Austin Blankenship
Glade Spring,VA
Summary
Adept at substance abuse and behavioral health interventions, resource referrals,and case management skills I significantly enhanced client recovery outcomes at Mount Rogers Community Services and in past positions. My expertise in multicultural competence and ethical practice, combined with a proven track record in crisis de-escalation, positions me as a valuable asset to any team seeking to improve client well-being and safety with a knowledgeable and skilled practitioner.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
QMHP: Recovery Coach/Counselor 1
Mount Rogers Community Services
08.2023 - Current
- Encouraged clients during 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.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of new policies that increased the safety and quality of treatment for clients.
- Practiced cultural competency by understanding the individual needs and backgrounds of client and operating within their value system.
- Implemented evidence-based counseling techniques to assist clients in identifying triggers for their crises and developing healthy coping strategies moving forward.
- Gathered information about useful resources and helped coordinate referrals.
- Testified in court regarding client behavior, treatment goals and progress.
- Facilitated connections between clients and peer support groups, fostering a strong network for continued success post-treatment.
- Established trust and rapport with clients, creating a strong foundation for open communication and collaboration throughout the recovery process.
- Practiced deescalation and redirection skills, navigating difficult and potentially dangerous situations with clients in crisis.
Family Services Specialist
Smyth County Department of Social Services
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Maintained confidential records and documentation in the OASIS database.
- Promoted community resources to families, assisting them in accessing necessary services for their specific needs.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, addressing urgent issues to promote stability within the foster home.
- Worked with at-risk LGBTQIA+ and ethnic minority youth to meet their unique needs in a rural setting, while educating other providers and foster parents about cultural competency.
- Mentored new staff members as they navigated the complexities of family services work; sharing knowledge and expertise to enhance overall team performance.
- Increased family stability by providing crisis intervention and connecting them to appropriate community supports.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, prioritizing time-sensitive tasks while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
- Safeguarded children''s welfare through thorough risk assessments and timely interventions in high-risk cases.
- Maintained detailed case files, ensuring accurate documentation of services provided and progress made.
- Educated prospective foster parents on the requirements and expectations associated with the role, promoting informed decision making.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to each child's unique needs.
- Navigated complex court cases working directly with judges, lawyers and clients to ensure the well-being of children and families.
Substitute Teacher/JV Girl's Basketball Head Coach
Washington County/Bristol City Public Schools
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Promoted sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect among players both on and off the court.
- Enhanced player skills through personalized coaching and feedback.
- Created opportunities for players to develop leadership skills through team captain roles or mentoring younger teammates.
- Acted as positive role model for team participants and in community.
Residential Counselor
Mountain Youth Academy
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Reduced behavioral incidents by employing de-escalation techniques and maintaining a calm environment.
- Maintained safe and supportive residential environments for at-risk individuals, contributing to their overall wellbeing.
- Promoted independent living skills through coaching residents in daily tasks such as meal preparation, hygiene, and budgeting.
- Monitored and documented client progress toward meeting goals and objectives.
- Developed strong rapport with residents through empathetic listening and compassionate communication strategies.
- Managed crisis situations effectively, ensuring the safety of all residents while adhering to established protocols.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources to provide additional support services.
- Coordinated recreational activities for residents, fostering social interaction and positive group dynamics.
- Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of residents through activities and interventions, increasing resident socialization, interpersonal, and social skills.
UPS Driver
United Parcel Services
08.2017 - 09.2021
- Followed all relevant traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
- Achieved safe driving records by consistently following traffic rules and regulations.
- Delivered goods and products to customer on time and in excellent condition.
- Maintained professional and friendly demeanor during deliveries to uphold company reputation.
- Improved customer satisfaction by maintaining punctuality and adhering to strict delivery schedules.
- Followed proper safety procedures and protocols while loading, unloading and operating vehicles.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust through professionalism and reliability in transportation services provided.
- Upheld high standards of cleanliness within the vehicle''s interior/exterior appearance, providing a professional image for the company at all times.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of geography and local roads for optimal route selection.
- Completed routine pre- and post-trip inspections to evaluate vehicles and assess maintenance needs.
- Communicated with customers to provide delivery updates and confirm delivery locations.
Weight Room Supervisor
King University
01.2015 - 08.2017
- Developed a well-rounded staff training program to ensure all patrons were knowledgeable in proper exercise techniques and safety procedures.
- Continually assessed facility needs based on patron feedback, implementing improvements to enhance their workout experience.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in weight room management and supervision techniques.
- Developed strong rapport with gym patrons, encouraging consistency in workouts and adherence to fitness goals.
- Actively monitored weight room activities to ensure compliance with gym policies and safely address any incidents that arose.
- Served as a knowledgeable resource for patrons seeking guidance on nutrition strategies complementary to their workout routines.
- Improved overall gym safety by conducting regular equipment inspections and maintenance.
- Conducted routine inventory assessments of gym supplies and initiated restocking procedures as needed to maintain optimal availability for users.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas12.2024
Graduate Certificate - Addiction Studies
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas12.2024
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
King University
Bristol08.2022
Associate of Science - B-EMT/General Studies
Viriginia Highlands Community College
Abingdon12.2019
Skills
- Substance Abuse Knowledge
- Resource referrals
- Self-Care Techniques
- Professional ethics
- Patient confidentiality
- Behavioral Health Interventions
- Mental health knowledge
- Multicultural Competence
- Ethical Practice
- De-Escalation Techniques
Timeline
QMHP: Recovery Coach/Counselor 1
Mount Rogers Community Services
08.2023 - Current
Family Services Specialist
Smyth County Department of Social Services
06.2022 - 07.2023
Substitute Teacher/JV Girl's Basketball Head Coach
Washington County/Bristol City Public Schools
08.2021 - 05.2022
Residential Counselor
Mountain Youth Academy
08.2021 - 03.2022
UPS Driver
United Parcel Services
08.2017 - 09.2021
Weight Room Supervisor
King University
01.2015 - 08.2017
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Arkansas State University
Graduate Certificate - Addiction Studies
Arkansas State University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
King University
Associate of Science - B-EMT/General Studies
Viriginia Highlands Community College
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