Anita Duran
Tappahannock,VA
Summary
Certified Peer Support Specialist experienced in peer advocacy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. Delivered impactful support by building trust and facilitating recovery pathways, connecting clients to housing, employment, and community resources. Collaborated effectively with clinicians and case managers to enhance continuity of care and improve client access to essential support services.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
Tappahannock, VA
03.2024 - Current
- Connected participants with housing, employment, transportation, and community-based support resources.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and services, increasing their access to valuable support networks.
- Strengthened relationships between clients and their natural support systems by offering guidance on effective communication techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
- Communicated with individuals' family members, offering information, and insights into support services available at community level.
- Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
- Applied trauma-informed, person-centered approaches during routine support and crisis situations.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, utilizing de-escalation techniques to maintain safety and stability within the supportive environment.
- Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build a pipeline of supportive services.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
Tappahannock, VA
12.2023 - Current
- Documented client contacts, progress notes, and service coordination in behavioral health records.
- Collaborated with clinicians, case managers, and community partners to support recovery goals.
- Applied trauma-informed, person-centered approaches during routine support and crisis situations.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions according to organizational guidelines, protecting confidentiality while ensuring thorough documentation for continuity of care purposes.
- Improved the quality of care for clients by actively participating in treatment planning meetings and offering insights from a peer perspective.
- Increased community awareness of mental health issues by conducting outreach presentations at local schools, businesses, and organizations.
- Facilitated therapeutic recreational activities designed to build social connections among peers while promoting physical wellbeing.
- Contributed to program development efforts by regularly reviewing policies and procedures to ensure alignment with evidence-based practices within the field of peer support services.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, utilizing de-escalation techniques to maintain safety and stability within the supportive environment.
- Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build a pipeline of supportive services.
Transportation Coordinator
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
Warsaw, VA
02.2023 - 12.2023
- Monitored trip assignments, resolving routing conflicts and service delays to maintain reliable client access.
- Coordinated patient transportation schedules, balancing ride requests, driver availability, and appointment priorities.
- Communicated with clients, drivers, and providers to confirm pick-up details and appointment changes.
- Tracked transportation documentation, ensuring accurate records for scheduling, mileage, and service compliance.
Peer Support Specialist
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
Warsaw, VA
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Coordinated linkage to community resources, treatment providers, and recovery support services
- Modeled effective recovery strategies and shared lived-experience guidance to encourage engagement
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Empowered clients by teaching effective problem-solving skills that they can apply in real-life situations.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach for clients through active listening and empathy.
- Facilitated peer support groups, creating a safe space for open discussion and shared experiences.
- Transported individuals to medical appointments and support meetings whenever needed.
- Supported clients in maintaining employment by providing job coaching and assistance with workplace accommodations.
- Advocated for clients' needs within mental health system, ensuring access to necessary services.
- Served as role model for recovery, inspiring clients with personal success stories and resilience.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
House Keeping
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
Warsaw, VA
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Coordinated with housekeeping staff to uphold cleanliness standards throughout the property, enhancing overall guest satisfaction.
- Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new housekeeping staff members for new housekeeping staff members.
- Performed light housekeeping tasks regularly, maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for clients.
- Conducted light cleaning duties to ensure a comfortable space for clients. regularly, maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for clients.
- Managed work schedules and task assignments for housekeeping personnel, ensuring optimal coverage and productivity.
- Sustained a clean and organized work environment through diligent housekeeping practices.
- Assisted in training new employees on housekeeping protocols, leading to improved staff performance.
- Liaised with other departments to coordinate housekeeping requirements and resolve issues and concerns.
Server/Bartender
Debbie's Restaurant
Locust Hill, VA
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Mixed cocktails, poured drinks, and maintained bar consistency while following responsible alcohol service standards.
- Delivered attentive table service, accurately taking orders and coordinating timely food and beverage delivery.
- Anticipated guest needs, provided menu recommendations, and handled special requests with professionalism.
- Processed payments, balanced cash drawer, and resolved transaction discrepancies with accuracy.
- Trained new staff on service standards, POS use, and beverage preparation procedures.
- Resolved guest concerns quickly, preserving positive dining experiences and supporting repeat business.
Home Health Aide
Mr. Ronnie Mitchell
Mathews, VA
08.2017 - 03.2022
- Assisted clients with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting while preserving dignity and comfort.
- Monitored vital signs, observed condition changes, and reported concerns to family or healthcare providers.
- Supported medication reminders, meal preparation, and hydration to maintain daily care routines.
- Coordinated safe mobility, transfers, and ambulation using proper lifting and fall-prevention techniques.
- Maintained clean living spaces, washed linens, and organized supplies to promote sanitary home conditions.
Education
No Degree - Behavioral Health Technician -A
Rappahannock Community College
Warsaw07-2026
Skills
- Mental health services
- Recovery guidance
- Crisis intervention
- Peer advocacy
- Relapse prevention
- Stress reduction
- Self-care techniques
- Support strategies
- Collaboration skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Mental health awareness
Certification
- Peer Support Specialist in Emergency Services License - [3 Years]
Timeline
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
03.2024 - Current
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
12.2023 - Current
Transportation Coordinator
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
02.2023 - 12.2023
Peer Support Specialist
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
01.2023 - 12.2023
House Keeping
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board
08.2022 - 02.2023
Server/Bartender
Debbie's Restaurant
06.2021 - 07.2022
Home Health Aide
Mr. Ronnie Mitchell
08.2017 - 03.2022
No Degree - Behavioral Health Technician -A
Rappahannock Community College