Compassionate and proactive Substance Abuse Counselor with extensive experience in individual and group counseling. Known for strong case management, harm reduction strategies, and a commitment to empowering clients through tailored treatment and educational initiatives.
Work History
Substance Abuse Counselor
4 Years 8 Months
Conerstone | 2021.01 - 2025.09
Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to support client recovery.
Developed personalized treatment plans based on clients' needs and progress.
Facilitated educational workshops on substance abuse prevention and coping strategies.
Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, facilitating informed decision-making within the treatment team.
Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.
Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
HIV Prevention Counselor
1 Year 6 Months
Haymarket | 2014.03 - 2015.09
Developed and implemented HIV prevention strategies tailored to community needs.
Conducted individual counseling sessions, fostering trust and openness in discussions.
Facilitated educational workshops to raise awareness about HIV transmission and prevention methods.
Collaborated with healthcare providers to streamline referral processes for testing and treatment services.
Led community outreach initiatives, strengthening partnerships with local organizations for enhanced program effectiveness.
Substance Abuse Counselor
3 Years 6 Months
NuWay Methadone Clinic | 2009.09 - 2013.03
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
Monitored client progress and provided ongoing feedback to enhance recovery outcomes.
Implemented evidence-based practices to improve therapeutic interventions.
Mentored junior counselors in effective counseling techniques and case management protocols.
Developed relapse prevention strategies for clients transitioning out of treatment programs, empowering them to maintain long-term sobriety.
Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
Substance Abuse Counselor
3 Years 9 Months
Youth Service Project | 2004.12 - 2008.09
Advocated for clients' needs within community resources and service providers.
Reduced substance abuse relapse rates by implementing evidence-based counseling strategies and treatment plans.
Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
Established trusting relationships with clients, creating an open dialogue about their experiences and challenges related to substance abuse.
Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, deescalating situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
Advocated for clients'' needs within the legal system, ensuring access to essential services and support during rehabilitation efforts.
Monitored client progress to make necessary adjustments for client success.
Counselor-in-Training
10 Months
TASC | 2004.02 - 2004.12
Developed individualized support plans for clients to enhance personal growth and coping strategies.
Facilitated group discussions to encourage peer interaction and shared experiences among participants.
Assisted in crisis intervention, employing de-escalation techniques to maintain safety and support individuals.
Collaborated with senior counselors to implement evidence-based practices within program activities.
Conducted intake assessments to evaluate client needs and establish rapport for effective counseling services.
Devised and enacted team-building exercises.
Removed trash, debris and waste from area every evening as part of routine clean up activities.
Encouraged participants to open up and share thoughts at group counseling sessions.
Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
Intern
1 Year 1 Month
TWO / Entry House | 2003.01 - 2004.02
Assisted in daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to company standards.
Supported team in project coordination, maintaining communication between departments for seamless execution.
Conducted research to identify best practices and improve operational processes within the organization.
Developed documentation for internal procedures, enhancing clarity and accessibility for team members.
Participated in training sessions, quickly adapting to new tools and technologies used by the company.
Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
Courier Contractor
2 Years 8 Months
Now Courier Inc. | 2000.05 - 2003.01
Managed logistics for timely deliveries while adhering to safety protocols.
Optimized delivery routes, reducing transit times and improving overall efficiency.
Trained new contractors on operational procedures and customer service standards.
Picked up and delivered First Midwest Bank paperwork daily
Courier Contractor
1 Year 11 Months
Chicago Messenger Service | 1998.06 - 2000.05
Coordinated with clients to ensure accurate and efficient service execution.
Implemented tracking systems to enhance package visibility and accountability.
Conducted regular vehicle maintenance checks to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Resolved customer inquiries and issues promptly, enhancing satisfaction levels.
Enhanced delivery efficiency by optimizing routes and time management strategies.
Expedited urgent deliveries by prioritizing tasks effectively under tight deadlines, without compromising quality or accuracy.
Education
High School Diploma
US Army / Navy Acamedy GED | Carlsbad, CA | 1971
Associate of Applied Science - Social Work / Addiction Studies
Kennedy-King College | 2010
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor 2006
Basic Certificate Addiction Studies
Kennedy-King College | Chicago, IL | 2004
Fundamentals in HIV / AIDS
American Red Cross / Dept. of Public Health | Chicago, IL | 2003
Commercial Custodian
Illinois Valley Community College | Sheridan, IL | 1998
Skills
Case management
Clinical documentation
Relapse prevention
Substance use screening
Medication-assisted treatment
Individual counseling
Continuing care planning
Outreach activities
Behavior modification
Harm reduction strategies
12-step programs
Client confidentiality
Accomplishments
Achieved an Associate Degree and CADC through effectively helping with team efforts to enhance knowledge of my craft and utilize the education that I have received. Maintaining a working knowledge by participating in ongoing education .Always using CBT to assist those I serve in a loving and caring manner. Up lifting those who feel that life has defeated them and there is no way out of the situation that they find themselves in. Letting others know they too can recovery regardless of the obstacles that stand in the way.
Certification
CADC - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
DUI Service Provider
Qualified HIV Early Intervention Counseslor
Timeline
Substance Abuse Counselor
Conerstone
2021.01 - 2025.09Read More
HIV Prevention Counselor
Haymarket
2014.03 - 2015.09Read More
Substance Abuse Counselor
NuWay Methadone Clinic
2009.09 - 2013.03Read More
Substance Abuse Counselor
Youth Service Project
2004.12 - 2008.09Read More
Counselor-in-Training
TASC
2004.02 - 2004.12Read More
Intern
TWO / Entry House
2003.01 - 2004.02Read More
Courier Contractor
Now Courier Inc.
2000.05 - 2003.01Read More
Courier Contractor
Chicago Messenger Service
1998.06 - 2000.05Read More
Kennedy-King College
Associate of Applied Science from Social Work / Addiction Studies