Experienced Office Management and Administration Professional experienced optimizing productivity, efficiency and service quality across various environments. Highly dependable, ethical and reliable support specialist and leader that blends advanced organizational, technical and business acumen. Works effectively with cross-functional teams in ensuring operational and service excellence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Intake Coordinator
Anthony Louis Center / On Belay House
03.2021 - 06.2022
Conducted comprehensive intake assessments to determine appropriate level of care for adolescents with substance use disorders.
Facilitated initial interviews with clients and their families to gather detailed medical, psychological, and social histories with all cultural backgrounds.
Coordinated with interdisciplinary teams, including counselors, social workers, and medical staff, to develop individualized treatment plans.
Maintained accurate and confidential records of client interactions and treatment progress in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability regulations.
Provided crisis intervention and support to adolescents and their families during intake process.
Educated clients and families on treatment process, expectations, and available resources.
Liaised with referral sources, including schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to facilitate seamless admissions.
Monitored and evaluated effectiveness of intake procedures, recommending improvements based on client feedback and outcome data.
Organized and conducted orientation sessions for new clients and their families to acclimate them to treatment environment.
Assisted in training new staff on intake procedures and best practices for client engagement.
Department of Corrections Case Manager
Volunteers Of America Minnesota
05.2019 - 04.2020
Maintained 25 comprehensive and accurate documentation for all cases to ensure strict compliance with Department of Corrections regulations and confidentiality requirements
Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying pertinent issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
Monitored ongoing cases meticulously, adjusting case management strategies as required based on evolving circumstances or new information.
Provided clients with comprehensive education on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make well-informed decisions regarding their care needs.
Facilitated improved inmate behavior and adjustment through consistent monitoring, support, and guidance within correctional setting.
Enhanced inmate rehabilitation by formulating individualized, comprehensive case management plans tailored to specific needs.
Successfully reduced recidivism rates by implementing evidence-based programs and interventions for inmates.
Ensured rigorous monitoring of compliance with pertinent laws, regulations, and policies related to offender supervision and treatment programs.
Promoted positive organizational culture within correctional facility by exemplifying professionalism, ethical behavior, and effective communication among staff members.
Conducted thorough risk assessments and developed proactive strategies to address identified risks, thereby fostering safety within the facility.
Acted as a liaison between inmates, families, legal representatives, probation officers, mental health professionals, educators, employers, and housing providers on matters pertaining to inmate welfare during incarceration or post-release planning.
Provided counseling to inmates, both individually and in group settings, to bring problems to light and implement potential solutions.
Addressed inmate behavior and stability to identify concerning connections or mental health issues.
Arranged substance abuse rehabilitation for offenders and reported violations of parole conditions to appropriate authorities while maintaining comprehensive records of case activity.
Ensured compliance with Federal Prison regulations and served as a dedicated liaison for residents with Bureau of Prisons (BOP), DOC, and Probation Officers before, during, prior to, and after discharge.
Program Unit Supervisor
Volunteers Of America Minnesota/Bar-None
12.2018 - 04.2019
Recruit, lead, manage, train, and develop 30 counseling staff to foster a collaborative and respectful work environment conducive to achieving established objectives.
Conduct and oversee Job Performance Reviews (JPRs) for counseling staff, focusing on program goals and professional development objectives.
Meet organization action goals, including necessary documentation to meet Department of Correction standards.
Conduct weekly team meetings and deliver training to staff on compliance with Department of Corrections/Youth Residential Treatment regulations to ensure adequate staff coverage and provide leadership.
Provide valuable input on clinical matters, treatment plans, and cases to Clinical Coordinator, therapists, schools, families, and court systems, and actively participate in formal treatment reviews.
Establish, maintain, and adjust the program and structure for the living unit's residents in alignment with their developmental levels and needs.
Cultivate an effective team that collaborates towards a common purpose by developing and implementing a group structure that fosters a positive atmosphere for change.
Ensure the privacy of program participants by staying informed and adhering to HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
Oversee staff compensation, raises, and promotions.
Be available for on-call crisis pager duty.
Demonstrate commitment by being willing to work the necessary hours to fulfill the job requirements.
Lead Residential Counselor
Volunteers Of America/Avanti
12.2016 - 12.2018
Provided proactive crisis intervention support during emergencies or critical incidents to ensure the well-being of all involved parties.
Organized and facilitated engaging social activities to foster a sense of community, promoted resident engagement, and cultivated positive peer relationships.
Tailored care plans to address specific resident needs, thereby elevating resident satisfaction.
Set a positive example for staff by consistently demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and a strong work ethic in all resident interactions.
Mentored and equipped new and current Residential Counselors with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Actively participated in, facilitated, and documented program group meetings related to residents, contributing to a supportive environment.
Cultivated a safe and therapeutic atmosphere and served as a positive role model for residents and counselors to emulate.
Collaborated with the Family Therapist and Individual Therapist to develop effective treatment goals and plans for female clients.
Led support groups for female residents aged 13-18, providing valuable guidance and support.
