Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Availability
References
Jobrelatedtraining
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Barbara Spikes, MA, PLPC

Shreveport,United States

Summary

Seasoned Human Resources Specialist and Counselor with a proven track record at Veterans Health Administration, adept at policies implementation and solution-focused counseling. Excelled in building rapport and training development, significantly enhancing workplace harmony and client satisfaction. Skilled in personnel engagement and clinical experience, driving positive outcomes in diverse and challenging environments.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Human Resources Specialist (ER/LR)

Veterans Health Administration
Vancouver, WA
09.2024 - Current
  • Provided essential support to address individual HR needs of employees.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution sessions and mediated disputes between employees, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Advised management and staff on labor laws and HR policies, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Provided advice and counsel on employee relations issues ranging from attendance problems to harassment claims.
  • Conducted workplace investigations to address allegations of harassment or discrimination, ensuring a safe work environment.
  • Maintained current knowledge of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action guidelines and laws.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.

Counselor

Bretwood Hospital
Shreveport, LA
08.2017 - 11.2024
  • Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss client cases and review treatment plans.
  • Demonstrated sensitivity and competence in treating patients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Assisted in crisis intervention when needed to provide immediate support for clients in distress.
  • Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Documented service plans, treatment reports and progress notes.
  • Prepared and maintained required treatment records and reports.
  • Gained complete knowledge of relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes and regulations to adhere to best practice standards for professional practice.
  • Offered referrals to community resources that could assist clients in meeting their needs.
  • Maintained detailed records of client progress in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Provided individual and group mental health counseling in alignment with evidence-based practice and clinical models.
  • Attended continuing education courses related to current trends in the field of mental health counseling.
  • Developed therapeutic relationships with clients and their families to ensure effective communication.

HR Star Trainee

Veterans Health Administration
Shreveport, LA
08.2023 - 09.2024
  • Employee Relations- Provides basic advice and assistance to employees and managers, program administration, research, and case management in simple matters related to conduct, performance, attendance, and dispute resolutions.
  • Labor Relations-Participates in establishing and maintaining effective relationships-with labor organizations that represent employees; performs fact-finding, and research applicable laws and polices as part of preparation for negotiations and labor agreements and gathers clear-cut information for providing basic guidance and consultation to management on simple labor relations matters
  • Benefits-Providing guidance and consultation to agencies, employees, former employees, annuitants, survivors, and eligible family members regarding simple retirement, insurance, health benefits, and injury compensation issues

Human Resources Assistant

Medical Management Options
Shreveport, LA
01.2010 - 06.2024
  • Assisted in administering employee benefit programs and worker's compensation plans.
  • Coordinated training schedules and filed crucial administrative paperwork.
  • Responded to inquiries from current or prospective employees regarding human resources policies or procedures.
  • Explained company personnel policies, benefits and procedures to employees or job applicants.
  • Assisted with administering employee benefit programs and worker's compensation plans.
  • Monitored timekeeping records for accuracy and completeness.
  • Handled confidential information with discretion and integrity.
  • Prepared and set up new employee orientations.
  • Coordinated employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans.
  • Facilitated new hire orientations and employee training sessions.
  • Supported HR projects, such as employee satisfaction surveys and exit interviews.
  • Verified previous employers and other references to determine applicants' employment acceptability.
  • Enforced HR policies and advised employees on labor regulations and company procedures.

ATTENDANCE OFFICER

Webster Parish School Board
Minden, LA
08.2021 - 08.2023
  • Participated in workshops and conferences related to improving school district-wide attendance rates.
  • Maintained accurate attendance records for all staff and students.
  • Assisted with tracking down missing students who have been absent from school without notification from parents and guardians.
  • Informed parents and guardians of their child's absence or tardiness via phone call or letter.
  • Assisted in the development of strategies to improve student attendance rates.
  • Encouraged positive relationships between students and faculty by creating an environment where they feel comfortable discussing any issues that may affect their ability to attend classes regularly.
  • Collaborated with teachers, administrators, counselors, and other support staff to identify possible issues that may be impacting a student's attendance.
  • Provided guidance to school personnel on best practices related to attendance policies and procedures.
  • Placed calls to parents to determine reasons for students' absences, meticulously noting details.
  • Advised administration on potential disciplinary action for chronic truancy cases.

