Brett E. Cassella
New Castle,PA
Summary
Compassionate Treatment Specialist known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and patient advocacy. Excel in communication, empathy, and problem-solving to support clients' therapeutic goals. History of direct supervisory experience and team-building.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
A/DATSS
Pennsylvania Department Of Corrections
Mercer, PA
12.2025 - Current
- Trains and supervises lower level Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialists in the performance of activities and services in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of inmates within a drug and/or alcohol educational and treatment program.
- Plans, organizes, implements, and supervises a treatment program within the facility for inmates who are drug or alcohol dependent.
- Responsible for the coordination of all clinical and operational functions of an inpatient or an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program, to include oversight of all educational and treatment functions involving group counseling, individual counseling, support self-help groups, record keeping and referrals made to other human services activities.
- Makes work assignments and reviews work in progress of lower level Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialists; prepares performance evaluation reports; takes disciplinary action on reported infractions of rules and regulations and recommends appropriate action to administrative superiors regarding the hiring or termination of employees.
- Provides counseling services to inmates and their family members to assist them in addressing specific problems of a difficult or complex nature.
- Supervises and coordinates group counseling sessions, individual counseling sessions and self-help support groups.
- Works in cooperation with other social agencies, hospitals, clinics, courts and other community resources in planning to meet the needs of inmates and assists them in utilizing these resources.
- Prepares reports concerning inmates and provides supervisory assistance in the preparation of drug and alcohol treatment services offered to each inmate.
- Counsels and works with drug or alcohol abusing/dependent inmates who are considered to be difficult and resistive clients.
- Provides advice and guidance to lower level staff in their preparation for group/individual counseling sessions, work projects, training and educational/occupational placement of inmates.
- Works with other drug and alcohol clinicians and therapists within the community to develop new and innovative approaches that address the role of chemical addiction in criminal behavior.
- Assists administrative superiors in their performance of duties relating to the overall structure and function of the drug and alcohol program within the facility and the local community, providing resources for advanced treatment modalities, and the establishment of additional drug and/or alcohol programs within the community and the institution.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist
SCI Mercer
Mercer, Pa
02.2023 - Current
- Oversees and facilitates programming in Therapeutic Community (TC) Programs and/or Outpatient Programs. For Therapeutic Community Programs, this includes morning and evening meetings, three-phase group meetings per day, a co-occurring group weekly, an Opioid Use Disorder Track Group two times per week, Helping Men in Recovery group weekly, and a weekly phase group meeting. Develops and maintains group counseling themes by following procedures and lesson plans. Promotes positive cognitive and behavioral changes within the TC participants to enhance their chances for successful re-entry into the community. Attends informal resolution meetings and support team meetings for TC inmates and TC Peer Educators as needed. Meets with inmates to provide one-on-one counseling and support. For Outpatient Programs this includes facilitating group sessions two or three times a week per each group. Groups follow the standardized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy curriculum provided by the Department of Corrections. Provides drug and alcohol related group sessions to other specialized units as assigned by DAT Supervisor/Manager.
- Develops and maintains case history files on each inmate with respect to drug/alcohol use or abuse as well as specified needs for drug/alcohol therapy programs. Develops initial treatment plans and subsequent reviews. Prioritizes files based on programming needs and motivation. Utilizes this list when offering individual or group counseling. Maintains charts for inmates assigned to caseload. Ensure required forms are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Conducts individual and group counseling in accordance with all applicable policies and procedures. Coordinates with social service agencies, hospitals, clinics, courts, and community resources in meeting the needs of inmates and assists them in the utilization of these resources. Utilizes progressive disciplinary measures to address inmate behavioral deficiencies.
- Conducts assessments to any inmate deemed in need (i.e. parole violators, drug misconducts, State Intermediate Punishment Assessments/Re-Assessments) with recommendations in accordance with DOC Policy 7.4.1 Section 4. References any applicable inmate historical documentation to make determinations, if a score adjustment is needed a discussion with the DAT Supervisor is required.
- Facilitates and oversees the voluntary Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Double Trouble Recovery (DTR) meetings twice a month. Addresses request slips from general population inmates to inform and enroll them in these meetings. Maintains call outs and takes roll.
- Makes recommendations to the DAT Supervisor/Manager for parole planning, commutation, program level, and community corrections center referrals as necessary. Make recommendations regarding special privileges and treatment changes. Makes contact and referrals to the Medication Assisted Treatment Social Workers.
- Provides on the job training, advice, and guidance to new treatment specialists, students, and volunteers at the direction of the DAT Supervisor/Manager. Attends mandatory training including but not limited to Crisis Intervention/Suicide Prevention, Safe Crisis Management, CPR/First Aid/AED, Cultural Differences/Diversity, Fire Safety, and Right to Know; certificate programs relating to general counseling, substance abuse, mental health and/or developmental disabilities, in order to develop and maintain position skills.
- Filled in for DATS Supervisor, assuming his duties, on the following date ranges. 11-8-2024 to 11-18-2024, 2-12-2025 to 2-19-2025, 5-13-2025 to 5-15-2025, 11-7-2025 to 11-11-2025.
