Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Custom
Timeline
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Christopher Gorman

Huntington,WV

Summary

Passionate supportive counselor committed to helping consumers work toward healing and self-sufficiency while emphasizing personal strengths. Honest and disciplined professional with several years of comprehensive experience in residential and outpatient care. Impeccable communicator possessing ethical decision-making abilities. Compassionate Counselor focused on helping patients overcome personal obstacles. Diligent and resourceful professional with several years of hands-on experience with SUD issues and cultivating personalized treatment plans. Comfortable working either autonomously or in team-based setting to resolve issues.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Supportive Counselor

Lodestar LLC
Huntington, WV
05.2024 - Current
  • Researched best practices in the field of counseling in order to stay current on evidence based treatments.
  • 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.
  • Assisted clients in developing healthy coping skills that could be used during times of stress or difficulty.
  • Created an environment that was safe, supportive, and conducive to learning for all students.
  • Utilized creative approaches such as art therapy or music therapy when working with clients who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
  • Utilized evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
  • Monitored clients' daily activities and responded appropriately when needed.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of client progress and treatment plans.
  • Implemented therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness training into practice.
  • Participated in regular team meetings to discuss case management issues and plan services for clients.
  • Educated staff members about mental health issues affecting students so they can better respond appropriately to those needs.
  • Developed crisis intervention strategies for individuals facing difficult situations or events.
  • Conducted mental health assessments with clients in order to determine appropriate interventions.
  • Provided crisis intervention services for individuals in need of immediate assistance.
  • Helped clients find solutions by teaching appropriate intervention techniques.
  • Provided individual and group counseling to guide clients in areas of social and emotional needs.
  • Documented meetings, interventions and contacts with clients to optimize care.
  • Maintained confidential client records and case notes in compliance with ethical standards and legal requirements.
  • Engaged clients in goal-setting and action planning to promote personal growth and positive life changes.
  • Utilized evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
  • Led support groups for specific client populations, such as those with addiction, grief, or chronic illness.
  • Provided guidance and support to clients during career transitions and educational decision-making processes.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage client engagement and facilitate behavior change.
  • Provided supervision and in-house activities to support program participants.
  • Acted as client advocate to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute mental health issues.
  • Documented patient progress through counseling and interaction.
  • Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to address mental health issues, career concerns, and personal development.

Team Leader

Prestera Center
Huntington, WV
05.2024 - 05.2024
  • Developed strategies for problem solving and conflict resolution among team members.
  • Reviewed customer service surveys and implemented strategies to improve customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Resolved customer complaints in an effective manner while maintaining a high level of customer service.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure alignment of goals across teams.
  • Established clear expectations for employees, providing guidance when needed.
  • Held weekly staff meetings to review project updates, discuss issues, and brainstorm solutions.
  • Assisted with recruitment efforts by interviewing potential candidates and providing input on hiring decisions.
  • Monitored daily workflow to ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
  • Provided coaching and feedback on employee performance, encouraging professional development.
  • Analyzed data from various sources to identify areas of improvement in the department's operations.
  • Coordinated team activities and delegated tasks to ensure efficient completion of projects.
  • Ensured compliance with all safety regulations in the workplace.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews to assess individual team member progress.
  • Participated in regular meetings with senior leadership to provide updates on team progress.
  • Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
  • Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
  • Motivated and empowered team members to build customer satisfaction and loyalty to support retention and growth.
  • Promoted to leadership position in recognition of strong work ethic and provided exceptional customer service.
  • Kept work areas clean, neat and free of safety hazards to maximize efficiency.
  • Developed and monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess team effectiveness.
  • Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
  • Established clear team goals aligned with company objectives, tracking progress regularly.
  • Maintained daily inventory to facilitate successful material distribution.
  • Managed conflict resolution within the team to maintain a positive work environment.
  • Collaborated with other departments to streamline processes and improve interdepartmental cooperation.
  • Implemented strategic plans to enhance team performance and productivity.
  • Oversaw training and development programs to enhance team skills and knowledge.
  • Coordinated daily operations, ensuring team adherence to company policies and procedures.
  • Monitored team workload to prevent burnout and ensure equitable task distribution.
  • Ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in all team activities.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with senior management, reporting team progress and challenges.
  • Offered training and support to keep team members motivated and working toward objectives.
  • Facilitated team meetings to discuss targets, strategies, and address any issues.
  • Allocated resources effectively to ensure project completion within deadlines and budget.
  • Negotiated with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms and improve bottom-line results.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and personalized coaching.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.

