Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Desiree Williams

Fort Pierce,Florida

Summary

Working with youth and families has always been a passion for me. During my 13 years of employment with the St. Lucie County School District, I've devoted my knowledge, time, and effort to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for students and parents. After successfully satisfying all requirements for teacher and school counselor certification, I’ve had the opportunity to indulge in a classroom setting, applying instructional skills to students. Upon receiving my master’s in mental health counseling, it prepared me for my tenure at Legacy Behavioral Health as a mental health counselor servicing children, adolescents, and adults of all needs. This experience enlightened me with therapy and various strategies to continue to support children, adolescents, and adultThe position I'm applying for will give me the opportunity to exercise those therapeutic skills, and become a part of a life-changing career.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

School Counselor

St. Lucie County School District
Ft. Pierce, Florida
08.2019 - Current
  • Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school.
  • Assisted families in understanding resources available within the community to address their needs.
  • Identified cases of abuse, encouraging students or parents to seek assistance from mental health professionals.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive counseling programs that address students' academic, career, and personal and social development needs.
  • Advised students on course selection decisions based on their goals and strengths.
  • Served as a liaison between schools, families, agencies and other stakeholders involved in providing appropriate supports for students.
  • Evaluated students' academic and career plans to assist in setting realistic goals.
  • Maintained student records and developed individual education and behavior plans to promote student success.
  • Consulted with families and staff to discuss strategies necessary for improved student social and academic performance.
  • Identified at-risk students to provide support for successful academic experience and personal growth.
  • Worked with parents and teachers to implement consistent behavior therapy techniques at home and school.
  • Utilized data-driven decision-making to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of counseling programs and interventions.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques aimed at increasing positive behaviors among students.
  • Facilitated transition planning for students moving from elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and beyond.

Therapist

Legacy Behavioral Health
Lucie, Florida
05.2019 - 09.2024
  • Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
  • Provided case management services including linking clients to necessary social services or community supports.
  • Diagnosed mental health, emotional and substance abuse disorders.
  • Implemented evidence-based interventions based on best practices in the field of mental health counseling.
  • Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss happenings in life to help develop insight into themselves or relationships.
  • Conducted initial assessments of clients to diagnose mental health disorders and develop treatment plans.
  • Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Modified treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.
  • Demonstrated sensitivity and competence in treating patients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Created educational materials about mental health topics for distribution at local events.
  • Applied advanced counseling techniques to define patient and family issues.
  • Gained complete knowledge of relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes and regulations to adhere to best practice standards for professional practice.
  • Counseled family members to assist in understanding, dealing with or supporting clients or patients.
  • Conferred with clients to discuss treatment options and therapy goals.

Targeted Case Manager

Communities Connected for Kids
Fort Pierce, FL
03.2019 - 05.2020
  • Facilitated groups focused on self-sufficiency skills development and life enrichment activities.
  • Maintained accurate and concise records of clients' diagnoses, medications and services.
  • Attended court hearings related to child welfare cases involving families receiving case management services.
  • Educated clients and their families about their rights and available community resources.
  • Developed individualized service plans with measurable goals and objectives in collaboration with clients.
  • Developed trusting relationships with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies.
  • Directed activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
  • Communicated with legal services providers, social services agencies, and local judicial systems regarding cases.
  • Advocates on behalf of clients in order to secure necessary resources or entitlements from government agencies or private providers.
  • Implemented crisis intervention strategies as needed to address emergent client issues.
  • Advocated on behalf of clients to secure necessary services and support.
  • Monitored and kept meticulous records of patient treatment plans and response of patient to medication.
  • Monitored client progress towards achieving established goals through regular contact both in person and over the phone.

Education

S.W.E.L.L participant -

Florida Atlantic University
05.2022

M.A - Mental Health Counseling

Webster University
05.2019

Skills

  • Crisis intervention
  • Behavior modification
  • Mental health diagnosis
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Case management
  • Treatment planning
  • Record keeping
  • Communication strategies
  • Conflict resolution
  • Cultural competence
  • Collaboration skills
  • Community resources
  • Family counseling
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Confidential records
  • Interdisciplinary team collaboration
  • Solution-focused brief therapy
  • Intake screening
  • Patient referrals
  • Clinical interventions
  • Discharge planning
  • Child and adolescent counseling
  • Care plan development
  • Play therapy techniques
  • Safety and risk assessments
  • Grief counseling
  • Mental health evaluations

Certification

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • Educator Prekindergarten-3rd
  • School Counselor K-12
  • Targeted Case Management

References

  • John Young-Wilks, MA, MBA, MHA, MHR, LMHC

Riverview Community Mental Health Center (772) 577-0405

  • Desiraee Thomas, MSW Social Worker

St. Lucie County School Board (772) 834-1094 

  • Ashley Lee, Teacher, RBT

St. Lucie County School Board (772) 284-5887

Timeline

School Counselor

St. Lucie County School District
08.2019 - Current

Therapist

Legacy Behavioral Health
05.2019 - 09.2024

Targeted Case Manager

Communities Connected for Kids
03.2019 - 05.2020

S.W.E.L.L participant -

Florida Atlantic University

M.A - Mental Health Counseling

Webster University

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Desiree Williams