Assisted residents with their daily activities, as well as coordinated and supervised off-site activities.
Utilized Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to redirect negative behaviors and promote positive change.
Supported residents through the use of Mental Health Crisis Management Interventions and facilitated their acquisition of skills and behaviors essential for recovery through teaching DBT.
Chemical Dependency Technician
Eden Prairie/On Belay House
06.2015 - 12.2016
Provided comprehensive education to patients on self-care, coping mechanisms, and available community resources to support their sobriety post-treatment.
Conducted regular urine drug screenings to monitor patient substance use and made necessary adjustments to treatment strategies.
Actively pursued ongoing professional development to remain abreast of the best practices in the field of chemical dependency treatment.
Took the lead in coordinating aftercare plans for discharged patients, ensuring a seamless transition back into their communities.
Additionally, served as a school support liaison for clients and gained considerable experience with inpatient and outpatient full-screen searches.
Developed tailored treatment goals and plans for both female and male adolescents and managed drug screening and urine analysis, while also being trained to administer medication.
Provided valuable assistance to Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors in evaluating clients and collaborated closely with clients to identify potential obstacles to their recovery.
Supervised clients across various facilities, gaining extensive experience in dealing with behavioral difficulties, mental health diagnoses, learning disabilities, and chemical dependence.
Throughout the work, refined problem-solving skills, honed diplomatic abilities, and consistently demonstrated good judgment and sensitivity in interactions with clients and co-workers/supervisors.
Aviation Operations Specialist
United States Army
09.2001 - 12.2009
Assisted in the planning and execution of complex aviation missions, contributing to successful outcomes.
Utilized advanced software programs to track flights accurately in real-time, enabling prompt responses to any arising issues or changes in circumstances.
Supported operations by managing professional communications, tracking data and managing records.
Compiled data and prepared aviation operations and aviation safety reports.
Maintained flight logs on incoming and outgoing flights and individual flights.
Adhered to safety procedures when managing logistics for pilot and ground crew.
Created and implemented filing and organization practices for documents, reports and calendars.
Posted and interpreted weather reports and decoded sequence reports.
Reduced regulatory risks by acquiring documents, certificates, clearances and approvals from appropriate agencies.
Provided critical support for emergency response efforts, aiding in the rapid deployment of resources to affected areas.
Played a vital role in training new Aviation Operations Specialists, sharing knowledge of best practices through mentoring and hands-on guidance.
Improved communication, resulting in increased situational awareness among team members during high-stress situations.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling And Psychological Services
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
2500 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
06.2026
Master of Arts - Psychology
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN
2020
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Midlands Technical College
Columbia, SC
2012
Skills
Crisis Intervention
Staff Development
Multitasking and Organization
Team Leadership
Decision-Making
Relationship Building
Microsoft Office
Coaching and Mentoring
Problem-Solving
Cross-cultural sensitivity
Procentive and Precision Diagnostics
Trainings
Youth Worker Conference 2017 October 2nd-3rd, 2017 - Resilience - topic explored resilience by providing youth workers with practical tips on how to mentally, emotionally, and physically Bounce-Back in the face of adversity.
- The Bounce-Back Factor: Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Success, Dr. Jermaine Davis 2.0 CE Hours
- Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART), Kami Norland 1.5 CE Hours
- Total 9.5 CE Hours with Breakout Workshops
Manager Training (Fundamental of Supervision and Management Volunteers of America- January 15th and 16th, 2019 - John Graci, President & CEO. I was selected for this managerial training after a unit supervisor promotion to Bar None. A two 8 hour session of leadership training teaching transitioning to a leader, treating employees with dignity and respect, employee engagement, leadership interventions, confronting employee situations, sustainability as a leader, performance reviews and progressive discipline.
Minnesota Corrections 2019 Annual Training - October 22nd-25th 2019 - a week of training and networking with colleagues promoting public and institutional safety and supporting victims, while encouraging positive client change.
Psychological First Aid - September 30, 2023 - 5 hour training on how to support people in immediate aftermath of a crisis, disaster, or trauma, learning how to reduce stress symptoms and foster resilience by connecting people with resources, reuniting them with friends and family and offering hope.
- 5 CE Contact Hours
- 5 NBCC Clock Hours
Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Training - Issued by Minnesota State Colleges and University Multiregional Training Center.
- Issued - 4/13/2022 - Renewed by 04/2024
Timeline
Intake Coordinator
Anthony Louis Center / On Belay House
03.2021 - 06.2022
Department of Corrections Case Manager
Volunteers Of America Minnesota
05.2019 - 04.2020
Program Unit Supervisor
Volunteers Of America Minnesota/Bar-None
12.2018 - 04.2019
Lead Residential Counselor
Volunteers Of America/Avanti
12.2016 - 12.2018
Chemical Dependency Technician
Eden Prairie/On Belay House
06.2015 - 12.2016
Aviation Operations Specialist
United States Army
09.2001 - 12.2009
Master of Arts - Counseling And Psychological Services