdisciplinary treatment team to develop treatment plans.
- Referred clients to specialists, educational outreach programs or social service agencies for additional interventional needs.
- Assisted in coordination of mental health support services provided by care team.
- Conferred with superiors to determine if non-progressing clients should continue to be counseled or referred to other specialists in such fields as medicine, psychiatry or legal aid.
- Advocated for placement of patients into community-based treatment settings.
- Introduced meditation, guided imagery, breathing techniques to patients and families.
- Utilized evidenced-based interventions/protocols when evidence supported modality for maximizing outcomes for specific diagnoses/population
- Worked with patients, and treatment team establish plan and goals
- Worked with treatment team, to develop on-going treatment plan for patient and support structure
- Demonstrated initiatives and processes that support continuous quality improvement in patient care and education
- Maintained up to date clinical documentation via electronic record-keeping systems
- Assessed patient mood, behavior, and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans
- Referred and linked patients to community resources when needed
- Provided emotional support, intervention, and care coordination for chronically ill patients
- Maintained documentation in patient medical records in timely manner, in accordance with policy and procedures
- Served as liaison between referral sources of patients to ensure continuity of care and customer satisfaction
- Collaborated with consulting physician and treatment team in formation of comprehensive treatment plans and discharge plans and contacting directly via email or messenger team services
- Coordinated discharge planning for assigned patients to ensure appropriate continuity of care upon discharge
- Met annual requirements for professional continuing education
- Met annual requirements for mandatory education.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines
Recovery Support Specialist
Recovery Centers of America, RCA
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Monitored patient activities, provides safety checks throughout shift, completes documentation to include, but not limited to, rounds sheets, patient education in EMR, and End of Shift reports, records patient behavior
- Participated in direct patient care including ensuring patient safety and interacting therapeutically
- Delivered exceptional customer service on collection calls and maintained calm and professional demeanor.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Utilized behavioral strategies to promote adherence to care plans, adoption of healthy behaviors and engagement in self-care.
- Assisted in activities of patients' daily schedule.
- Assisted with de-escalation and crisis intervention.
- Performed all aspects of patient belongings processing for new admissions and resulting from visitations, including search, heat treatment, and delivery.
- Assisted patients with packing of belongings in preparation for discharge.
- Monitored approved use of phone and computer for patient compliance with rules and schedules.
- Monitored patient activities at Wellness Center.
- Conducted welcoming New Patient Orientation.
- Assisted with all aspects of visitation program, including greeting, sign-in, orientation, search and belongings processing.
- Understood principles of 12-Step Programs and how they apply to recovery process of client
- Aided and instructed clients in facilitation and presentation of RCA Clinical Curriculum with corresponding notes in medical records system
- Remained proficient with all technology hardware, company systems and tools required to perform duties
- Always demonstrated appropriate boundaries and confidentiality, when interacting with patients, residents, families, visitors, referral sources, and all other contacts
- Exhibited excellent customer relation skills as evidenced by supportive and constructive communication with all contacts including co-workers, patients, residents, visitors, families, and referral sources
- Performed any other job-related duties as assigned.
Therapist Intern
Brightside Recovery
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans, and treatment reports.
- Recommended therapeutic action plans and treatments based on results from behavioral assessments.
- Documented patient information through analyzing data, interview notes and test results, and identified and diagnosed nature of clients' problems.
- Evaluated treatment techniques after sufficient time periods to determine effectiveness for each client.
- Encouraged clients and family members to practice and use skills and strategies for confronting problems constructively.
- Provided crisis support and emergency care for patients.
- Managed caseload of 7-10 individual clients on weekly or biweekly sessions.
- Gathered information about clients using observational techniques and interviews, case histories and other assessment methodologies.
- Assisted clients to better understand roles as parents, focusing on developing skills to nurture and guide children.
- Consulted with other therapists, public and private service agencies and university researchers to advise clients on resources available.
- Worked with interdisciplinary treatment team to develop treatment plans.
- Guided group therapy for IOP clients with focus on self-advocacy, self-healing and empowerment.
- Advocated for placement of patients into community-based treatment settings.
- Documented therapeutic goals and client progress.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions to promote awareness and growth.
- Completed 300-hour internship working with Addictions Counseling Population.
- Assessed client needs and developed treatment plans.
- Built trust and rapport with compassionate approach.
- Raised awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma through community education and outreach.
- Addressed cultural and diversity issues to provide clients with culturally responsive care.
- Maintained client confidentiality to protect patient privacy.
- Introduced meditation, guided imagery, breathing techniques, to patients and families.
Case Manager Intern
Symphony The Tillers
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Completed bio-psychosocial assessments, intake paperwork with service users and their families
- Utilized motivational interviewing skills to ensure maximum member engagement
- Addressed and identified clients of abuse and neglect
- Checked and maintained accurate records and documentation and prepared necessary reports for collaborating agencies
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan
- Completed detailed charts to summarize interactions with patients and conducted follow up sessions
- Maintained regular contact with clients and family by face-to-face contact and calling 25 to 50 calls per day
- Served members by implementation of education, encouragement of healthy behaviors, information about resources, and coaching to optimize health status and overall functioning
- Communicated with medical and behavioral providers any actionable items
- Attended all meetings as required by regulation
- Worked with clients to improve life choices and maximize benefits of programs.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
- Oversaw day-to-day activities of residents in rehabilitation and residential facility.
