Heather Wicks
Paris,TX
Summary
Compassionate Counseling Associate devoted to building and maintaining relationships, as well as implementing community services to promote client wellness. Experienced in providing direct services to clients and managing caseload of 30 clients. Adept at developing individualized treatment plans and performing thorough patient assessments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Professional Counselor Intern
Hometown Counseling
Sulphur Springs, TX
2022 - Current
- Assisted in developing community partnerships between local schools, businesses and organizations that provide resources for at-risk populations.
- Ensured compliance with all state laws governing licensure requirements for counselors.
- Provided referrals for additional services when appropriate for the client's needs.
- Collaborated with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other healthcare providers to coordinate care for clients.
- Monitored client progress towards established goals through regular review of treatment plans and progress notes.
- Participated in professional trainings related to counseling theories, best practices and evidence-based treatments.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams composed of medical personnel, school personnel and other stakeholders involved in providing comprehensive care to clients.
- Attended clinical meetings to discuss cases with staff members from various departments within the agency.
- Coached clients on communication skills, problem-solving strategies, stress management techniques and anger control methods.
- Maintained client records, including intake forms and progress notes.
- Compiled data from assessments into reports which were used by administrators or insurance companies.
- Developed treatment plans in collaboration with clients and other healthcare professionals.
- Educated family members about mental health conditions to promote understanding of the client's needs.
- Conducted assessments, including psychosocial histories and diagnostic interviews.
- Encouraged self-advocacy among clients while providing support during times of difficulty or distress.
- Responded promptly to emails from colleagues regarding potential risks or safety concerns for clients.
- Actively participated in case consultations with supervisors or peers to ensure quality of care.
- Adhered to ethical standards set forth by the American Counseling Association.
- Assisted in creating crisis intervention plans for at-risk individuals or families facing crises situations or trauma triggers.
- Updated client data and information from counseling sessions using Simple practice.
- Developed client-centered treatment plans with specific goals and objectives and provided therapeutic counseling in accordance with such plans.
- Performed hours of supervised counseling sessions, including group and individual sessions.
- Complied with federal and corporate guidelines to safeguard continuous level of patient confidentiality.
- Conducted continuing education programs, seminars and workshops and participated in professional development activities to offer added value to patients.
- Assisted with client intake process and administered questionnaires.
- Researched patient cases to understand issues and provide current needs assessment.
- Maintained clinical records to promote strong compliance with federal standards.
- Aided with providing referrals to other social service agencies and assisted with case management responsibilities such as conducting human service needs assessments.
- Listened to personal stories, asked probing questions and offered knowledgeable advice for different situations.
- Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Encouraged development of relevant skills to help overcome specific concerns.
- Collaborated to set goals and outline steps to achieve objectives.
- Completed detailed documentation of sessions, patient notes and recommendations.
- Met with clients to understand individual needs and develop personalized counseling plans.
- Referred individuals to outside resources and services for additional support.
- Assisted clients with developing relevant skills to improve functionality in social, educational and vocational situations.
- Coordinated resources to support clients and help each achieve targets.
- Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs.
- Compiled personal information and compared against professional knowledge to determine needs and optimum strategies for success.
- Counseled clients physical, mental factors impacting personal success.
- Directed, coordinated and evaluated activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.
- Kept pace with changes in research on diagnostic and treatment protocols to give best possible support to clients.
- Helped couples work through serious issues and restore relationships or part amicably.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Jordan Home Health/CDS program private home healt
Paris, TX
2011 - 2013
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Monitored vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate.
- Provided basic patient care by taking vital signs, measuring height and weight, and recording intake and output.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
- Reported changes in patient condition to registered nurse or physician.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
- Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate.
- Used mobility devices to transport patients.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients on a regular schedule to prevent bedsores.
- Observed patients for any changes in their physical or mental condition.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems for review by medical staff.
- Performed housekeeping duties such as changing linens and cleaning bathrooms when necessary.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Cleaned and sanitized patient rooms according to established protocols.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
- Provided comfort measures such as back rubs and positioning pillows for added comfort.
- Looked for physical, emotional and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Transported patients to treatment units, using wheelchair or strher.
- Managed and maintained patient rooms, shared-living areas and nursing stations.
- Participated in educational programs related to nursing assistant skills development.
- Took temperature readings orally or rectally as instructed by the RN or MD.
- Administered medications as directed by registered nurse or physician.
- Examined and treated patient lacerations, contusions and physical symptoms and referred patients to other medical professionals.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Provided physical support to assist patients with bathing, dressing and toileting.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients to prevent bedsores.
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
- Assisted with lifting patients to move on or off beds, examination tables and surgical tables.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Kept medical supply room and patient rooms stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
- Reminded patients to take prescribed medications or nutritional supplements.
- Administered medications and educated patients and families on correct at-home administration.
- Shaved and draped patients to prepare for surgery, treatment or examination.
Receptionist Administrator
Paris Optical
Paris, TX
2018 - 2020
- Answered incoming calls, took messages, and transferred calls to appropriate departments or personnel.
- Scheduled and confirmed appointments.
- Greeted visitors and provided them with assistance.
- Provided excellent customer service at all times while interacting with both internal and external customers.
- Scheduled appointments for clients, customers, and other visitors.
- Maintained a neat reception area by organizing materials and tidying up furniture.
- Answered and directed incoming calls using multi-line telephone system.
- Updated and recorded customer or client information to maintain accounts.
