April Ruthig
Westland,MI
Summary
Dynamic Peer Recovery Specialist with a proven track record at Boulder Care, adept in harm reduction and relapse prevention. Skilled in effective communication and community advocacy, I foster strong client relationships and facilitate access to essential resources, promoting sustainable recovery and emotional well-being through innovative support strategies. As well, a Professional in social work with solid background in client advocacy, counseling, and community outreach. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results with adaptability to changing needs. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and resource coordination. Known for empathy, reliability, and effective communication.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Board Member
Michigan Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
10.2023 - Current
- Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decision making.
- Researched potential local, regional, and national funders and assisted in relationship building.
- Served as a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility, influencing positive community impact.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
- Developed and implemented strategies to drive organizational growth and development.
Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Boulder Care
01.2022 - Current
- Assisted clients in achieving their personal goals by providing continuous emotional support and resources.
- Conducted regular check-ins with clients, monitoring progress and addressing any barriers to recovery.
- Connected clients with community resources and services, fostering a strong support network for sustained recovery.
- Promoted harm reduction strategies through education on safe drug use practices and overdose prevention techniques.
- Promoted harm reduction strategies as part of a holistic approach to treating substance use disorders.
- Applied harm reduction strategies where appropriate to minimize negative consequences associated with drug use while encouraging healthier choices moving forward.
- Implemented harm reduction strategies when working with clients engaged in high-risk behaviors, prioritizing safety without judgment or stigma attached.
- Led educational workshops on topics related to substance abuse prevention, harm reduction strategies, and healthy coping mechanisms.
MSW Intern
ACCESS
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Assessed individuals under supervision of licensed social worker to help guide treatment planning.
- Wrote notes, completed documentation for referrals and maintained case files.
- Contributed to multidisciplinary team meetings and treatment planning.
- Facilitated psychoeducational and therapeutic processing groups.
- Delivered culturally competent counseling to diverse populations, promoting mental health and wellbeing.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in counseling sessions, supporting clients'' emotional growth and wellbeing.
- Participated in ongoing professional development training, staying informed of current trends in social work practice.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
BSW Intern
Growth Works
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within social work field, continually improving service delivery methods.
- Created positive relationships with clients, fostering trust and open communication to support progress towards goals.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients, ensuring all aspects of well-being were addressed.
- Improved community resources awareness by updating resource lists and sharing valuable information with clients.
- Supported families facing significant life transitions through targeted counseling sessions that helped to alleviate stress and promote resilience.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to address specific client challenges, leading to improved coping skills and overall mental health.
- Provided crisis intervention support as needed, connecting clients with appropriate resources and follow-up care.
Peer Recovery Coach Supervisor
Personalized Nursing Light House
10.2018 - 05.2022
- Encouraged clients'' sense of responsibility for their recovery journey by teaching them essential coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques.
- Mentored new Recovery Coaches, sharing best practices and contributing to their professional development.
- Gathered information about useful resources and helped coordinate referrals.
- Facilitated connections between clients and peer support groups, fostering a strong network for continued success posttreatment.
- Served as an advocate for clients within the healthcare system by communicating effectively with medical professionals regarding treatment plans and concerns.
- Contributed to program improvement initiatives by providing feedback on curriculum content based on client needs and experiences.
- Strengthened relationships with community partners, enabling better access to resources and support services for clients.
- Collaborated with treatment teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring a holistic approach to client recovery.
- Streamlined administrative processes, reducing paperwork burden on staff while maintaining accurate records for each client.
Education
Master in Social Work - Social Work
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05-2025
Bachelor in Social Work - Social Work
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05-2024
High School Diploma -
St. Francis DeSales High School
Columbus, OH06-2003
Skills
- Mental health awareness
- Self-care techniques
- Relapse prevention
- Motivational interviewing
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Harm reduction approaches
- Harm reduction
- Stigma reduction
- Creative and critical thinking
- Community advocacy
Certification
MI-AHEC Scholar
Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with NAADAC
Certified Peer Recovery Coach with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Certified Peer Recovery Mentor with Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals
CCAR Training
Harm Reduction
SBIRT
Timeline
MSW Intern
ACCESS
08.2024 - 04.2025
Board Member
Michigan Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
10.2023 - Current
BSW Intern
Growth Works
08.2023 - 04.2024
Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Boulder Care
01.2022 - Current
Peer Recovery Coach Supervisor
Personalized Nursing Light House
10.2018 - 05.2022
Master in Social Work - Social Work
Wayne State University
Bachelor in Social Work - Social Work
Wayne State University
High School Diploma -
St. Francis DeSales High School
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