Lead Counselor

Milestone Counseling Agency
Shreveport, LA
07.2015 - 08.2017
  • Engaged clients in goal-setting and action planning to promote personal growth and positive life changes.
  • Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs.
  • Helped clients find solutions by teaching appropriate intervention techniques.
  • Maintained confidential client records and case notes in compliance with ethical standards and legal requirements.
  • Led support groups for specific client populations, such as those with addiction, grief, or chronic illness.
  • Provided crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
  • Counseled clients physical, mental factors impacting personal success.
  • Assisted clients with developing relevant skills to improve functionality in social, educational and vocational situations.
  • Assisted with developing individualized discharge plans for clients upon completion of treatment program.
  • Referred individuals to outside resources and services for additional support.
  • Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to address mental health issues, career concerns, and personal development.
  • Advocated for clients' needs within their families, workplaces, and educational institutions.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and supervision to counseling staff.

Mental Health Counselor

Lighthouse Counseling Agency
Shreveport, LA
01.2010 - 06.2015
  • Engaged clients in goal-setting and action planning to promote personal growth and positive life changes.
  • Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs.
  • Helped clients find solutions by teaching appropriate intervention techniques.
  • Maintained confidential client records and case notes in compliance with ethical standards and legal requirements.
  • Led support groups for specific client populations, such as those with addiction, grief, or chronic illness.
  • Provided crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
  • Counseled clients physical, mental factors impacting personal success.
  • Assisted clients with developing relevant skills to improve functionality in social, educational and vocational situations.
  • Assisted with developing individualized discharge plans for clients upon completion of treatment program.
  • Referred individuals to outside resources and services for additional support.
  • Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to address mental health issues, career concerns, and personal development.
  • Advocated for clients' needs within their families, workplaces, and educational institutions.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and supervision to counseling staff.

Education

Master's degree - Counseling

LeTourneau University
Longview, TX, United States

Bachelor's degree - Psychology

Louisiana State University
Shreveport, LA, United States

High school diploma or equivalent -

Whetstone High School
Columbus, OH, United States

Skills

  • Policies implementation
  • Paperwork verification
  • Personnel engagement
  • Training development
  • Solution-focused counseling
  • Clinical experience
  • Treatment Planning
  • Building rapport

Availability

Permanent, Telework, Full-time

References

  • MELVA M. YOUNG LPC, Counselor/LPC Supervisor, 504-782-5685
  • Shamell White, 318-820-2648, shamelllwhite@gmail.com
  • Ahmed Barton, Veterans Health Administration, Supervisory Human Resources Specialist, HROO STAR Section, 623-308-5504, Ahmed.Barton1@va.gov

Jobrelatedtraining

HR Specialist Training and Accelerated Readiness (HR-STAR), 08/01/23, 09/01/24

Certification

  • Provisional Licensed professional Counselor #PLC9386, Exp. 10/31/2025

Timeline

Human Resources Specialist (ER/LR)

Veterans Health Administration
09.2024 - Current

HR Star Trainee

Veterans Health Administration
08.2023 - 09.2024

ATTENDANCE OFFICER

Webster Parish School Board
08.2021 - 08.2023

Counselor

Bretwood Hospital
08.2017 - 11.2024

Lead Counselor

Milestone Counseling Agency
07.2015 - 08.2017

Human Resources Assistant

Medical Management Options
01.2010 - 06.2024

Mental Health Counselor

Lighthouse Counseling Agency
01.2010 - 06.2015

Master's degree - Counseling

LeTourneau University

Bachelor's degree - Psychology

Louisiana State University

High school diploma or equivalent -

Whetstone High School
Barbara Spikes, MA, PLPC