HEATHER LAWSON
Carteret County Government
Morehead City,NC
1
Certification
18
years of professional experience
Client-centered human services and case management professional with experience in public assistance, behavioral health, disability support, education, project coordination, and program compliance. Skilled in client assessment, resource referrals, individualized goal planning, documentation, reporting, and collaboration with families, agencies, and community providers. Brings 30+ years of experience across diverse, fast-paced environments, with strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills.
Work History
Social Worker II
1 Year 7 Months- Conducted comprehensive client and family assessments to identify social, emotional, psychological, and financial needs and develop individualized service plans.
- Coordinated care and referrals with healthcare providers, schools, and community agencies to connect clients with housing, medical care, financial assistance, and other essential resources.
- Provided person-centered case management, client advocacy, and ongoing support to promote independence, well-being, and access to benefits and services.
- Delivered crisis intervention and de-escalation services to individuals and families experiencing mental health, substance use, or other urgent challenges.
- Built trusting relationships through empathetic communication, consistent follow-up, and home visits to encourage client engagement and progress.
- Monitored client progress, service compliance, appointments, and changing needs; adjusted intervention plans accordingly.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care, develop effective interventions, and ensure appropriate resource allocation.
- Maintained accurate, confidential case records, progress notes, service plans, and required documentation in accordance with agency policies and regulatory standards.
- Educated clients and families on program eligibility, available benefits, community resources, and steps toward achieving personal goals.
- Supported clients in developing coping strategies, self-advocacy skills, and realistic goals to promote positive behavioral change and long-term stability.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and case management processes to identify opportunities for improved service delivery and client outcomes.
Associate/Qualified Profression (MH/IDD/Peer Supt)
3 Years 3 Months- Promoted from Associate Professional in Mental Health (MH), Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) services in May 2024.
- Provided individualized and group-based support to clients in daily living skills, social interaction, financial management, coping strategies, self-advocacy, and personal goal achievement.
- Developed and facilitated Wellness Management and Recovery (WMR) lessons and activities focused on self-care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts, crisis planning, mental health education, and medication management.
- Applied person-centered therapeutic techniques to encourage recovery, strengthen motivation, identify triggers and early warning signs, and reduce the risk of relapse or crisis.
- Assisted with developing and updating person-centered plans, monitoring client progress, documenting interventions, and preparing daily and weekly reports.
- Organized therapeutic and community activities, including art projects, outreach initiatives, and field trips to promote social engagement and independent living skills.
- Coordinated care with clients, families, guardians, healthcare providers, and community agencies to ensure continuity of services and access to resources.
- Provided direct in-home support to individuals with IDD while promoting independence and involving families and guardians in care.
- Maintained accurate, confidential records in compliance with HIPAA, agency policies, and applicable regulations; supported CARF accreditation through required reporting.
- Connected clients with community resources and services, including Social Security, Medicaid/Trillium, and Carteret County Area Transportation (CCATS).
Returns/Retail Associate (Part-time)
1 Year- Frequently covered lead associate duties, assisting team members with customer service and daily operations.
- Delivered positive customer experiences by processing purchases and returns accurately and promoting store credit and loyalty programs, consistently ranking among top performers.
- Maintained merchandising, sales floor recovery, cleanliness, and inventory shrink-reduction standards.
- Trained new associates, supported team development, and promoted a respectful, customer-focused work environment.
- Followed company policies, procedures, and safety standards to maintain efficient store operations.
Adjunct Instructor (Part-time)
1 Year 11 Months- Delivered individualized GED/high school equivalency instruction in language arts, social studies, math, and science, adapting teaching strategies to student needs to strengthen subject knowledge, build confidence, and support exam readiness.
- Monitored student attendance, instructional hours, registration, and academic progress, maintaining accurate records to track participation and progress toward educational goals.
Owner/Event Designer/Coordinator
9 Years 2 Months- Managed end-to-end event planning, design, coordination, and execution tailored to client vision and budget.
- Reviewed vendor contracts and service-level agreements to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality standards.