Primary Direct Care

Thrive Behavioral Network LLC
Detroit Lakes, MN
09.2022 - 05.2023
  • Participated in on-call rotation to provide support after hours.
  • Monitored staff's performance to ensure that quality standards were met.
  • Developed strategies for improving customer service levels within the organization.
  • Resolved conflicts between staff members or between staff and residents when necessary.
  • Scheduled medical appointments for residents as needed.
  • Assisted with the development of departmental budgets and goals.
  • Ensured compliance with state regulations and facility policies.
  • Provided orientation, training and supervision of direct care staff.
  • Evaluated job performance of direct care staff through observation, coaching, feedback, and formal reviews.
  • Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss resident progress.
  • Initiated investigations into allegations of abuse or neglect.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques as needed for residents.
  • Responded to emergency situations quickly and appropriately.
  • Performed medication administration duties as required by policy.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of all services provided to residents.
  • Transported and accompanied residents to and from medical appointments, shopping trips, recreational activities and scheduled activities.
  • Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
  • Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
  • Administered fiscal operations for accounting, budget planning, authorizing expenditures and coordinating reporting.
  • Directed, supervised and evaluated medical, clerical or maintenance personnel.
  • Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
  • Built work schedules and staff assignments, taking workload, space and equipment availability into consideration.
  • Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
  • Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.

Residential House Manager

Prestera Center
Huntington, WV
08.2019 - 09.2022
  • Ensured that all areas were clean and presentable at all times.
  • Created monthly reports on the condition of the property for management review.
  • Organized the storage of documents, furniture, appliances.
  • Collaborated with local authorities on matters concerning health and safety regulations within the premises.
  • Maintained records of supplies, equipment, and services purchased.
  • Provided support to tenants during their stay in the residential house.
  • Coordinated move-in and move-out activities for tenants.
  • Arranged transportation services for tenants when necessary.
  • Managed scheduling of staff and contractors, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
  • Conducted regular safety checks and implemented preventive measures as necessary.
  • Scheduled regular inspections to identify any potential problems or issues with the building's infrastructure or groundskeeping needs.
  • Resolved tenant complaints promptly and professionally.
  • Assisted in developing policies and procedures related to residential life at the property.
  • Inspected property regularly to ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Monitored security systems to ensure proper functioning at all times.
  • Developed emergency plans in case of fire or other emergencies.
  • Prepared budget forecasts based on past expenditure data and upcoming projects requiring funding approval from management authorities.
  • Performed minor repairs and maintenance as needed.
  • Offered positive reinforcement and taught life skills regarding chores and cooking techniques.
  • Oversaw the intake and discharge processes, which included filling out paperwork, for individuals.
  • Answered telephones and routed calls or delivered messages.
  • Fostered relationships with residents and worked with new residents to optimize acclimation and ease transition to new living environment.
  • Developed and deepened relationships with residents and fellow staff.
  • Interfaced with residents to address and resolve complaints or grievances.
  • Led campus tours, new resident orientation and ongoing educational sessions.
  • Conducted regular rounds to keep residents and areas safe and secure.
  • Responded to crisis situations quickly to maintain calm and immediately determine level of assistance needed.
  • Compiled residents' daily activities and quantities of supplies used to prepare reports
  • Administered, coordinated or recommended disciplinary and corrective actions.
  • Conferred with medical personnel to understand backgrounds and needs of residents.
  • Chaperoned group-sponsored trips and social functions.
  • Communicated with staff to resolve problems with individual students.
  • Led weekly meetings to address resident concerns and educate on changes to policies and procedures.

