Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Christian Girtz

Portland

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Residential Counselor at Cascadia, skilled in crisis intervention and behavioral modifications. Successfully fostered therapeutic relationships while ensuring safety compliance and effective medication administration. Adept at client documentation and advocacy services, empowering individuals to achieve personal growth and reintegration into society. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for optimal client outcomes.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Residential Counselor

Cascadia
Portland
09.2022 - Current
  • Implemented behavioral interventions designed to modify or reduce problematic behaviors.
  • Ensured compliance with all safety regulations set forth by local authorities.
  • Mediated interpersonal problems between residents.
  • Provided information on resident progress and development of case plans.
  • Supervised medication administration according to physician instructions.
  • Conducted regular rounds to keep residents and areas safe and secure.
  • Completed daily resident welfare checks and coordinated with facility staff to meet resident needs.
  • Assisted with crisis intervention services when needed.
  • Participated in team meetings to discuss updates on client progress as well as strategies for improvement.
  • Provided guidance and support to clients in need of assistance with daily living skills.
  • Communicated with other staff to resolve problems with individual residents.
  • Supervised self-administration of medications for residents.
  • Fostered relationships with residents and worked with new residents to optimize acclimation and ease transition to new living environment.
  • Prepared meals and assisted clients with laundry and household chores.
  • Collaborated with community organizations and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care for clients.
  • Developed therapeutic relationships by providing emotional support and positive reinforcement to clients.
  • Conferred with medical personnel to understand backgrounds and needs of residents.
  • Monitored client progress, documented observations, and reported changes in behavior to supervisors.
  • Maintained accurate records of client information including medical histories, medications administered, counseling sessions attended.
  • Enforced rules and regulations for smooth and orderly operation of residential programs.
  • Responded promptly to any emergency situations that may arise within the residence.

Washington County Drug Court Counselor

CODA
Hillsboro
08.2018 - 06.2022
  • Provided advocacy services for clients facing challenges accessing resources such as housing, employment opportunities or medical care.
  • Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Assessed patients in active drug and alcohol withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
  • Assisted clients in developing life skills necessary for successful reintegration into society post-treatment.
  • Maintained accurate case records, documenting all client interactions, progress notes, assessments and referrals.
  • Advised judicial personnel on recommended actions based on each individual's progress within the program.
  • Developed treatment plans based on clinical assessments of clients' needs.
  • Developed client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience and client histories.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to evaluate client progress towards recovery goals.
  • Worked closely with drug court staff in designing treatment plans specific to client needs.
  • Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for outpatient clients.
  • Monitored drug tests results of participants in order to identify potential violations of court orders or relapse risks.
  • Counseled clients on their drug court obligations and provided guidance to ensure successful completion of the program.
  • Identified appropriate resources within the community that could assist clients in achieving long-term recovery success.
  • Discussed with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in past criminal behavior
  • Enforced sanctions when necessary while balancing compassion when working with noncompliant participants.
  • Collaborated with community partners such as law enforcement agencies, social service providers and treatment centers to coordinate services for clients.
  • Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
  • Developed treatment plans for individuals with substance abuse issues, taking into account their individual needs and circumstances.
  • Educated clients about the legal consequences associated with noncompliance with court orders and substance use and abuse behaviors.
  • Supported and counseled clients with drug and alcohol addiction.
  • Reviewed probation reports submitted by probation officers regarding client compliance with court orders.
  • Established positive relationships with clients by providing support, encouragement and accountability during their journey toward sobriety.
  • Encouraged participation in self-help groups such as AA and NA as part of an overall comprehensive recovery plan.
  • Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
  • Attended continuing education workshops related to drug courts, substance abuse treatment and mental health issues.
  • Facilitated group counseling sessions focusing on relapse prevention strategies and other topics related to addiction recovery.
  • Assessed risk factors that may contribute to a client's likelihood of recidivism or relapse.
  • Educated patients on detox and withdrawal, medications, addiction, recovery, coping skills, and community resources.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
08-2017

Skills

  • Behavioral interventions
  • Medication administration
  • Crisis intervention
  • Client documentation
  • Case management
  • Emotional support
  • Conflict resolution
  • Team collaboration
  • Daily living skills
  • Safety compliance
  • Advocacy services
  • Progress monitoring
  • Therapeutic communication

Affiliations

  • I am an avid reader
  • I enjoy hiking and taking photographs of nature
  • I enjoy learning
  • I am driven to be of use to others

Accomplishments

  • Graduated the University of Idaho as Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Residential Counselor

Cascadia
09.2022 - Current

Washington County Drug Court Counselor

CODA
08.2018 - 06.2022

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Idaho
Christian Girtz