April Ruthig
Westland,MI
Summary
Proven in driving successful recovery outcomes, I leveraged interdisciplinary care and crisis response skills at Boulder Care to enhance MOUD treatment program. My leadership and empathetic Peer Coaching significantly improved client relapse prevention rates, showcasing my ability to navigate complex recovery pathways and advocate effectively for diverse client needs. Invested Social Worker dedicated to forming trusting relationships and advocating for best interest of clients. Expertise in health disparities, client needs, lived experience, and MOUD treatment. Respectful and compassionate professional offering 7-year background serving community by providing guidance for clients in need.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MSW Student Intern
ACCESS
07.2024 - Current
- Increased awareness of available resources by developing and distributing outreach materials in multiple languages.
- Improved coping skills among clients experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms through the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
- Reduced risk factors by providing crisis intervention services to clients experiencing mental health emergencies.
- Facilitated psychoeducational groups to empower clients with knowledge about their conditions, promoting self-advocacy skills.
- Evaluated treatment effectiveness using standardized outcome measures, enabling adjustments as needed for optimal results.
- Contributed to program improvement through the analysis of clinical data and implementation of evidence-based practices.
- Assessed for suicidality, self-harm, or harm to others, implementing appropriate safety planning measures when necessary.
- Participated in case conferences and clinical supervision sessions to discuss complex cases, receive feedback, and enhance professional development.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration by facilitating communication between team members for effective case management.
- Developed individualized service plans in collaboration with clients that addressed both short-term objectives and long-term recovery goals.
- Supported client transitions by coordinating discharge planning and linking individuals with appropriate community resources.
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments to identify individual strengths, needs, preferences, and goals for treatment planning purposes.
- Improved client outcomes by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Collaborated with external providers to ensure continuity of care for clients receiving services from multiple agencies.
- Maintained accurate documentation for each client, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and confidentiality guidelines.
- Contributed to multidisciplinary team meetings and treatment planning.
- Wrote notes, completed documentation for referrals and maintained case files.
- Facilitated psychoeducational and therapeutic processing groups.
- Assessed individuals under supervision of licensed social worker to help guide treatment planning.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
Board Member
MADDAC
10.2023 - Current
- Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decision making.
- Served as a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility, influencing positive community impact.
- Enhanced board effectiveness by implementing innovative strategies and best practices.
- Supported strategic objectives, guiding formation of key alliance partnerships.
- Researched potential local, regional, and national funders and assisted in relationship building.
- Prepared and presented reports to inform board on organizational progress and goals.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Nationally Certified Peer Support Specialist
Boulder Care
01.2022 - Current
- Maintained client confidentiality and adhered to HIPAA guidelines.
- Assessed individuals' needs and planned bespoke recovery programs to achieve personalized goals.
- Signposted additional support services, including housing, employment and childcare assistance.
- Improved relapse prevention rates with targeted recovery program mentoring.
- Supported clients with compassionate, empathetic face-to-face counseling.
- Documented case management activity for accurate, reliable records.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Organized clinical interventions and treatment plans for patients suffering from chronic pain disorders.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
- Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Increased awareness of and supported participation in self-help and advocacy organizations.
- Served as resource to support help desk requests.
- Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
- Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.
- Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
- Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
BSW Intern
Growth Works
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to build supportive, communicative client networks.
- Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Signposted resources for improved client and family access to mental health services.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Helped clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns through evidence-based interventions.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Devised and implemented community-based programs to promote mental health awareness.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping skills and improve communication.
- Provided crisis counseling and intervention services to clients in emergency situations.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions for clients.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients.
- Monitored clients' progress to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Evaluated clients' social, emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
Certified Peer Recovery Mentor Supervisor
Personalized Nursing Lighthouse
10.2018 - 04.2022
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
- Enforced rules and regulations outlined in company manual to set forth expectations comprehensibly and consistently.
- Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals.
- Assessed individuals' needs and planned bespoke recovery programs to achieve personalized goals.
- Administered random toxicity and breathalyzer tests to assess adherence to recovery plans.
- Signposted additional support services, including housing, employment and childcare assistance.
- Maintained client confidentiality and adhered to HIPAA guidelines.
- Arranged community initiatives to build supportive networks for improved rehabilitation.
- Tracked client participation in treatment services to identify attendance issues.
- Collaborated with maintenance staff to repair equipment and maintain performance levels without sacrificing operational efficiency.
- Improved relapse prevention rates with targeted recovery program mentoring.
- Documented case management activity for accurate, reliable records.
- Supported clients with compassionate, empathetic face-to-face counseling.
- Planned appropriate treatment and discharge schedules to maximize success.
- Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
Education
Interprofessional Practice
AHEC Scholar Program Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05.2025
MSW Advanced Standing - Mental Health And Substance Abuse
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05.2025
Behavioral Health Workforce And Training
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI04.2025
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05.2024
Ambassadors Program- Detroit Tri-County
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI04.2024
Associate of Science -
Schoolcraft College
Livonia, MI06.2022
High School Diploma -
St. Francis DeSales High School
Columbus, OH06.2003
Skills
- Individual Recovery Plans
- Monitoring Recovery
- Resource Recovery
- Recovery Coaching
- Peer Coaching
- Peer Support
- Crisis Response
- Interdisciplinary Care
- Mental Health Support
- Group Activities
- Community Mental Health Programs
- Best Practices and Standards
- Patient Information
- Recovery Support
- Client Needs Assessment
- Abuse Identification
- Emotional Support
- Supporting Daily Living Needs
- Support Networks
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Patient Health Information Access
- Life Management
- Motivational Interviewing
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Outpatient Procedures
- Assess Drug Use
- Coping Methods
- Support Family Members
- Strong Leadership
- Working Knowledge of Multiple Pathways
- Client Advocacy
- Individual Recovery Planning
- Ethical Training
- Crisis Intervention
- Harm Reduction
- In recovery from Mental health and Substance abuse
- Navigating systems
Certification
- Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, NAADAC
- Certified Peer Recovery Mentor, Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals
- Certified Peer Recovery Coach, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
- SBIRT Certification
- Harm Reduction Certified
- CCAR Certified
- Ethical Trainings
Timeline
MSW Student Intern
ACCESS
07.2024 - Current
Board Member
MADDAC
10.2023 - Current
BSW Intern
Growth Works
08.2023 - 04.2024
Nationally Certified Peer Support Specialist
Boulder Care
01.2022 - Current
Certified Peer Recovery Mentor Supervisor
Personalized Nursing Lighthouse
10.2018 - 04.2022
Interprofessional Practice
AHEC Scholar Program Wayne State University
MSW Advanced Standing - Mental Health And Substance Abuse
Wayne State University
Behavioral Health Workforce And Training
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Wayne State University
Ambassadors Program- Detroit Tri-County
Wayne State University
Associate of Science -
Schoolcraft College
High School Diploma -
St. Francis DeSales High School