DENISE FARRIS
Aurora,CO
Summary
Motivated MSW student with extensive experience supporting justice-involved individuals, at-risk youth, and adults navigating substance use, trauma, and court-related systems. Background includes counseling, crisis intervention, assessment, case coordination, and collaboration with drug courts, law enforcement, and interdisciplinary treatment teams. Brings 1200+ hours of addiction counseling experience, strong documentation skills, and a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. Seeking an MSW internship within Boulder County Community Services to support Pretrial Services, risk assessment, client engagement, and community-based justice interventions.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Addiction Recovery Intern
Yellowstone Recovery
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Provided crisis intervention for individuals with acute safety concerns and referred to appropriate services.
- Conducted client interviews, gathered psychosocial histories, and completed mental health assessments.
- Developed goal-oriented treatment plans aligned with court requirements and recovery expectations.
- Taught coping strategies, relapse-prevention skills, and family-support techniques.
- Completed all documentation in compliance with agency standards, ensuring accuracy for legal reporting.
- Supported clients through all stages of recovery, including withdrawal, stabilization, and discharge planning.
Intern
Continuum Recovery Center
03.2019 - 09.2019
- Screened prospective participants using validated assessment and risk tools.
- Built rapport with individuals navigating SUD, trauma histories, and criminal-legal consequences.
- Facilitated structured individual and group interventions focused on cognitive-behavioral change.
- Strengthened client engagement and treatment compliance, improving court-mandated participation.
- Maintained accurate clinical files, ensuring readiness for review by partner agencies and legal entities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams on treatment planning, case staffing, and communication protocols.
Detention Deputy
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department
05.2005 - 12.2007
- Supervised individuals in secure detention, ensuring adherence to safety standards and behavioral expectations.
- Conducted welfare checks, de-escalated conflicts, and maintained detailed facility documentation.
- Communicated effectively with court staff, probation, and legal teams regarding detainee needs and compliance.
- Gained foundational understanding of the criminal-legal system, due process, and pretrial procedures.
Youth Counselor & Coordinator
Options Youth Services
07.2003 - 08.2005
- Supported at-risk and justice-involved adolescents through group counseling, behavioral coaching, and crisis management.
- Educated clients on substance use, withdrawal, legal consequences, and available detox resources.
- Conducted orientations for youth entering chemical dependency programs and maintained clinical progress notes.
- Partnered with drug court personnel to design individualized treatment plans and ensure compliance with legal mandates.
- Helped youth identify personal goals, understand behavior patterns, and develop prosocial coping strategies.
- Addressed safety issues, documented incidents, and maintained daily attendance and observation logs.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Grand Canyon University
3300 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 851505.2027
M.S. - Addiction Counseling
Grand Canyon University
3300 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 851505.2020
B.S. - Biology & Nursing Science
Newman University
3100 W McCormick Ave. Wichita, KS 6721312.2012
A.A.S. - Police Science & Pre-Nursing
Butler Community College
901 S. Haverhill Rd. El Dorado, KS 6704205.2009
A.A.S. - Certified Surgical Technologist
Wichita Area Technical College
05.1991
Skills
- Justice-Involved Populations & Court Support
- Client Engagement & Interviewing
- Risk Screening & Needs Assessment
- Crisis Intervention & Safety Awareness
- Motivational Interviewing
- Case Management & Documentation Accuracy
- Substance Use Treatment & Recovery Support
- Collaboration with Courts & Law Enforcement
- Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Practice
- Ethical Decision-Making (NASW Standards)
- Treatment Planning & Progress Monitoring
- Professional Communication & Boundary Setting
Affiliations
- American Counseling Association
- National Surgical Technologist Association
Certification
- BLS Certification
- Board Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA)
- 1200+ Hours Addiction Counseling Training
- Courses in Multiracial/Multiethnic Counseling, Nursing/Biology, and Crisis Response
Timeline
Addiction Recovery Intern
Yellowstone Recovery
01.2020 - 05.2020
Intern
Continuum Recovery Center
03.2019 - 09.2019
Detention Deputy
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department
05.2005 - 12.2007
Youth Counselor & Coordinator
Options Youth Services
07.2003 - 08.2005
A.A.S. - Certified Surgical Technologist
Wichita Area Technical College
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Grand Canyon University
M.S. - Addiction Counseling
Grand Canyon University
B.S. - Biology & Nursing Science
Newman University
A.A.S. - Police Science & Pre-Nursing
Butler Community College
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Certified Surgical Technologist — UCHealth Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 08/20/2024 – Present
- Maintain strict adherence to safety, confidentiality, and procedural compliance in a high-stakes medical environment.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating strong communication and precision-based documentation.
Personal Information
Title: MSW INTERNSHIP APPLICANT — JUSTICE SERVICES / PRETRIAL SERVICES