- Completed new hire orientation in DATS Supervisor's absence on 3 occasions.
Drug and Alcohol Case Manager Supervisor
Renewal (Pathway to Care and Recovery)
Pittsburgh, Pa
02.2022 - 02.2023
- Supervised a team of case managers to ensure effective delivery of services and compliance with regulations.
- Developed and implemented case management policies and procedures to enhance service delivery and program efficiency.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for case management staff to promote professional growth and development.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary meetings to discuss client progress and coordinate care strategies across departments.
- Monitored case files to ensure accurate documentation and adherence to treatment plans and protocols.
- Completed walk-in biopsychosocial assessments for drug and alcohol treatment.
- Coordinated getting clients into the correct level of care using ASAM criteria
- Coordinated with a multitude of treatment providers in the Greater Pittsburgh Region.
Drug and Alcohol Case Manager
Beaver County Behavioral Health
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
06.2021 - 02.2022
- Conducted comprehensive client assessments to identify needs and establish individualized service plans.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective delivery of services and support for clients.
- Provided ongoing support and advocacy for clients navigating community resources and services.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of community resources to effectively connect clients with necessary services.
Clinical Supervisor
Merakey
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
03.2021 - 06.2021
- Supervised clinical staff to ensure adherence to treatment protocols and maintain high standards of care.
- Insured client charts met audit standards
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance the skills of clinical staff in evidence-based practices.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate patient care and improve service delivery.
- Managed case load reviews to assess patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
- Worked in a Long Term Structured Residence housing 14 residents with varying mental health issues, and criminal justice involvement.
Treatment Supervisor, Ramsey Hall
Gateway Rehab Center
Aliquippa, Pa
04.2019 - 02.2021
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients when necessary.
- Adhered to all state regulations governing the provision of mental health services.
- Provided guidance to direct reports on how to effectively manage difficult client behaviors.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives designed to enhance service delivery.
- Supervised the daily operations of the unit, including staffing schedules and assignments.
Treatment Supervisor, Abe's Place
Gateway Rehab Center
Aliquippa, Pa
08.2018 - 04.2019
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients when necessary.
- Collaborated with other agencies and professionals to coordinate services for clients.
- Coordinated special events such as field trips or recreational activities for clients.
- Developed strategies for dealing with challenging situations involving clients' behavior.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for patients.
- Ensured that all documentation is completed in a timely manner according to agency standards.
- Served as a liaison between the facility, families, community providers, courts, probation officers.
- Organized trainings for staff members on various topics related to client care.
- Maintained accurate records of client attendance at group sessions and one-on-one counseling appointments.
- Trained new employees on policies, procedures, and best practices related to client care.
Weekend Shift Supervisor, Abe's Place & Ramsey Hall
Gateway Rehab Center
Aliquippa, Pa
11.2016 - 08.2018
- Supervised residential treatment operations across multiple units, ensuring safety, policy compliance, and evidence-based programming
- Managed and trained staff, providing scheduling, leadership, and oversight during high-acuity shifts
- Supported case management, treatment planning, and accurate documentation for diverse patient populations
- Coordinated patient transitions, including detox intake assessments and placement into appropriate treatment programs
Education
Masters of Arts - Criminal Justice
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA01.2019
Bachelors of Arts - Criminal Justice
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA01.2013
Skills
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Treatment planning
- Case management
- Crisis intervention
- Group facilitation
- Evidence-based practices
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Resource coordination
- Inmate assessment
- Empathetic communication
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership development
- Staff training
- Documentation accuracy
- Motivational interviewing
- Clinical documentation
- Co-occurring disorders treatment
- Relapse prevention
- Therapeutic techniques
- Self-care strategies
- Anger management
- Life skills training
- Individual counseling
- Social skills development
- Psychoeducation
- Team building
- Training and mentoring
- Direct supervisory experience
- Experience leading a team
Websites
Certification
> PA DDAP Clinical Supervisor Training
> ASAM Training
> SCM Training
> Addictions 101 Training
> CPR & First Aid Certified
> AMAC Training
> Advanced Motivational Interviewing Training
> ASAM Training
> SCM Training
> Addictions 101 Training
> CPR & First Aid Certified
> AMAC Training
> Advanced Motivational Interviewing Training
Degree
MA
Timeline
A/DATSS
Pennsylvania Department Of Corrections
12.2025 - Current
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist
SCI Mercer
02.2023 - Current
Drug and Alcohol Case Manager Supervisor
Renewal (Pathway to Care and Recovery)
02.2022 - 02.2023
Drug and Alcohol Case Manager
Beaver County Behavioral Health
06.2021 - 02.2022
Clinical Supervisor
Merakey
03.2021 - 06.2021
Treatment Supervisor, Ramsey Hall
Gateway Rehab Center
04.2019 - 02.2021
Treatment Supervisor, Abe's Place
Gateway Rehab Center
08.2018 - 04.2019
Weekend Shift Supervisor, Abe's Place & Ramsey Hall
Gateway Rehab Center
11.2016 - 08.2018
Masters of Arts - Criminal Justice
Slippery Rock University
Bachelors of Arts - Criminal Justice
Slippery Rock University