Beverly Howard
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Empathetic Certified Peer Support Specialist experienced in providing high-quality support in mental health and substance abuse recovery. Achieved significant improvements in client well-being through personalized care plans, active listening, and crisis intervention skills. Focused on fostering recovery-oriented environments and enhancing individual wellness through effective communication and relationship-building.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
2
2
years of post-secondary education
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Community Friendship Inc. Mental Health
Atlanta, GA
03.2016 - 05.2025
- Provided emotional support to individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Facilitated peer support groups to promote shared experiences and recovery.
- Assisted clients in navigating community resources and services available to them.
- Developed individualized support plans based on client's unique needs.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to enhance client care strategies.
- Educated clients on coping skills and self-advocacy techniques.
- Maintained documentation of client interactions and progress notes accurately.
- Participated in training sessions to stay updated on mental health best practices.
- Developed individualized plans for clients based on their needs, interests, strengths, and preferences.
- Organized and facilitated weekly recovery groups for clients to share their experiences and build relationships with each other.
- Provided emotional support through listening actively and validating feelings expressed by clients during sessions.
- Encouraged positive behavior change through motivational interviewing techniques and supportive counseling approaches.
- Attended trainings related to mental health topics such as trauma-informed care or evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Monitored client safety by recognizing potential warning signs of relapse or crisis situations.
- Participated in case conferences and staff meetings to discuss best practices and provide feedback on client progress.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers. to coordinate care plans for each client.
- Advocated on behalf of clients when needed by communicating with external providers regarding insurance coverage or other administrative matters.
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills and strategies to manage daily stressors.
- Provided follow-up services after discharge from the program including phone calls or home visits if necessary.
- Provided one-on-one peer support services to individuals with mental health conditions in a clinical setting.
- Promoted self-advocacy skills among clients by helping them understand their rights under applicable laws such as HIPAA or ADA regulations.
- Coordinated referrals to qualified professionals for clients in need.
- Offered guidance on how to access housing, employment opportunities, educational programs. within the community.
- Conducted assessments for new clients entering the program and provided recommendations for treatment plans accordingly.
- Educated clients about different resources available within the community that could help them reach their goals.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and interactions according to agency policy.
- Led support groups and facilitated one-on-one meetings with struggling individuals.
- Instilled hope by promoting positive self-disclosure and actively listening to client needs.
- Helped individuals overcome discrimination, stigmas and trauma by providing encouragement and community resources.
- Shared details regarding recovery and wellness principles focused on helping others struggling to stay focused on personal recovery journeys.
- Aided individuals by developing wellness plans and advance directives to achieve goals.
- Transported individuals safely to support meetings and medical appointments.
- Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Observed students during classroom activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
- Taught classes and presented self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
Custamer Service Assistant Manager
Wal-Mart Supper Center
Alpharetta, Georgia
07.2004 - 07.2014
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure repeat business.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and efficiently.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Managing front end cashiers.
- Assisted customers with product selection and ordering, providing helpful advice and information.
- Assisted customers for returns/refund.
- Processed customer returns and exchanges according to store policy.
- Maintained accurate records of customer orders, returns, refunds and exchanges.
- Processed payments using a variety of methods, including cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
- Operated cash register, handling transactions accurately and promptly.
- Operated point-of-sale systems accurately and efficiently.
- Maintained high standards of customer service during high-volume work shifts and fast-paced operations.
- Maintained store cleanliness and organization throughout customer areas.
- Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
- Greeted guests with friendliness and professionalism.
- Trained new staff on customer service protocols and procedures.
- Trained and mentored team members to enhance customer service skills and performance.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Collaborated with team members to restock shelves efficiently.
- Supported inventory management by tracking stock levels regularly.
- Cross-checked invoices against purchase orders to verify accuracy of items received.
- Effectively multitasked within a fast-paced environment.
- Oversaw daily store operations and ensured compliance with company policies.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance job skills and knowledge.
- Participated in regular staff meetings regarding operations procedures.
- Performed opening and closing duties as assigned, such as setting up the sales floor for business hours.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
Education
2yrs But Did Not Graduate - Business Administration And Management
Dekalb Technical College
Decatur, Ga 08.2015 - 07.2017
Therrell High School
Atlanta, GaSkills
- Peer support
- Crisis intervention
- Recovery guidance
- Motivational interviewing
- Recovery planning
- Client assessment
- Resource navigation
- Behavioral health
- Mental health services
- Relapse prevention
- Wellness recovery action plan
- Group facilitation
- Training development
- Stress reduction techniques
- Self-care techniques
- Empathy development
- Wellness strategies
- Mental health advocacy
- Family assistance
- Community services information
- Behavioral management
- Assertiveness training
- Boundary setting
- Active listening
- Listening actively
- Exemplary communication
- Communication
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Team collaboration
- Collaborative interaction
- Conflict resolution
- Issue resolution
- Problem-solving skills
- Rapport building
- Relationship building skills
- Relationship cultivation
- Positive environment facilitation
- Recovery support
- Social activity planning
- Leadership skills
- Leadership guidance
- Planning skills
- Compile occupational data
- Professional referral network
- Suicide prevention
- Counseling review
- Time management
- Stress reduction
- Training development
- Mental health awareness
- Peer support ethics
- Time management
Languages
English
Professional
Certification
- Peer Support awards
- Peer Support Certificates of achievement
- Peer Support of Excellents in performance and Services
Accomplishments
- Peer Support Service
- Peer Support accomplishment
- Peer Support of Excellents
- Awards of traings
Timeline
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Community Friendship Inc. Mental Health
03.2016 - 05.2025
2yrs But Did Not Graduate - Business Administration And Management
Dekalb Technical College
08.2015 - 07.2017
Custamer Service Assistant Manager
Wal-Mart Supper Center
07.2004 - 07.2014
Therrell High School