- Identified service gaps and located needed housing and work placement resources for individuals.
- Collaborated on program operations and relayed participant feedback for improvements.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Spoke with senior citizen groups to expand community engagement and program outreach
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies
- Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers
- Collaborated with various stakeholders to promote social services
- Provided support to social service clients in navigating available resources
- Improved clients' coping with routine life activities such as food budgeting and rental payments
- Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services
- Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss program objectives and strategies
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with community members to facilitate outreach activities
- Completed 300-hour internship working with Gerontology Population.
Human Resources Manager
US Army
01.1996 - 08.2016
- Enhanced staff knowledge and awareness on drug abuse and prevention programs
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations and diminished financial discrepancies through expert program management.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset.
- Coordinated with senior leadership and handled managerial needs by implementing fresh solutions into business strategies.
- Implemented performance review and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
- Evaluated training program success and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
- Led and strategically directed team of human resources professionals.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by enabling staff to implement speedy resolutions for diverse issues through robust internal knowledgebase and industry-leading training.
- Enhanced staff knowledge and awareness on drug abuse and prevention programs.
- Managed random monthly drug testing for over 1500 employees.
- Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.
- Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
- Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated new hire orientations and provided onboarding and training for all new employees for organization of 1500 personnel.
- Maintained company compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, in addition to establishing organizational standards.
- Created organizational filing systems for records, correspondence, schools, and promotions.
- Collaborated with senior management and performed helpful tasks, including benefits analysis, corrective action planning and big-picture data capturing.
- Directed job fairs to bring in local talent for long term positions.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by resolving issues for speedy resolutions.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset
- Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration
- Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards
- Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback
- Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results
- Used technologically relevant digital systems to manage payroll and benefits programs
- Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs
- Facilitated successful policy implementation and enforcement to maintain legal and operational compliance
- Fostered positive work environment through comprehensive employee relations program
- Reduced process gaps while supervising employees to achieve optimal productivity
- Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention
- Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement
- Utilized compliance tools, corrective actions and identification of deficiencies to mitigate audit risks
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations and diminished financial discrepancies through expert program management
- Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires bolstering position knowledge and skillset
- Coordinated employee grievances and disputes in timely and professional manner by finding constructive solutions
- Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws
- Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment
- Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions
- Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees
- Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes
- Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management
Education
Master of Social Work - Addiction Counseling; Healthcare
Aurora University
Aurora, IL06.2022
MBA - Business Administration, Leadership
Aurora University
Aurora, IL06.2020
Skills
- Therapy/Counseling
- Clients/Customer Satisfaction
- Healthcare
- Patient Documentation
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Outpatient/Intensive Outpatient
- Documentation Requirements
- Critical Thinking
- Patient Monitoring/Crisis Situations
- Treatment Planning
- Individual/Group Therapy
- Mood Disorders
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Mental Health Support
- EMDR Therapy
Accomplishments
- Awarded Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM)
- Awarded Gold Recruiter Badge (GRB)
- Awarded Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
Certification
Language Spoken Written Read English Advanced Advanced Advanced
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - 06/2022
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)- 05/2022
- Certified Trauma Professional (CTP)- 08/2022
- EMDR Training (1 and 2)- 10/2022
- BLS- 05/2022
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Counseling Association
- NAMI
- EMDRIA
- American Legion
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Additional Information
References: (Name, Employer, Title, Phone, Email)
1. Pam Barnett, PAWWS-Paws Assisting Wounded WarriorS.
https://pawws.org/
President, Board Member
(708) 369-1981
noahdog1981@gmail.com
2. Dr. Marissa Happ, DSW, LCSW, C-SWHC/G, PEL
Aurora University
Associate Professor, Social Work Coordinator/HealthCare & Gerontology, Aurora University
(630) 947-8932
mhapp@aurora.edu
3. Mark Woolfington, D.Min.
Aurora University
University Chaplain
(630) 844-6175
mwoolfington@aurora.edu
4. Robert Mikyska
US Army
Special Operations and Training Officer
(630) 209-7480
rmikyska65@icloud.com
5. Christen Szelag, LPN
Marklund
Nurse
(630) 450-2970
Christen.szelag@gmail.com
6. Kim Pinkston, LCPC
Lutheran Social Services
Training Coordinator
(708) 220-9763
klpinkstonl18@gmail.com
7. Daryl Lee, LPC
Private Practice
Emergency Therapist
(708) 513-0132
ashuad4@hotmail.com
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.
Maya Angelou
Timeline
Counselor
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
07.2023 - Current
Therapist
Clarity Clinic
10.2022 - 04.2023
Veterans Therapist
Footprints to Recovery
05.2022 - 07.2022
Recovery Support Specialist
Recovery Centers of America, RCA
12.2021 - 04.2022
Therapist Intern
Brightside Recovery
08.2021 - 04.2022
Case Manager Intern
Symphony The Tillers
01.2021 - 08.2021
Human Resources Manager
US Army
01.1996 - 08.2016
Master of Social Work - Addiction Counseling; Healthcare
Aurora University
MBA - Business Administration, Leadership
Aurora University
Language Spoken Written Read English Advanced Advanced Advanced
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - 06/2022
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)- 05/2022
- Certified Trauma Professional (CTP)- 08/2022
- EMDR Training (1 and 2)- 10/2022
- BLS- 05/2022
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