- Oversaw financial operations, including budgeting, invoicing, taxes, and profit-and-loss management.
- Managed event inventory, vendor relationships, contracts, and logistics.
- Directed company marketing, business operations, and overall performance.
- Recruited, supervised, and coordinated temporary staff and vendors throughout event setup, execution, and breakdown.
Customer Service Manager/Warranty Clerk
2 Years 2 Months- Managed service department guest relations, appointments, cashiering, and customer loyalty programs to enhance the ownership experience and maximize available benefits.
- Administered the dealership’s loaner vehicle fleet, overseeing agreements, customer records, mileage, maintenance, cleanliness, and compliance with General Motors standards.
- Processed warranty claims for General Motors and third-party providers, ensuring documentation accuracy, compliance with submission guidelines, timely reimbursement, and audit readiness.
- Maintained service department records, repair orders, loan agreements, operational reports, and technician payment documentation.
- Coordinated daily workflows, supported cross-departmental operations, and collaborated with management to improve service processes and efficiency.
- Trained and onboarded employees across multiple dealership functions, including cashiering, title processing, warranty administration, opening and closing procedures, and loaner vehicle management.
- Promoted to Warranty Clerk, assuming responsibility for submitting and processing General Motors and third-party warranty claims, verifying supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with claim requirements, and securing accurate, timely reimbursement while maintaining audit readiness.
Peer Support Specialist
8 Months- Supported individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges by developing coping skills, promoting recovery, and connecting them with community resources.
- Collaborated with clients to establish recovery goals and develop individualized service plans focused on independent living, self-advocacy, budgeting, health management, and employment readiness.
- Helped clients identify triggers, recognize relapse warning signs, and develop crisis prevention strategies.
- Maintained timely, confidential documentation in compliance with HIPAA, client rights, and applicable state and federal regulations.
Manager/Bartender/Server/Events Coodinator
1 Year 7 Months- Supervised bar, serving, and kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations and exceptional customer service.
- Managed beverage inventory, monitored usage, and minimized waste and product loss.
- Ensured compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and facility security procedures.
- Delivered personalized food and beverage service, resolving customer concerns and maintaining order accuracy.
- Coordinated private events, live music, and catering operations from planning through execution.
Account Manager
1 Year- Managed client accounts and integrated marketing campaigns across digital, traditional, and social media platforms, aligning strategies with client objectives and budgets.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, client communications, project deliverables, and timelines to ensure successful campaign execution.
- Developed press releases, marketing copy, email campaigns, blog content, and publicity materials.
- Oversaw website launches, managing content, design, copywriting, budgets, and deadlines.
Project Manager
5 Years- Led the U.S. Marine Corps Police Academy’s federal accreditation initiative, establishing accreditation processes, directing project activities, and ensuring compliance with Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) standards.
- Oversaw project planning, policy development, audits, inspections, documentation, and corrective actions to strengthen compliance and operational efficiency.
- Directed coordination among Headquarters Marine Corps, Department of Defense, federal agencies, contractors, and support personnel to align requirements, deliverables, schedules, and budgets.
- Led development of training curricula, instructional materials, and assessments using the ADDIE model to ensure alignment with established learning objectives.
- Managed project reporting, accreditation records, executive briefings, and long-range planning to support accreditation readiness and continuous improvement.
- Served as Communications Chair for the Federal Law Enforcement Accreditation Coalition (FLEAC) and contributed to accreditation assessments for federal law enforcement agencies.
Background Investigator
2 Years 5 Months- Managed high-volume background investigations for U.S. Marine Corps law enforcement applicants, conducting extensive interviews and records research to assess suitability, integrity, and character.
- Cross-referenced law enforcement, financial, educational, and personal records to verify applicant information, identify discrepancies, and ensure investigative accuracy.
- Prepared detailed investigative reports and hiring recommendations in compliance with USMC standards and established deadlines.
- Coordinated multiple investigations simultaneously with applicants, contractors, military installations, and Provost Marshal’s Offices nationwide.
