CHELSEA L. LEIGHTON
North Kingstown,RI
Summary
Seasoned professional with a proven track record in leadership and crisis management, notably at Buckelew Programs Suicide Prevention. Excelled in supervising teams, enhancing hotline operations, and implementing suicide prevention strategies. Skilled in motivational interviewing and Microsoft Office, demonstrating critical thinking and team-building capabilities to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Counselor
The Elizabeth Buffem Chase Center
Warwick, RI
03.2023 - Current
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping skills that could be used during times of stress or difficulty.
- Coached clients on how to manage emotions effectively while also teaching them how to recognize warning signs of distress before it becomes overwhelming.
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions for clients.
- Developed crisis intervention strategies for individuals facing difficult situations or events.
- Collaborated to set goals and outline steps to achieve objectives.
- Assisted clients with developing relevant skills to improve functionality in social, educational and vocational situations.
- Met with clients to understand individual needs and develop personalized counseling plans.
Team Leader
Buckelew Programs Suicide Prevention
Novato, CA
01.2020 - 09.2024
- Direct supervision of all phone counselors (17 FTE & 35 Volunteers) answering four 24/7 Suicide Prevention and Crisis hotlines (988, Marin, Northbay and Grief)
- Facilitated regular one-on-one supervisory sessions for counseling staff.
- Handled Q&A responsibilities within program framework.
- Managed on-call shifts, ensuring effective support and comprehensive debriefing.
- Coordinated IT solutions to address technology problems in real time.
- Oversaw functions related to payroll management, schedule organization, PTO approval processes and evaluated employee performances.
- Managed recruitment process, including interviewing and onboarding of new hires.
- Regularly updated understanding of guidelines set by 988.
- Delivered effective 988 oriented training to new team members.
- Reviewed call performance through live monitoring, updating the iCarol system with necessary feedback.
- Engaged in weekly discussions on trends and best practices with neighboring county hotline leadership.
- Worked with NRG, 911 and Vibrant Emotional Health for the new unified platform being released in CA.
- Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
- Cultivated strong employee connections via effective communication and comprehensive training.
Operations Director
C.A.S.T.L.E. Marin
San Rafael, CA
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Conducted intakes/ SLE placement for people getting out of treatment with varying substance use/co-occurring disorders
- Monitored mediation compliance
- Facilitated weekly relapse prevention groups and trainings
- Performed regular toxicology tests on all residents
- Case management, vocational support and aftercare planning
Certified Residential Medication Aide II
Shalom House
Portland, ME
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Supervised clients living in long term residential housing for treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder with focus on self-harm, suicidal ideation and crisis deescalation
- Collaborated with Maine Behavioral Health regarding client’s needs and placement
- Provided case management, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and living skills to residents in both acute and step-down care
- Distributed medications, transcribed prescriptions, and provided daily state logs documenting all aspects of treatment
- Trained in crisis intervention for clients presenting with self-harm
Direct Support Professional
Life, INC
Cranston, RI
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Provided Direct Support for people with disabilities living in residential care
- Taught ADL’s and provided daily therapies in accordance with case management requests
- Certified for medication distribution, TCI, CPR and First Aid certified
- Supervised family visits, community outings and vocation/educational support
Intake Coordinator
Phoenix House Detox
Exeter, RI
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Conducted intakes for new clients seeking detoxification from varied substances
- Coordinated all facets of paperwork and interdepartmental coordination for new clients
- Consulted with all insurance providers regarding clients’ treatment needs and aftercare plans, often needing to extend and qualify eligible care
- Worked with clients willing to further treatment to find placement that was specific to their individual needs and insurance coverage
Residential Support Worker
Butler Hospital
Providence, RI
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Worked with adolescent residents diagnosed with mental health, substance abuse and behavioral disorders in a full hospitalization setting
- Prepared residents and families for reunification when applicable or into a less intensive treatment environment
- Facilitated group trainings on coping mechanisms, art therapy and creative outlets
- Worked 1:1 with residents, using behavior modification, identifying specific goals and needs in all aspects of ADL’s
Education
Certified Crisis Worker -
American Association of Suicidology
2021
Social Services/Substance Abuse -
CCRI
01.2000
Mental Health First Aid Certification -
MHFA
04.2021
CPR & First Aid Certified (adult/child) expires -
01.2022
Skills
- Experience in Supervision & Leadership
- Hotline/ Call Center Management
- Suicide Prevention
- Crisis De-escalation
- Motivational Interviewing
- Team Building
- Solution Focused
- Critical Thinking
- Training & Development
- Word, Excel, Powerpoint proficient
Timeline
Counselor
The Elizabeth Buffem Chase Center
03.2023 - Current
Team Leader
Buckelew Programs Suicide Prevention
01.2020 - 09.2024
Operations Director
C.A.S.T.L.E. Marin
01.2018 - 01.2023
Certified Residential Medication Aide II
Shalom House
01.2016 - 01.2017
Direct Support Professional
Life, INC
01.2013 - 01.2015
Intake Coordinator
Phoenix House Detox
01.2006 - 01.2007
Residential Support Worker
Butler Hospital
01.2003 - 01.2005
Certified Crisis Worker -
American Association of Suicidology
Social Services/Substance Abuse -
CCRI
Mental Health First Aid Certification -
MHFA
CPR & First Aid Certified (adult/child) expires -
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