Celestine Smalley
Flemington,NJ
Summary
Compassionate peer support specialist skilled in crisis intervention, recovery planning, and goal setting. Dedicated to improving client outcomes through effective communication and teamwork.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Peer Specialist
Hackensack Merdian At Carrier Clinic Blake Unit
01.2025 - Current
- Facilitated peer support groups to promote recovery and wellness among clients.
- Assisted individuals in goal-setting and personal development plans.
- Provided emotional support through active listening and empathy techniques.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment strategies.
- Educated clients about available resources and community services for ongoing support.
- Implemented coping strategies tailored to individual client needs and challenges.
- Assisted clients in setting and achieving personal goals by providing support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
- Promoted a positive recovery culture within the organization by serving as a role model for hope, resilience, and selfdetermination.
- Used skills such as modeling, education, and implantation to teach daily living and coping skills.
- Maintained professional ethical standards by adhering to guidelines set forth by the Certified Peer Specialist Code of Conduct and respecting client confidentiality at all times.
- Advocated for client needs within mental health services systems, promoting access to appropriate care options.
- Connected clients with available resources to further treatment goals.
- Maintained thorough documentation of client progress notes, assessments, and treatment plans in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of organizational policies and procedures by attending ongoing training sessions and participating in internal program evaluations.
- Strengthened relationships with community partners through regular outreach efforts fostering collaboration opportunities for program enhancement initiatives.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed to ensure client safety and stability during challenging situations.
- Improved mental health outcomes for clients through active listening, empathy, and effective communication skills.
- Used personal experienced in [Area of expertise] to help clients understand issues and move toward recovery.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between levels of care by coordinating referrals and collaborating with external providers when necessary.
- Facilitated peer-to-peer conversations to support open communication among mentees.
Certified Peer Support Specialist/ IOC Casemanager
Hunterdon Medical Center
10.2023 - 01.2025
- Facilitated peer support sessions, promoting recovery and personal growth for clients.
- Developed individualized support plans, enhancing client engagement and progress tracking.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and share insights on client needs.
- Conducted outreach activities, increasing awareness of mental health resources within the community.
- Provided crisis intervention, ensuring safety and immediate support for individuals in distress.
- Trained new peer support specialists, fostering a collaborative and effective team environment.
- Advocated for clients' rights and needs, empowering them to navigate healthcare systems effectively.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions according to organizational guidelines, protecting confidentiality while ensuring thorough documentation for continuity of care purposes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans based on clients'' individual strengths, needs, and preferences.
- Assisted clients in developing and maintaining personalized wellness plans, guiding them in setting achievable goals for improved mental health outcomes.
- Enhanced client recovery by providing emotional and practical support in both group and one-on-one settings.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a trusting environment to encourage open communication about personal challenges and goals.
- Improved the quality of care for clients by actively participating in treatment planning meetings and offering insights from a peer perspective.
- Increased community awareness of mental health issues by conducting outreach presentations at local schools, businesses, and organizations.
- Facilitated therapeutic recreational activities designed to build social connections among peers while promoting physical wellbeing.
- Contributed to program development efforts by regularly reviewing policies and procedures to ensure alignment with evidence-based practices within the field of peer support services.
- Supported clients in building resiliency through skill-building exercises emphasizing problem-solving techniques and adaptive coping strategies.
Behavioral Health Technician Suoerisor
SOBA of NJ
05.2019 - 08.2023
- Monitored patient behavior and provided support during therapeutic sessions.
- Assisted in developing individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clinical staff.
- Implemented crisis intervention techniques to ensure patient safety and well-being.
- Documented patient progress and communicated observations to multidisciplinary teams.
- Trained new staff on best practices for patient care and behavioral management strategies.
- Conducted regular assessments of patient needs, adjusting care plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
- Conducted client rounds to check on residents.
- Provided crisis intervention services, successfully de-escalating situations and ensuring patient safety.
- Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients.
- Recognized individuals under influence of drugs or alcohol and typical behaviors associated with each.
- Searched resident belongings prior to and during stays.
- Facilitated on-site activities, support groups, and outings for clients.
- Adhered to strict confidentiality guidelines while managing sensitive patient information, maintaining privacy and trust among clients.
- Performed client intake procedures according to internal standards for new admissions.
- Completed documentation for every incident and forwarded to correct personnel for review.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based behavioral interventions and strategies.
- Assisted patients in developing individualized goals for recovery and provided ongoing support throughout the process.
- Mentored new Behavioral Health Technicians joining the team, sharing best practices and helping them acclimate quickly to their new role responsibilities.
- Maintained detailed documentation of patient progress, enabling effective adjustments to treatment plans as needed.
- Taught clients how to complete basic household chores and prepare food.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for patients to share experiences and discuss coping strategies.
- Established rapport with diverse populations by utilizing strong cultural competence skills during interactions with both patients and their families alike.
- Coordinated with external community resources as necessary, ensuring seamless transitions for patients requiring additional support services upon discharge from the facility.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
- Kept accurate records by documenting progress and adhering to prescribed behavior plan.
- Used [Software] to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
- Charted on each patient daily.
- Took patient blood pressure and pulse rate, reporting findings in health charts.
- Delivered compassionate patient care, focusing on safety, comfort and emotional support.
- Collaborated closely with mental health professionals with treatment plan implementation.
- Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.
- Assisted in development of therapeutic activities for patients.
Mental Health Tech
Carrier Clinic
08.2015 - 03.2019
- Monitored patient behavior and mental status, documenting changes in care plans.
- Assisted in developing and implementing therapeutic activities for diverse patient populations.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure patient safety and adherence to treatment protocols.
- Provided support during crisis situations, employing de-escalation techniques effectively.
- Trained new staff on best practices in patient care and safety procedures.
- Led group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for patients' recovery journeys.
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Maintained detailed records of patient interactions, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference.
- Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities, and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security.
- Educated patients on coping strategies and self-help techniques to better manage their mental health symptoms.
- Monitored patients'' progress, documenting changes in behavior and updating treatment plans accordingly.
- Assisted individuals with daily living activities such as grooming, meal preparation, or mobility when necessary.
Education
CADC
NJPN
On Line05-2026
Certified By Board of NJ - Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
NJPN
NJ05-2016
High School Diploma -
Board of Education
Trenton NJ06-2007
Skills
- Trauma experience
- Social skills
- Mental health awareness
- Emotional regulation
- Self-care techniques
- Stress reduction
- Relapse prevention
- Family support
- Documentation
- Goal setting
- Motivational interviewing
- Life skills coaching
- Resource linkage
- Recovery planning
- Behavior modeling
- Empathy development
- Boundary setting
- Recordkeeping
- Substance abuse
- Substance abuse support
- Resilience building
- Resource advocacy
- Living skills
- Emotional care
- Independent living
- Substance abuse education
- Peer support
- Social networking
- Wellness management
- Active learning
- Skill development
- Life skills development
- Counseling
- Motivational techniques
- Treatment documentation
- Crisis support
- Recovery support services
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
Certification
Certified Peer Recovery Specoalist
Timeline
Certified Peer Specialist
Hackensack Merdian At Carrier Clinic Blake Unit
01.2025 - Current
Certified Peer Support Specialist/ IOC Casemanager
Hunterdon Medical Center
10.2023 - 01.2025
Behavioral Health Technician Suoerisor
SOBA of NJ
05.2019 - 08.2023
Mental Health Tech
Carrier Clinic
08.2015 - 03.2019
CADC
NJPN
Certified By Board of NJ - Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
NJPN
High School Diploma -
Board of Education