Chidale Blackwood
Irmo,USA
Summary
Dynamic correctional counselor and program manager with extensive experience in correctional settings, adept at managing staff and leading impactful programs. Proven expertise in strategic planning and care coordination ensures the delivery of high-quality services to individuals in need. Skilled in supervising subordinate counselors and mental health officers while fostering a collaborative environment that promotes professional growth and effective service delivery. Committed to enhancing rehabilitation outcomes through innovative program development and comprehensive support strategies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager, Residential Mental Health Unit
South Carolina Department of Corrections
10.2023 - Current
- Managed residential mental health program in a maximum security prison. Coordinated care for a caseload of approximately 40 seriously mentally ill inmates.
- Oversee program design, implementation, and updates, including psychoeducational group schedules and interdepartmental clinical coordination, to include recent transition between institutions.
- Facilitated successful merger between Lower-Level Behavioral Management Unit and Choices program, effectively combining two populations of seriously mentally ill inmates.
- Lead cross-functional teams to deliver program objectives and improve operational efficiency.
- Develop and implement strategic plans aligning with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
- Provide and document monthly clinical supervision for QMHPs and Mental Health Officers
- Conduct weekly chart reviews and consult on cases
- Deliver assessments, treatment planning, counseling (individual/group), crisis intervention, and discharge planning as needed
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation per policy in the electronic health record
- Monitor daily crisis activity and ensure service coverage, including after-hours and on-call rotation
- Facilitate communication across institutional divisions and lead weekly treatment team meetings
- Participate in management and scheduled institutional meetings
- Analyze program performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Mentor junior team members, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing within the team.
Qualified Mental Health Professional
South Carolina Department of Corrections @ Allendale Correctional Institution - General Population
09.2022 - 10.2023
- Managed caseload of approximately 300 mentally ill inmates, effectively, prioritizing tasks according to urgency while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions, promoting coping strategies and emotional regulation among diverse populations.
- Provided crisis intervention services, de-escalating potentially volatile situations to maintain safety within the institution.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings and on-call coverage
- Supported Division of Behavioral/Mental Health operations
- Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments for inmate populations to identify needs and create tailored treatment plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop behavioral interventions, enhancing inmate rehabilitation efforts.
- Maintained clinical documentation and case records
- Offered treatment recommendations and discharge planning
Qualified Mental Health Professional
South Carolina Department of Corrections at Allendale Correctional Institution - LLBMU
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Managed caseload of approximately 30 seriously mentally residents of a behavioral management unit.
- Provided mental health assessments, individual counseling, treatment planning, and discharge planning for inmates admitted to program per level of care policy.
- Maintained accurate documentation in electronic health record.
- Provided regular feedback to mental health, medical and security staff on referred inmates during weekly multi-disciplinary treatment team.
- Provided crisis intervention as requested by mental health and/or medical staff.
- Participated in the on-call pool to provide after hour coverage to the institution.
Qualified Mental Health Professional
South Carolina Department of Corrections at McCormick Correctional Institution
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Provided mental health assessments, individual counseling, and treatment planning, and discharge planning for referred inmates to a caseload of approximately 150 inmates.
- Maintained accurate documentation in electronic health record - NextGen
- Provides regular feedback to mental health, medical and security staff on referred inmates.
- Participates in multi-disciplinary treatment team.
- Provides crisis intervention as requested by mental health and/or medical staff.
- Participates in the on-call pool to provide after hour coverage to the institution.
- Provides other duties related to SCDC and the Division of Behavioral/Mental Health.
Caseworker
South Carolina Department of Corrections
01.2020 - 09.2021
- Evaluated inmate records to determine eligibility for institutional assignment, custody changes, job assignment, designated facility transfers, visiting privileges, employment, and treatment programs.
- Assisted with the coordination and implementation of an equitable classification system for a caseload of approximately 250 inmates.
- Conducted periodic reviews and evaluate the progress of inmates.
- Utilized SCDC database as well as the internet to obtain information regarding inmate sentences.
- Served as chairperson of the institutional classification committee to determine inmate custody level, security level, job and program assignment.
Mental Health Counselor
Augusta State Medical Prison
01.2009 - 02.2010
- Provided individual and group therapy to a caseload of approximately 100 incarcerated men.
- Provided crisis intervention, served as on call counselor monthly.
- Served as liaison between inmates and nursing, security, and medical staff.
- Maintained all records in accordance with institutional policy, to include progress notes, treatment plans, and monthly status reports.
- Reviewed, updated, and adjusted treatment plans as necessary.
- Participated in daily meetings and monthly involuntary medication hearings.
Education
Master of Education - Counselor Education
Augusta State University
Augusta, GA05-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Augusta State University
Augusta, GA12-2000
Skills
- Program management
- Supervising Experience
- Change Management
- Team Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Policy and Procedure Review
- Mental Health Counseling
Affiliations
South Carolina Clinical Mental Health Counselor's Association
Timeline
Program Manager, Residential Mental Health Unit
South Carolina Department of Corrections
10.2023 - Current
Qualified Mental Health Professional
South Carolina Department of Corrections @ Allendale Correctional Institution - General Population
09.2022 - 10.2023
Qualified Mental Health Professional
South Carolina Department of Corrections at Allendale Correctional Institution - LLBMU
05.2022 - 09.2022
Qualified Mental Health Professional
South Carolina Department of Corrections at McCormick Correctional Institution
09.2021 - 05.2022
Caseworker
South Carolina Department of Corrections
01.2020 - 09.2021
Mental Health Counselor
Augusta State Medical Prison
01.2009 - 02.2010
Master of Education - Counselor Education
Augusta State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Augusta State University