Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Awards
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Ernest Lowenkopf

Whitesboro,USA

Summary

Compassionate and results-driven behavioral health professional with extensive experience supporting individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Adept at working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams—including clinical, nursing, counseling, and administrative staff—to ensure comprehensive, person-centered care. Proven ability to engage clients in one-on-one settings, fostering motivation and building critical recovery and life skills. Committed to ongoing professional development and consistently seeking out trainings and certifications to enhance service delivery. A dependable team player with a strong work ethic and a passion for contributing meaningfully to any agency’s mission. Dedicated to providing empathetic, high-quality care and becoming a valuable asset to any organization.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Counselor 1/Clinic Assessor

Insights of Helio Health
02.2025 - Current
  • Conducted comprehensive screenings, assessments, and diagnostic evaluations for individuals seeking treatment for substance use and mental health disorders.
  • Maintained a dynamic caseload, providing clinical interventions including intake, orientation, crisis support, treatment planning, referrals, and case management.
  • Delivered brief counseling services and psychoeducation to individuals based on assessment outcomes and diagnostic tools such as LOCADTR, AUDIT, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and C-SSRS.
  • Collaborated with clinical teams, external agencies, and community providers to coordinate care and ensure continuity of services.
  • Accurately documented assessments, treatment recommendations, and clinical impressions in compliance with OMH and OASAS regulatory standards.
  • Provided referrals for psychiatric evaluation, nursing assessments, and internal wraparound services including peer support and case management.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings, trainings, and administrative committees to support program development and quality assurance.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented practices, and person-centered approaches in all clinical interactions.
  • Utilized electronic medical records (EMR) systems to manage and maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation.

CORE SERVICE PROVIDER (PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION/PEER SUPPORT)

CNY Youth Connections/ICAN
12.2022 - Current
  • Provided Psycho-Social Rehabilitation services with a focus on employment readiness, supporting clients in developing vocational goals and job-related skills.
  • Delivered Psycho-Social Rehabilitation services centered on educational advancement, including GED preparation, enrollment assistance, and academic support.
  • Supported clients in achieving PSR/Habilitation goals using the "Choose, Get, Keep" framework to build sustainable life skills.
  • Documented service delivery and client progress using Foothold Technology’s AWARDS Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in compliance with regulatory and agency standards.
  • Collaborated with case managers and care managers to ensure coordinated service planning and continuity of care.
  • Shared relevant lived experience related to mental health and substance use recovery to foster trust and engagement with clients.
  • Developed and maintained individualized service plans, regularly adjusting to align with evolving client needs and goals.
  • Provided Peer Support services by offering mentorship, recovery-focused guidance, and wellness tools rooted in shared lived experience.

RESIDENTIAL AIDE (PER DIEM)

Rescue Mission of Utica Emergency Shelter/Parker House Residential Program (DOCCS)
08.2020 - Current
  • Worked within the Parker House Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) residential facility, ensuring compliance with DOCCS regulations and PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) standards.
  • Maintained professional communication with Parole Officers regarding resident compliance, progress, and behavioral concerns.
  • Conducted comprehensive intake assessments for newly admitted residents to determine service needs related to substance use, mental health, and housing.
  • Administered urinalysis screenings and breathalyzer tests to monitor substance use and support a safe, drug-free environment.
  • Utilized ExacqVision surveillance software to monitor facility grounds and ensure security.
  • Completed mandated reports and incident documentation in accordance with the New York State Department of Shelters and Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) guidelines.
  • Documented client interactions, assessments, and progress notes in the Foothold Technology AWARDS Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
  • Provided peer mentorship and recovery support to residents struggling with substance use, mental health challenges, and housing instability.
  • Conducted searches of resident living areas and belongings when required to ensure safety and rule compliance.
  • Authored detailed progress notes summarizing client behavior, engagement, and treatment progress.

LEAD PEER SPECIALIST

Insights of Helio Health
06.2023 - 02.2025
  • Provide direct supervision and support to Peer Specialists in coordination with the Outpatient Team Leader, ensuring alignment with program goals and service standards.
  • Mentor Peer Specialists in professional development and career advancement, including assistance with obtaining credentials through the New York Certification Board (CRPA) and the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYCPS).
  • Actively participate in local treatment court panels, offering peer-informed insights to support client-centered legal outcomes.
  • Assist in onboarding and training new Peer Specialists across Outpatient services and other Helio Health departments, fostering consistency and excellence in peer support.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of peer documentation, offering constructive feedback and guidance that encourages strength-based, recovery-oriented approaches.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of a structured monthly calendar of patient activities to enhance engagement, recovery capital, and community integration.
  • Maintain active communication and collaborative relationships with external agencies and providers to ensure seamless referrals and continuity of care for individuals in need of behavioral health services.