- Consistently completed investigations ahead of required deadlines while maintaining active Department of Defense investigator credentials.
Supply Clerk
1 Year 3 Months- Managed accountability, security, issuance, and retrieval of approximately $400,000 in law enforcement equipment and supplies for the Provost Marshal’s Office at MCAS Cherry Point.
- Restructured inventory databases, reconciled discrepancies, and reorganized warehouse operations, recovering $50,000 in previously unaccounted-for equipment.
- Applied Six Sigma process improvement principles to streamline inventory tracking, reduce turnaround times, and improve operational efficiency.
- Developed inventory control procedures, investigated discrepancies, and coordinated equipment procurement within agency budget requirements.
Physical Security Specialist
4 Months- Troubleshot and restored alarm, CCTV, and electronic security systems to maintain operational readiness.
- Conducted physical security inspections to verify compliance with military and government security regulations.
- Developed and delivered crime prevention briefings and educational materials for MCAS Cherry Point personnel.
- Verified visitor and contractor credentials to ensure compliance with installation access control requirements.
Alarm Monitor/Emergency Dispatcher
6 Months- Monitored CCTV feeds and electronic security systems to protect sensitive areas and critical assets at MCAS Cherry Point, identifying unauthorized activity.
- Supported security monitoring operations during presidential visits, maintaining vigilance and situational awareness.
- Operated mass notification systems and cross-trained as an emergency dispatcher, coordinating responses to police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Revised and developed training materials to standardize procedures and prepare incoming alarm monitors.
- Responded to 911 emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services, coordinating dispatch communications and supporting timely emergency response.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
- Dean's List: 5/2009, 12/2008, 5/007
- Honoree: Cum Laude with 3.5 GPA
- Professional Development: Completed 33 credit hours in Sociology and Psychology fields of study
Skills
Case Management & Client Advocacy
Eligibility Assessment
Psychosocial assessment/Person-Centered planning
Community Resource Referrals
Behavioral Health & IDD Support
Crisis Prevention & Recovery Support
Program Compliance & Reporting
Training & Mentoring
Project Coordination
Scheduling & Records Management
Life skills development/counseling
Confidential documentation and recordkeeping
Case management
Certification
Person-Centered Planning in NC (2024)
FLETA Accreditation Manager Training (2011)
FLETA Assessor Training (2011)
Background Investigations for Police Applicants (2010)
Pre-employment Objective Interviewing Techniques (2010)
Victim Advocacy Training (2008)
CPR (2024)
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (2026)
Crisis Response (2026)
Office Safety (2026)
Client Rights and Responsibilities (2026)
Timeline
Social Worker II
Carteret County Government
02.2025 - 09.2026Read More
Returns/Retail Associate (Part-time)
TJMaxx
08.2024 - 08.2025Read More
Adjunct Instructor (Part-time)
Carteret Community College
09.2022 - 08.2024Read More
Associate/Qualified Profression (MH/IDD/Peer Supt)
LeChris Health Services
11.2021 - 02.2025Read More
Customer Service Manager/Warranty Clerk
Kurtis Chevrolet
10.2019 - 12.2021Read More
Peer Support Specialist
LeChris Health Services
02.2019 - 10.2019Read More
Manager/Bartender/Server/Events Coodinator
Promise' Land Market
03.2017 - 10.2018Read More
Account Manager
BG Digital
03.2017 - 03.2018Read More
Owner/Event Designer/Coordinator
The Humble Bee
11.2013 - 01.2023Read More
Project Manager
Homeland Security Solutions, Inc
10.2011 - 10.2016Read More
Background Investigator
Homeland Security Solutions, Inc.
10.2010 - 03.2013Read More
Supply Clerk
Homeland Security Solutions, Inc.
07.2009 - 10.2010Read More
Physical Security Specialist
Homeland Security Solutions, Inc.
03.2009 - 07.2009Read More
Alarm Monitor/Emergency Dispatcher
Homeland Security Solutions, Inc.
09.2008 - 03.2009Read More
Park University
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice Administration
Read More