- Operated cash register to process payments accurately and efficiently.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Followed proper cash handling procedures at all times including counting back change accurately.
- Recorded sales transactions into computer system quickly and accurately.
- Answered customer inquiries about products, prices, availability, product uses, and payment methods promptly.
- Received incoming shipments of merchandise and verified contents against invoices for accuracy.
- Trained new team members on checkout processes, safety protocols, and company policies.
- Monitored checkout areas to ensure adequate coverage during peak periods.
- Responded to complaints from customers in a polite manner while following store policies and procedures.
- Processed customer payments quickly and returned exact change and receipts.
- Kept check-out areas clean, organized and well-stocked to maintain attractive store.
- Answered phone calls to assist customers with questions and orders.
- Built and maintained productive relationships with employees.
- Adhered to social distancing protocols and wore mask or face shield.
Counseling Student Intern
Safe T Crisis Center
Paris, TX
2022 - 2022
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions with students to discuss issues related to their academic, social, and emotional development.
- Provided referrals for external mental health services when necessary.
- Maintained client confidentiality according to ethical guidelines set forth by the American Counseling Association.
- Attended weekly staff meetings to stay informed about changes in policies or procedures within the organization.
- Observed classes to gain knowledge about teaching methods used by teachers.
- Engaged with students in one-on-one meetings to review academic performance and provide guidance on improving it.
- Assisted in the coordination of special events that promote student engagement and learning.
- Counseled students on personal issues such as self-esteem problems or relationship difficulties.
- Adhered strictly to safety regulations while conducting field trips with clients.
- Met regularly with supervisors to discuss progress made by clients during counseling sessions.
- Organized recreational activities for small groups of students in order to foster positive peer relationships.
- Collaborated with faculty members in order to develop appropriate interventions for struggling students.
- Utilized various assessment tools such as interviews and questionnaires in order to evaluate client needs.
- Monitored student progress through school records including grades, attendance reports, standardized test scores.
- Assisted in the implementation of crisis intervention protocols when needed.
- Compiled data from surveys completed by clients into a report summarizing results.
- Created a welcoming environment for all clients by displaying empathy and respect towards their concerns.
- Participated in professional development activities designed to increase knowledge of counseling techniques.
- Developed lesson plans for classroom instruction on topics such as stress management, communication skills, anger management, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving techniques.
- Researched best practices related to counseling services provided by the organization.
- Observed experienced counselors during their sessions with clients and provided feedback afterwards.
- Assisted in developing crisis intervention strategies for individuals experiencing emotional distress or mental health crises.
- Maintained accurate client records according to agency protocol.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions that address each client's specific goals.
- Attended clinical staff meetings to discuss cases and develop collaborative treatment plans.
- Engaged in advocacy activities aimed at improving access to quality mental health services.
- Assisted in coordinating care between multiple providers when necessary.
- Provided referrals to community resources as needed.
- Monitored and documented clients' progress in treatment plans, including behavior changes and therapeutic interventions.
- Provided psychoeducation services by educating families about mental health conditions, treatment options, coping skills.
- Conducted intake interviews to assess client needs and developed appropriate treatment plans.
- Participated in weekly supervision with a licensed therapist to review case notes and discuss best practices for working with clients.
- Developed individualized counseling strategies based on client needs.
- Gathered data from standardized assessments for use in diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Adhered to ethical standards established by professional organizations governing the practice of counseling.
- Collaborated with other professionals to ensure continuity of care for clients.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings regarding complex cases.
- Created educational materials related to various mental health issues.
- Educated clients about the causes of psychological disorders and the available treatments options.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions focused on topics such as anger management, stress reduction, and self-esteem building.
- Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
- Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss happenings in life to help develop insight into themselves or relationships.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
- Assessed patients for risk of suicide attempts or harmful behavior toward others.
- Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Acted as client advocate, coordinating required services and resolving emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Prepared and maintained required treatment records and reports.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals and other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.
- Collected information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
- Counseled clients or patients individually or in group sessions to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life or making changes.
- Modified treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.
- Referred patients or clients to community resources or specialists.
- Gathered and researched information about community mental health needs or resources used in conjunction with therapy.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Commerce, TX12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Commerce, TX08-2018
Associate of Science - Psychology
Paris Junior College
Paris, TX05-2016
CNA Certificate - Certified Nurse Aid
Paris Junior College
Paris, TX01-2010
High School Diploma -
Prairiland High School
Pattonville, TX05-2009
Skills
- Suicide Prevention
- Individual Counseling
- Mental Health Assessment
- Referral Management
- Patient Intake
- Patient Screening
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis Intervention
- Treatment Plan Development
- Behavioral Interventions
- Case Management
- Case Notes
- Clinical Records Maintenance
- Individual Sessions
- Counseling Techniques
- Client Progress Analysis
Accomplishments
2014 Phi Theta Kappa international Honor Society
National society of leadership and success member
2016-2017- Deans list
2018-presidents list
Affiliations
2023-current Northeast Texas Counseling Association (NETCA) secretary
Certification
2022-current Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Timeline
Licensed Professional Counselor Intern
Hometown Counseling
2022 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
Jordan Home Health/CDS program private home healt
2011 - 2013
Receptionist Administrator
Paris Optical
2018 - 2020
Counseling Student Intern
Safe T Crisis Center
2022 - 2022
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Associate of Science - Psychology
Paris Junior College
CNA Certificate - Certified Nurse Aid
Paris Junior College
High School Diploma -
Prairiland High School
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