PEER SPECIALIST (FULL-TIME)

Insights of Helio Health
02.2022 - 06.2023
  • Engaging with outpatient clients with substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder in the Peer/Recovery Coach role to assist them in eliminating barriers in their recovery and lives.
  • Assisting Open-Access with helping walk-in clients who do not currently have charts get into detox and/or inpatient/outpatient treatment. Then monitoring their progress afterwards.
  • Providing non-clinical crisis support to clients at Insights and within the community.
  • Provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
  • Co-Facilitating Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) groups with outpatient.
  • Facilitating Peer-Lead groups with Residential clients (4 Pillars of Recovery & 12-Step Recovery).
  • Meeting with clients from outpatient and residential for individual sessions.
  • Documenting notes in the Avatar data reporting program from individual sessions, groups and contact notes.
  • Shadowing Forensic Mental Health Counselors at Oneida County Correctional Facility.
  • Co-facilitating various outpatient and intensive outpatient groups with Counseling staff.
  • Resource brokering for clients with various agencies to assist in getting them the services they need.

RECOVERY PEER ADVOCATE (PART-TIME)

Center for Family Life and Recovery
05.2021 - 05.2022
  • Facilitated weekly men's recovery groups at Catholic Charities Micah Office of Mental Health, supporting individuals in building coping skills and emotional resilience.
  • Led Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) sessions for Drug Court participants, promoting accountability, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral change.
  • Co-facilitated community-based HOPE events in Utica and Rome to increase awareness of recovery resources and reduce stigma around mental health and substance use.
  • Delivered one-on-one peer support in both office and community settings through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), assisting individuals in developing personal recovery plans.
  • Documented service delivery using the GIRPS model (Goal, Intervention, Response, Progress, Signature) to ensure thorough, person-centered notes aligned with Medicaid billing standards.
  • Designed event and outreach materials using Canva, Microsoft Word, and Publisher to support community engagement and program visibility.
  • Participated in weekly Peer Collaborative workshops to enhance skill development through peer case studies, scenario planning, and role-playing exercises.
  • Conducted outreach efforts throughout the Utica/Rome region to build relationships with individuals and community partners, fostering connection to services.
  • Completed civilian orientation and training at Oneida County Correctional Facility to better support justice-involved individuals transitioning to community-based care.
  • Engaged in continuing education through agency-sponsored trainings related to peer advocacy, trauma-informed care, and recovery support models.
  • Actively participated in Oneida County Opioid Task Force meetings, contributing peer-informed perspectives to regional harm reduction and prevention strategies.

COUNSELOR AIDE

Insights of Helio Health
05.2021 - 02.2022
  • Supported clinical staff by addressing day-to-day needs of residential clients in a structured therapeutic environment.
  • Administered and documented Self-Administered Medication (SAM) in accordance with agency policy and client treatment plans.
  • Conducted routine and as-needed room searches to promote a safe and substance-free living environment for residents and staff.
  • Monitored facility security through Exacqvision camera surveillance software to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.
  • Accurately documented resident interactions, observations, and incidents using the Avatar Electronic Health Record system.
  • Delivered non-clinical crisis support to residents experiencing acute distress related to substance use or mental health conditions.
  • Assisted with fire drills and maintained overall facility safety, ensuring residents were informed of emergency protocols.
  • Supervised and documented urine drug screens and breathalyzer testing to monitor resident compliance with program expectations.
  • Provided transportation for residents to medical, legal, and community appointments to support continuity of care.
  • Coordinated and facilitated resident visitation sessions with family and approved support networks, fostering healthy relational connections.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Addiction Studies

SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY
12-2025

Credentialed Alcohol Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T) -

Helio Health Training Institute
Syracuse, NY
11.2023

Recovery Coach Professional - undefined

Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery
Hartford, CT
09.2023

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate-Family - undefined

New York Certification Board
Albany, NY
05.2023

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach - undefined

New York Certification Board
Albany, NY
05.2023

New York Certified Peer Specialist - undefined

New York Peer Specialist Certification Board
Albany, NY
11.2022

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate - undefined

New York Certification Board
Albany, NY
07.2022

Skills

  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong networks with local agencies, treatment providers, and community resources to facilitate comprehensive wraparound services for clients
  • Consistently exhibits a trauma-informed, empathic, and culturally responsive approach in client interactions, fostering trust and engagement in the therapeutic process
  • Proficient in clinical documentation systems including Avatar and AWARDS, as well as administrative platforms such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word), Adobe Photoshop, Powerpoint, CorelDRAW, and Publisher
  • Completed 12-hour Peer Supervision in a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) Supervision Training and 20-hour Peer Supervision Professional training; credentialed to supervise peers and Recovery Coaches in alignment with ethical and clinical standards
  • Certified Narcan Trainer through “Train the Trainer” certification, capable of training groups of up to ten on overdose recognition and response protocols
  • Certified Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) Facilitator through CCIMRT, with experience co-facilitating MRT groups for justice-involved and outpatient populations to address criminogenic thinking
  • Highly skilled in producing accurate, timely, and clinically appropriate documentation that meets agency, regulatory, and Medicaid billing standards
  • Applies lived experience in a therapeutic framework to enhance rapport, model recovery, and support client insight and motivation for change
  • Quick learner with demonstrated adaptability in fast-paced clinical and community-based environments
  • Proficient in crisis management and de-escalation strategies; trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and experienced in resolving high-stress situations with safety and clinical sensitivity
  • Skilled in supporting clients with co-occurring disorders, including developmental disabilities and serious mental illness (SMI), using recovery-oriented and person-centered techniques
  • Knowledgeable in identifying signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, with experience fulfilling mandated reporting duties in accordance with state and federal guidelines
  • Trained in Trauma-Informed Care principles and practices, with emphasis on safety, empowerment, and collaborative client engagement
  • Completed specialized training in suicide prevention for Recovery Coaches and non-clinical staff, with focus on screening, referral, and intervention in high-risk situations

Accomplishments

  • Recipient of the 2025 Amethyst Award from Center for Family Life and Recovery, recognizing exceptional dedication and impact in the recovery community.
  • Honored with a New York State Assembly Citation from Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon for outstanding service and contributions to the community.
  • Awarded the Helio Health MVP Award (2022–2023) for exemplary performance, teamwork, and commitment to client care.
  • Achieved distinction as the 4th individual in New York State to earn the Criminal Justice Supported Recovery Professional (CJSR) credential, demonstrating specialized expertise in justice-involved populations.
  • Recognized as the 13th person in New York State to be credentialed as a Peer Supervision Professional (PSP), reflecting advanced leadership in supervising and mentoring peer support staff.

Awards

  • Recipient of the 2025 Amethyst Award from Center for Family Life and Recovery, recognizing exceptional dedication and impact in the recovery community.
  • Honored with a New York State Assembly Citation from Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon for outstanding service and contributions to the community.
  • Awarded the Helio Health MVP Award (2022–2023) for exemplary performance, teamwork, and commitment to client care.

Certification

  • Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T) – Credentialed through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), demonstrating foundational competency in substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services.
  • Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) – Certified by the In-Unity Alliance New York Certification Board (IUA-NYCB), specializing in providing peer support and advocacy for individuals navigating recovery.
  • Certified Recovery Peer Advocate – Family (CRPA-F) – Certified by IUA-NYCB with a specialized focus on supporting family members and caregivers affected by substance use disorders.
  • Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) – Credentialed through IUA-NYCB, trained to coach, mentor, and support individuals in all stages of addiction recovery.
  • Peer Supervision Professional (PSP) – Certified by IUA-NYCB to provide supervision, mentoring, and leadership within peer support roles and recovery-oriented systems of care.
  • Criminal Justice Supported Recovery Professional (CJSR) – Certified by IUA-NYCB to support justice-involved individuals through evidence-based, recovery-centered approaches tailored to criminal justice settings.
  • New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) – Certified by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB), with endorsements in Health & Wellness, Justice-Involvement, and Crisis Services.
  • Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) Designation – Awarded by the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), recognizing advanced training and commitment to the core values and ethics of peer-based recovery coaching.

Affiliations

  • International Association of Recovery Coach Professionals (IARCP) with Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR).

Timeline

Counselor 1/Clinic Assessor

Insights of Helio Health
02.2025 - Current

LEAD PEER SPECIALIST

Insights of Helio Health
06.2023 - 02.2025

CORE SERVICE PROVIDER (PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION/PEER SUPPORT)

CNY Youth Connections/ICAN
12.2022 - Current

PEER SPECIALIST (FULL-TIME)

Insights of Helio Health
02.2022 - 06.2023

RECOVERY PEER ADVOCATE (PART-TIME)

Center for Family Life and Recovery
05.2021 - 05.2022

COUNSELOR AIDE

Insights of Helio Health
05.2021 - 02.2022

RESIDENTIAL AIDE (PER DIEM)

Rescue Mission of Utica Emergency Shelter/Parker House Residential Program (DOCCS)
08.2020 - Current

Recovery Coach Professional - undefined

Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate-Family - undefined

New York Certification Board

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach - undefined

New York Certification Board

New York Certified Peer Specialist - undefined

New York Peer Specialist Certification Board

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate - undefined

New York Certification Board

Bachelor of Science - Addiction Studies

SUNY Empire State College

Credentialed Alcohol Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T) -

Helio Health Training Institute

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