Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

ENZA BALESTRIERI

Freehold,NJ

Summary

Experienced with providing counseling support to diverse client populations. Utilizes therapeutic techniques to address and resolve personal and interpersonal issues. Knowledge of creating compassionate and confidential environment to facilitate client growth and development.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
1
1
Language

Work History

Licensed Associate Counselor (Part-Time)

Rise Up Counseling
Marlboro , NJ
10.2024 - Current
  • Developed individualized treatment plans for 15 clients to address specific needs and goals, resulting in improved mental health outcomes.
  • Maintained detailed case notes and records, contributing to accurate documentation of client progress and outcomes.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' mental health status, identifying areas for growth and improvement.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to individual client needs, leading to more effective treatment outcomes.
  • Contributed to positive workplace culture by collaborating effectively with colleagues on shared cases or projects.
  • Served as a resource for colleagues or trainees seeking guidance in addressing complex client issues, offering insight based on experience and expertise in the field of counseling.

Quality Assurance Specialist

Division of Developmental Disabilities, Waiver and Quality Unit
09.2022 - Current
  • Monitor compliance with federal and state accreditation and professional standards, including maintaining the quality assurance plan, conducting committee activities, and utilizing various review tools and databases
  • Conduct surveys, interviews, and studies to assess, improve, and maintain program effectiveness
  • Provide recommendations to clinical/administrative management and staff based on analysis and evaluation of clinical records and programs, ensuring client health and safety, program efficiency, and adherence to client rights
  • Develop and deliver webinars on federal regulations and compliance for state-funded providers
  • Conducted data review and followed standard practices to find solutions.
  • Collected and analyzed data to measure effectiveness of quality control processes.

Counseling Intern

Mental Health Association of Ocean (MHANJ)
09.2023 - 05.2024
  • Provided counseling and psychoeducation to adults with severe and persistent behavioral health disorders, and those with co-occurring substance abuse/use disorders
  • Facilitated and co-facilitated therapy groups: Grief Recovery Support Group, Symptom Management, Asking for Help (soft skills building) and Conversing with Others (soft skills building)
  • Assisted clients with case management (e.g., identifying or maintaining housing, job placement, job training)
  • Created treatment plans
  • Consulted with supervisors and staff regarding cases and resources
  • Participated in bi-weekly trainings (e.g., trauma, bereavement, CBT, DBT, co-occurring disorders, and various behavioral health disorders)
  • Performed 500 hours of supervised group and individual counseling sessions.

Habilitation Plan Coordinator

Division of Developmental Disabilities, Intensive Case Management and Intake Unit
05.2021 - 09.2022
  • Determined applicant eligibility through effective judgment and information assessment
  • Ensured compliance with intake process requirements, conducting thorough interviews and screenings to gather necessary information for eligibility determinations
  • Managed detailed paperwork accurately and efficiently, adhering to complex local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures
  • Administered the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJCAT) for eligibility determination

Program Specialist 2

Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Treatment and Recovery Support
07.2019 - 05.2021
  • Managed and monitored contracts with agencies ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
  • Oversaw activities for Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS), aiming to enhance the quality of life for families of adults with serious mental illness
  • Developed Supported Employment and Education (SE/SEd) policies and procedures, providing policy interpretation

Program Support Specialist 3

Division of Medication Assistance & Health Services, Institutional Support Services
11.2018 - 07.2019
  • Evaluated personal and financial data to determine Medicaid eligibility, ensuring compliance with program requirements and identifying potential fraud or abuse.
  • Provided explanations of eligibility criteria for program services and approve reimbursements.
  • Reviewed and analyzed fiscal reports and legal documents related to Special Needs Trusts, recommending corrective actions as needed.

Residential Program Specialist/Monitor

Division of Developmental Disabilities, Provider Performance and Monitoring Unit
01.2016 - 11.2018
  • Conducted routine site visits at provider agency group homes and supervised apartments to uphold program integrity and ensure consumer health and safety
  • Offered recommendations for proactive prevention and quality improvement, providing technical assistance to licensed programs
  • Communicated findings of concerning incidents promptly and request Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) as necessary

Provider Recruitment Specialist

Division of Developmental Disabilities, Provider Performance and Monitoring Unit
10.2014 - 12.2015
  • Provided technical assistance to provider agencies with Medicaid Onboarding process
  • Provided education on requirements for the Supports Program and Community Care Waiver eligibility
  • Completed National Core Indicator surveys to assess the services and care of individuals under DDD services

Director, Community Relations

Achilles International
01.2013 - 10.2014
  • Served as a liaison to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and worked with rehabilitation staff to identify individuals who were interested in participating in mainstream athletics.
  • Implemented guidelines, presented key strategies, and effectively fostered public sponsorship opportunities for team of recently wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veteran athletes
  • Increased awareness for state-wide veteran’s programs, developed and delivered presentations to local schools

Education

Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track

Rutgers University

Master of Arts - Psychology

Ashford University

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Ashford University

Skills

  • Fluent in Italian

  • Technological Proficiencies: Database Management, Microsoft Office Suites

Family support

Behavioral assessment

Treatment Planning

Client advocacy

Empathy development

Psychoeducation delivery

Individual counseling

Grief counseling

Multicultural competence

Mental health support

Certification

Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)

Timeline

Licensed Associate Counselor (Part-Time)

Rise Up Counseling
10.2024 - Current

Counseling Intern

Mental Health Association of Ocean (MHANJ)
09.2023 - 05.2024

Quality Assurance Specialist

Division of Developmental Disabilities, Waiver and Quality Unit
09.2022 - Current

Habilitation Plan Coordinator

Division of Developmental Disabilities, Intensive Case Management and Intake Unit
05.2021 - 09.2022

Program Specialist 2

Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Treatment and Recovery Support
07.2019 - 05.2021

Program Support Specialist 3

Division of Medication Assistance & Health Services, Institutional Support Services
11.2018 - 07.2019

Residential Program Specialist/Monitor

Division of Developmental Disabilities, Provider Performance and Monitoring Unit
01.2016 - 11.2018

Provider Recruitment Specialist

Division of Developmental Disabilities, Provider Performance and Monitoring Unit
10.2014 - 12.2015

Director, Community Relations

Achilles International
01.2013 - 10.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Ashford University

Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track

Rutgers University

Master of Arts - Psychology

Ashford University
ENZA BALESTRIERI