CJ Lewis
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Compassionate Peer Support Specialist with over 7 years of extensive experience in crisis counseling and case management. Proficient in employing therapeutic techniques and certified in various peer support roles, including Certified Recovery Coach and CPS Supervisor. Achievements include successfully supporting individuals in recovery, leading teams, and managing impactful programs. Committed to enhancing mental health services, with a focus on creating supportive environments that empower individuals towards recovery.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recovery Specialist II
Telecare Pierce E&T
Milton, WA
08.2025 - Current
Lead Peer Support Specialist
Behavioral Health Solutions
Tacoma, WA
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Facilitated peer support groups, promoting recovery and empowerment among individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Developed individualized action plans, ensuring alignment with clients' personal goals and treatment needs.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients, enhancing treatment outcomes.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and available resources to improve overall well-being and resilience.
- Trained new peer support specialists, sharing best practices for effective client engagement and support techniques.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement in client services.
- Led workshops on mental health awareness, increasing community understanding and reducing stigma associated with behavioral health issues.
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
Crisis Peer Counselor
Seneca Family of Agencies
Tacoma
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Provided emotional support to individuals navigating mental health challenges.
- Facilitated group sessions promoting peer interaction and shared experiences.
- Developed resource materials to enhance client understanding of available services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and appropriate interventions.
- Advocated for clients' rights, ensuring access to necessary resources and support services.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a trusting environment for open communication and mental health support.
- Improved client self-awareness by guiding them through personal reflection exercises and goal-setting activities.
- Established boundaries with clients while maintaining empathy and understanding throughout the therapeutic process.
- Served as a liaison between clients and healthcare providers, promoting continuity of care across different settings.
- Ensured confidentiality and privacy by adhering to all ethical guidelines and legal requirements within the counseling profession.
- Empowered clients by teaching them effective communication skills for expressing their thoughts and feelings.
- Coordinated with external agencies to develop collaborative approaches to best serve our shared clientele.
Peer Support Specialist
Boulder Care
09.2022 - 11.2023
- Facilitated peer support sessions, promoting recovery-oriented practices among clients.
- Developed personalized recovery plans, aligning with individual goals and needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client care and outcomes.
- Educated clients on available resources and coping strategies for challenges.
- Mentored junior staff in effective support techniques and best practices.
- Led initiatives to improve service delivery, enhancing overall client satisfaction.
- Advocated for client needs within the healthcare system, ensuring access to services.
- Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to promote continued growth and success.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals and provided support during their journey towards achieving them.
- Enhanced client recovery by providing emotional support and practical guidance.
- Developed trusting relationships with clients by maintaining confidentiality, respect, and non-judgmental attitudes.
- Empowered clients by teaching effective problem-solving skills that they can apply in real-life situations.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, supporting case management efforts.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach for clients through active listening and empathy.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage clients to engage in healthy behaviors.
Case Manager I
Greater Lakes F-PATH Team
Lakewood
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Coordinated individualized care plans for diverse clientele, ensuring comprehensive support and resource allocation.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor client progress and adjust interventions as necessary.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings to enhance communication and collaboration among service providers.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and encouraging engagement in treatment processes.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve service delivery and client outcomes consistently.
- Streamlined documentation processes, enhancing accuracy and compliance with organizational standards.
- Advocated for client needs within community resources, promoting access to essential services and support systems.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
Café Manager/Recovery Support Specialist/Case Manager
Recovery Café Orting Valley
Orting
10.2018 - 01.2021
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and optimal staff performance.
- Implemented training programs for new employees, enhancing service quality and team cohesion.
- Developed and executed inventory management strategies to reduce waste and improve supply efficiency.
- Coordinated scheduling to optimize staffing levels during peak hours, improving customer satisfaction.
- Fostered community relationships by organizing events that increased local engagement and café visibility.
- Led regular staff meetings to communicate goals, address concerns, and promote collaborative culture.
- Oversaw daily cafe operations to maintain smooth workflow in both front-of-house and back-of-house areas.
- Trained cafe employees to consistently exceed customers' expectations and provide superior service.
- Established a welcoming atmosphere, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout the cafe.
- Filled in for absent employees in any position in cafe, keeping operations efficient even when short-handed.
- Kept staff motivated with regular feedback sessions, recognition of achievements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Handled business administration functions such as payroll, cash register counting, and supply ordering.
- Enhanced team productivity through effective scheduling, task delegation, and performance evaluations.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations by implementing strict sanitation protocols and employee training initiatives.
House Mom/Mentor
New Phoebe House Associations
Tacoma
03.2017 - 09.2019
Administrative Assistant/Recovery Coach
Recovery Cafe Tacoma
Tacoma
03.2017 - 11.2018
Skills
- Performed data entry tasks to support efficient record-keeping and information retrieval
- Oversaw the integration of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams to enhance team productivity and collaboration Guided team members in leveraging software features to optimize project workflows Championed effective communication strategies through Teams to ensure alignment on project goals
- Cultivated a positive work environment to enhance team performance and morale
- Implemented de-escalation strategies to maintain a calm and productive environment
- Developed and implemented crisis management protocols to safeguard operations and maintain stakeholder trust
- Implemented motivational interviewing techniques to foster open communication and empower individuals in their personal development
- Adopted person-centered strategies to improve service delivery
- Cultivated an open-minded approach to enhance collaboration and creativity
- Utilized a non-judgmental approach to enhance client interactions and support personal growth
- Managed concurrent responsibilities to ensure seamless workflow and timely project completion
- Employed adaptive strategies to effectively navigate diverse challenges and situations
- Leveraged interpersonal skills to facilitate effective communication and conflict resolution
- Applied analytical skills to troubleshoot issues and enhance workflow efficiency
- Implemented strategies for team development to foster a culture of continuous improvement
- Led training sessions to develop team skills and competencies Fostered a culture of mentorship to promote professional growth among staff Coordinated with management to align training programs with organizational goals
Certification
- Certified Peer Counselor HCA
- Certified Peer Specialist HCA
- Peer NAMI 2017
- National 2019
- Certified Recovery Coach Trainer (CCAR)
- CPS Supervisor HCA
- Certified Recovery Coach CCAR
- Agency Affiliated Counselor HCA
Timeline
Recovery Specialist II
Telecare Pierce E&T
08.2025 - Current
Lead Peer Support Specialist
Behavioral Health Solutions
11.2024 - 04.2025
Crisis Peer Counselor
Seneca Family of Agencies
06.2024 - 10.2024
Peer Support Specialist
Boulder Care
09.2022 - 11.2023
Case Manager I
Greater Lakes F-PATH Team
09.2021 - 01.2022
Café Manager/Recovery Support Specialist/Case Manager
Recovery Café Orting Valley
10.2018 - 01.2021
House Mom/Mentor
New Phoebe House Associations
03.2017 - 09.2019
Administrative Assistant/Recovery Coach
Recovery Cafe Tacoma
03.2017 - 11.2018