Behavioral Residential Specialists

Prestera Center
Huntington, WV
06.2018 - 09.2019
  • Served as an advocate for clients by attending court hearings or speaking with outside agencies on their behalf.
  • Collaborated with other professionals, including social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists, to ensure comprehensive care for residents.
  • Assisted clients with daily activities such as meal preparation, personal hygiene and medication administration.
  • Ensured that all safety protocols were followed at all times.
  • Supported clients in developing independent living skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking.
  • Provided case management services to clients in a residential setting.
  • Engaged in leisure and recreational activities with residents to promote healthy lifestyles.
  • Maintained accurate records of client progress and provided updates to supervisors as needed.
  • Monitored client behavior throughout the day and documented any changes or incidents.
  • Coordinated referrals for additional services such as vocational training or job placement assistance.
  • Encouraged positive behavior through modeling appropriate interactions with others.
  • Created individualized life plans for each resident outlining short-term and long-term goals.
  • Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for residents.
  • Participated in team meetings to review cases and develop strategies for addressing challenging behaviors.
  • Assisted in transitioning individuals from residential settings into community-based programs.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary.
  • Spoke respectfully to residents, demonstrating how to properly behave and properly communicate.
  • Observed strict security measures both in-home and when out in public to keep residents and staff members safe.
  • Kept meticulous records for residents, carefully documenting medication, behavioral issues and feeding patterns.
  • Transported and supervised residents through shopping trips, doctor appointments and activities.
  • Provided assistance with daily self-care, preparing meals, laundry, and other household chores.
  • Fostered relationships with residents and worked with new residents to optimize acclimation and ease transition to new living environment.
  • Led weekly meetings to address resident concerns and educate on changes to policies and procedures.
  • Led campus tours, new resident orientation and ongoing educational sessions.
  • Interfaced with residents to address and resolve complaints or grievances.
  • Completed daily resident welfare checks and coordinated with facility staff to meet resident needs.
  • Developed and deepened relationships with residents and fellow staff.
  • Responded to crisis situations quickly to maintain calm and immediately determine level of assistance needed.
  • Fostered a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the residence hall.
  • Organized and led weekly floor meetings to communicate policy updates and address resident concerns.
  • Tracked participation in residence life programs and assessed the impact on resident engagement.
  • Provided emotional support and guidance to residents, referring them to campus resources when necessary.
  • Conducted regular room inspections to maintain health and safety standards.
  • Maintained detailed records of resident interactions, incidents, and program attendance.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution among residents to maintain a peaceful and respectful community.
  • Served as a liaison between residents and housing administration to communicate needs and feedback.
  • Monitored and enforced residence hall policies to ensure a safe and secure living environment.
  • Managed day-to-day activities involving tenants, subcontractors and property management.

Education

GED -

WV Department of Education
09-2004

Skills

  • Therapy
  • Counseling
  • Supportive counseling
  • Community resources specialist
  • Suicide precautions expertise
  • Career Counseling
  • Crisis Intervention Techniques
  • Clinical documentation mastery
  • Client Advocacy
  • Behavior Modification

Custom

I have 32 years of lived experience in SUD and 7 years experience working in the field. In that 7 years I have worked with consumers who are on MAT, or practicing the abstinent model through a traditional 12 step program. I also have experience working with dual-diagnosis and consumers with TBI's. I am in long term recovery with 8 years of sobriety.

Timeline

Supportive Counselor

Lodestar LLC
05.2024 - Current

Team Leader

Prestera Center
05.2024 - 05.2024

Primary Direct Care

Thrive Behavioral Network LLC
09.2022 - 05.2023

Residential House Manager

Prestera Center
08.2019 - 09.2022

Behavioral Residential Specialists

Prestera Center
06.2018 - 09.2019

GED -

WV Department of Education
Christopher Gorman