Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Donnice Smith

Anaheim,CA

Summary

Dynamic SUD Counselor II at HealthRight360.ORG with expertise in crisis intervention and client advocacy. Proven track record in enhancing client satisfaction through empathetic support and effective treatment planning. Skilled in maintaining accurate documentation and fostering self-sufficiency, leading to improved outcomes for individuals facing substance dependence and mental health challenges.


Insightful Counselor familiar with Substance Abuse/Mental Health treatment protocols. Adept at responding to emergency situations calmly and respectfully. Passionate about patient support and resource advocacy.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

SUD Counselor II

HealthRight360.ORG
05.2025 - Current
  • Assist clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions.
  • Educate clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Manage patients with substance dependence disorders.
  • Educate clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Guide clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Participates in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
  • Provide crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
  • Communicate regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
  • Provide crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and stabilization.
  • Supported clients in development of healthy coping strategies, leading to improved life management skills.
  • Foster supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
  • Guide clients in development of personal goals and strategies for achieving them.
  • Listen to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
  • Provide education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
  • Support individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Place forth, safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.

SUD Counselor I

HealthRight360.ORG
03.2024 - 05.2025
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Managed patients with substance dependence disorders.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
  • Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.

SUD Counselor I

HealthRight360.Org
04.2024 - 10.2024
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and stabilization.
  • Maintained detailed client records to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
  • Supported clients in development of healthy coping strategies, leading to improved life management skills.
  • Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
  • Managed patients with substance dependence disorders.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
  • Fostered supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.

SUD Counselor I

HealthRight360.ORG
01.2023 - 02.2024
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
  • Managed patients with substance dependence disorders.
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
  • Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
  • Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
  • Led psychoeducational groups to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
  • Facilitated workshops on stress management techniques, leading to better client self-care strategies.
  • Guided clients in development of personal goals and strategies for achieving them.
  • Fostered supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
  • Improved client coping mechanisms with introduction of evidence-based practices.
  • Facilitated client self-discovery and personal growth through reflective exercises and discussions.
  • Advocated for clients' needs, connecting them with community resources to support their well-being.
  • Improved client self-esteem and communication skills through targeted therapeutic techniques.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and stabilization.
  • Maintained detailed client records to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
  • Supported clients in development of healthy coping strategies, leading to improved life management skills.
  • Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
  • Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
  • Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.

Caregiver

Amada Senior Care
03.2022 - 04.2023
  • Assisted clients with activities of daily living, promoting independence and quality of life.
  • Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
  • Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
  • Performed light housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness standards while respecting the patient''s personal space.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
  • Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
  • Maintained a safe and clean environment for patients, reducing risks and ensuring optimal health outcomes.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Assisted patients with self-administered medications.
  • Provided safe mobility support to help patients move around personal and public spaces.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families during challenging times, fostering trust and strong relationships.
  • Maintained clean personal areas and prepared healthy meals to support client nutritional needs.
  • Prioritized patient dignity, privacy, and autonomy during all aspects of care provision.
  • Supported clients with mental support and physical activities to accomplish quality of life and sustain needs.
  • Prepared nutritious meals according to dietary restrictions, supporting clients'' overall health through balanced nutrition.
  • Coordinated closely with family members regarding updates on patient conditions or concerns that arose during the course of caregiving duties.
  • Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
  • Documented detailed daily reports on each client''s progress, informing adjustments in care plans when necessary.
  • Recognized and reported abnormalities or changes in patients' health status to case manager.
  • Recorded patients' pulse, blood pressure and respirations (TPRs) to assess and document important health information.
  • Replaced bandages, dressings, and binders to care for wounds and encourage healing.
  • Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.

Eligibility Specialist

United Healthcare
10.2016 - 03.2022
  • Reduced errors in eligibility determinations by maintaining thorough knowledge of program guidelines and regulations.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate eligibility determination for various assistance programs.
  • Provided exceptional customer service through prompt response times, clear communication channels, and diligent follow-up practices.
  • Resolved discrepancies with client applications to verify eligibility.
  • Maintained detailed records of client interactions, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients by effectively communicating complex program requirements and processes.
  • Coordinated referral services for eligible families, connecting them with vital support systems and resources.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between program stages by coordinating closely with internal departments and external partners as needed.
  • Assisted clients in overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency through targeted interventions and resource coordination.
  • Interviewed applicants and explained scope of different available benefits.
  • Processed and certified documents for accuracy and compliance with government regulations.
  • Communicated with people from various cultures and backgrounds on application process.
  • Established trust with clients by consistently demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to their wellbeing.
  • Reviewed applications for different aid programs and determined which qualification criteria for individuals.
  • Followed guidelines when reviewing applicant data to determine eligibility for economic assistance.
  • Supported continuous improvement initiatives within the agency through active participation in training sessions and workshops.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support for clients in need of assistance.
  • Built relationships with diverse stakeholders to achieve successful program implementation.
  • Facilitated smoother operations by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of changes in regulations and policies affecting eligibility.
  • Enhanced public understanding of eligibility criteria by creating and distributing informative brochures and materials.
  • Provided personalized assistance to applicants, guiding them through application process and improving overall experience.
  • Improved team morale and productivity with regular team-building activities and open communication channels.
  • Improved client satisfaction with prompt and precise communication regarding eligibility status and benefits information.
  • Assisted clients with completion of applications and paperwork.

Education

Master of Science - Human Services/Specialization in Gerontology

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
08-2019

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

California State University, Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA
08-2015

Associate of Arts - Sociology

El Camino College
Torrance, CA
04-2010

High School Diploma -

Nathaniel Narbonne High School
Harbor City, CA
06-1993

Skills

  • Skilled in intake interviewing
  • HIPAA
  • Mental health support
  • Self-care strategies
  • Building rapport
  • Client advocacy
  • Crisis intervention techniques
  • Behavior monitoring
  • Career counseling
  • Crisis response
  • Psychoeducation
  • Adept at conflict resolution
  • Anger management
  • Client records management
  • Treatment plans
  • Empathy development
  • Relapse prevention
  • Suicide prevention
  • Client needs assessment
  • Multicultural competence
  • Crisis intervention
  • Intervention planning
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Care planning
  • Expertise in crisis intervention techniques
  • Client counseling
  • Family dynamics
  • Adept at treatment and discharge planning
  • Case management proficiency
  • Substance abuse counseling
  • Behavior modification
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expert
  • Case management and documentation
  • Time management
  • Team collaboration
  • Decision-making
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional support

Timeline

SUD Counselor II

HealthRight360.ORG
05.2025 - Current

SUD Counselor I

HealthRight360.Org
04.2024 - 10.2024

SUD Counselor I

HealthRight360.ORG
03.2024 - 05.2025

SUD Counselor I

HealthRight360.ORG
01.2023 - 02.2024

Caregiver

Amada Senior Care
03.2022 - 04.2023

Eligibility Specialist

United Healthcare
10.2016 - 03.2022

Master of Science - Human Services/Specialization in Gerontology

Capella University

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

California State University, Dominguez Hills

Associate of Arts - Sociology

El Camino College

High School Diploma -

Nathaniel Narbonne High School
Donnice Smith