Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Work Availability
Timeline
Work Preference
Hi, I’m

Amy Sims

Chaptico,MD

Summary

Dedicated and accomplished licensed behavioral health professional with 16 years of work in mental health, social services, substance use, and criminal justice fields. A highly collaborative leader with skills in assigning caseloads, developing robust training and education programs, clinical supervision and program outcomes. Offering exemplary communication and organizational skills to achieve agency goals.

Overview

16
years of professional experience
4

Certifications

Work History

Volunteer Tele-Services, LLC

Clinical Director of Substance Abuse Services
09.2021 - Current

Job overview

  • Lead and supervised counselors, ensuring adherence to best practices, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements
  • Monitored program outcomes, identified areas for improvement, and made necessary adjustments to enhance effectiveness and meet client needs
  • Planned and delivered ongoing training programs and professional development opportunities for counselors
  • Monitored and ensured compliance with licensing, accreditation, and regulatory requirements
  • Developed, implemented, revised, and evaluated policies and procedures.

Calvert County Behavioral Health

Licensed Behavioral Health Counselor
09.2017 - Current

Job overview

  • Guided clients in effective therapeutic interventions displaying sensitivity to their cultural and linguistic needs
  • Coordinated and facilitated Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient group therapy program
  • Collaborated closely with specialty staff regarding client medication management and adherence
  • Assessed mental health needs to determine nature and extent of clients' emotional, behavioral or mental health issues.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, documented progress and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Supported clients by representing needs and advocating for patient rights in healthcare, legal and community-based settings.
  • Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.

College Of Southern Maryland

Adjunct Professor of Social Sciences
09.2012 - Current

Job overview

  • Taught counseling and human service courses to diverse student population
  • Utilized various learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and create engaging presentations
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

Mental Health Counselor
09.2017 - 08.2023

Job overview

  • Provided intake, psychiatric assessment services, and appropriate dispositions for clients experiencing mental health emergencies
  • Assisted patients/families by coordinating referrals and resource linkage to maximize positive patient outcomes
  • Facilitated admissions to local inpatient psychiatric hospitals and community programs
  • Provided necessary documentation to client's medical record as required by Emergency Department.
  • Presented case history material to review and discuss with ER doctors.
  • Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients.

Outlook Recovery, LLC

Substance Abuse Counselor
01.2014 - 12.2018

Job overview

  • Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
  • Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient opioid treatment setting.
  • Used knowledge of different treatment modalities to provide clients with individualized options for successful outcomes.
  • Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington

PATH Coordinator & Correctional Support Specialist
10.2008 - 06.2017

Job overview

  • Formulated appropriate behavior modification interventions, crisis counseling, life skills, and criminal offender re-entry plans
  • Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
  • Maintained clinical records, assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and closing summaries
  • Provided comprehensive case management to justice involved and unhoused persons with severe mental health and substance use conditions
  • Assisted individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who had a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits through SOAR process.
  • Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents in HMIS network.

Jude House, Inc

Substance Abuse Counselor
10.2008 - 06.2013

Job overview

  • Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
  • Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
  • Coordinated care with other professionals to provide clients with comprehensive support.
  • Conducted community substance abuse prevention programs for targeted groups.
  • Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
  • Used knowledge of different treatment modalities to provide clients with individualized options for successful outcomes.

Education

Amberton University
Garland, TX

Master of Science from Family Studies
05.2011

George Washington University
Washington, DC

Bachelor of Arts from Health Science
05.1990

Skills

  • Leadership: Ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, provide guidance and support, and foster positive work environment
  • Communication: Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with staff, patients, families, and other stakeholders This includes active listening, empathy, and clear and concise verbal and written communication
  • Clinical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of substance abuse and addiction treatment, evidence-based practices, and best practices in various levels of care Familiarity with counseling techniques, therapeutic modalities, and treatment interventions
  • Program Development: Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive treatment programs and services tailored to needs of clients Ability to develop treatment plans, set program goals, and monitor program outcomes
  • Staff Supervision and Training: Experience in supervising and managing teams of clinical professionals Ability to provide guidance, support, and ongoing training to ensure high-quality care and professional development
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and therapists, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations specific to substance abuse treatment centers, such as HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, and ethical standards
  • Cultural Competence: Ability to understand, respect, and effectively work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and communities

Certification

  • Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
  • Approved Clinical Supervisor, Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
  • Master Addiction Counselor and Substance Abuse Professional Certifications, NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
  • Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, The Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-Health Professionals Certification Board

Affiliations

  • Maryland Association for Addiction Professionals
  • NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
Availability
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Timeline

Clinical Director of Substance Abuse Services

Volunteer Tele-Services, LLC
09.2021 - Current

Licensed Behavioral Health Counselor

Calvert County Behavioral Health
09.2017 - Current

Mental Health Counselor

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
09.2017 - 08.2023

Substance Abuse Counselor

Outlook Recovery, LLC
01.2014 - 12.2018

Adjunct Professor of Social Sciences

College Of Southern Maryland
09.2012 - Current

PATH Coordinator & Correctional Support Specialist

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
10.2008 - 06.2017

Substance Abuse Counselor

Jude House, Inc
10.2008 - 06.2013

Amberton University

Master of Science from Family Studies

George Washington University

Bachelor of Arts from Health Science
  • Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
  • Approved Clinical Supervisor, Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (In Progress)
  • Master Addiction Counselor and Substance Abuse Professional Certifications, NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
  • Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, The Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-Health Professionals Certification Board

Work Preference

Work Type

Contract WorkFull TimePart TimeGig Work

Work Location

RemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Healthcare benefitsWork from home optionFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsCareer advancementWork-life balanceCompany CulturePaid sick leave401k match
Amy Sims