IGNACIO CRUZ
Peer Support Specialist
Duncanville,TX
Summary
Dedicated to providing peer support and guidance, I am a hardworking specialist passionate about helping individuals overcome life's challenges. Focused on developing personalized plans to address specific issues, I strive to empower others to achieve their goals. Renowned for my engaging and outgoing nature, I excel in building strong connections and effective communication.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Dallas, TX
02.2022 - Current
- Increased awareness of mental health resources in community through outreach efforts.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure holistic approach to client care.
- Served as role model for recovery, inspiring clients with personal success stories and resilience.
- Contributed to positive organizational culture by embodying recovery principles in daily interactions.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach for clients through active listening and empathy.
- Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build pipeline of supportive services.
- Advocated for clients' needs within mental health system, ensuring access to necessary services.
- Facilitated peer support groups, creating safe environment for sharing and growth.
- Assisted clients in navigating mental health services, simplifying process of obtaining care.
- Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.
- Developed trusting relationships with clients by maintaining confidentiality, respect, and non-judgmental attitudes.
- Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
- Facilitated peer support groups, creating a safe space for open discussion and shared experiences.
Controlled Substance Inspector
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Dallas, TX
04.2020 - 04.2022
- Maintained up-to-date inspection and audit records for improved reporting and analysis.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through meticulous attention to detail during inspections.
- Improved quality assurance procedures to minimize errors and increase effectiveness of inspections.
- Provide oversight of controlled substance medications
- Conduct random, unannounced inspections
Health Technician
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Dallas, TX
05.2019 - 02.2022
- Collaborated with managers to establish work schedules, ensuring optimal coverage for all shifts.
- Verified timekeeping records and handled any discrepancies with employees.
- Maintained detailed records of employee attendance, including sick days, vacation time, and overtime hours.
- Responded to employee questions and requests for information in timely and knowledgeable fashion.
- Provided essential support during audits by maintaining thorough documentation of timekeeping procedures and records.
- Upheld the highest standards of confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information, earning a reputation for trustworthiness and professionalism.
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
- Improved document organization with thorough file maintenance, archiving outdated records as necessary for efficient retrieval when needed.
- Coordinated office supply inventory management, proactively ordering necessary items before depletion to avoid workflow disruptions.
- Supported executive staff through scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing crucial documents.
- Continually sought methods for improving daily operations, communications with clients, recordkeeping, and data entry for increased efficiency.
Keep Duncanville Beautiful Board Member
Duncanville City
Dallas, Texas
08.2018 - 08.2021
- Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decisionmaking.
- Served as advocate and ambassador for organization by fully engaging, identifying, and securing resources and partnerships to advance mission.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
- Prepared and presented reports to inform board on organizational progress and goals.
- Served as a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility, influencing positive community impact.
- Focus on litter prevention, beautification, and community improvement.
Command Group Supply NCO
Army
Dallas, Texas
05.2015 - 11.2017
- Evaluated vendor performance regularly to ensure compliance with quality standards and delivery timelines, taking corrective action when necessary.
- Conducted periodic inspections of facilities to maintain compliance with safety regulations while mitigating hazards within the workplace environment.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers by maintaining open communication channels and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Enhanced overall logistical support with the coordination of transportation, storage, and delivery of supplies to various units.
- Safeguarded sensitive materials during transport by adhering to strict security protocols, minimizing the risk of loss or theft-related incidents.
- Identified opportunities for cost reductions through competitive bidding processes, securing high-quality supplies at optimal prices.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions using an automated supply system, allowing for better visibility into stock levels and usage trends.
- Increased accuracy in forecasting supply needs by analyzing historical data and collaborating with department heads.
- Contributed to organizational readiness through effective management of resources and proactive identification of potential supply chain challenges.
Brigade Building Manager
Army
Dallas, Texas
05.2014 - 11.2017
- Enforced safety protocols throughout the building consistently resulting in reduced incidents or accidents.
- Planned and scheduled general maintenance, major repairs and remodeling projects.
- Oversaw renovations projects, ensuring completion within budget constraints and established timelines.
- Conducted regular property inspections to identify potential issues and address them proactively.
- Supervised a team of maintenance personnel, providing guidance on tasks prioritization and scheduling repairs accordingly.
- Managed and scheduled contract workers who completed building maintenance and upgrades.
- Managed operations, maintenance and improvement of properties.
- Enhanced security measures through the installation of surveillance cameras and access control systems.
- Reduced building expenses through regular preventative maintenance and energy-efficient upgrades.
- Coordinated move-ins and move-outs, streamlining the process and minimizing disruptions to other tenants.
- Maintained a strong understanding of local and federal regulations, ensuring the property remained in compliance at all times.
- Inspected grounds and facilities to identify necessary repairs.
- Developed strong relationships with local businesses, promoting community engagement among residents.
- Performed regular inspections of facility and documented all inspection information in reports.
Brigade Master Driver
Army
Dallas, Texas
05.2014 - 11.2017
- Implemented a preventative maintenance program for fleet vehicles to reduce repair costs and improve reliability.
- Increased operational efficiency through regular evaluation of current processes; implemented changes that led to overall improvements in productivity.
- Provided ongoing coaching to drivers on safe driving techniques, accident prevention measures, and company policies.
- Delivered briefings to the Commander regarding unit readiness and academic strength.
- Improved driver safety by conducting comprehensive training sessions and workshops.
- Enhanced route optimization, reducing fuel consumption and total drive time.
- Inspected trucks and trailers before each trip to assess safety and identify maintenance concerns.
- Completed daily inspections, basic maintenance and common repair actions to keep equipment operating at full capacity.
Education
Certification - VHA Peer Specialist Certification Training
RI International
09.2022 - 09.2022
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Strayer University
Washington, DC 09.2019 - 03.2022
Skills
Problem-solving skills
Relationship cultivation
Leadership skills
Substance abuse awareness
Relationship building skills
Resource navigation
Data collection
Community engagement
Client advocacy
Outreach strategies
Rehousing
AWARDS
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- Navy Unit Commendation
- Army Achievement Medal (2)
- Army Good Conduct Medal (2)
- Army Reserve Components Achievement
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device (3)
- National Defense Service Medal
- Iraq Campaign medal (2)
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Sea Service Deployment Medal
- Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (2)
- German Armed Forces Badge Gold
- Drivers Badge
Timeline
Certification - VHA Peer Specialist Certification Training
RI International
09.2022 - 09.2022
Peer Support Specialist
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
02.2022 - Current
Controlled Substance Inspector
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
04.2020 - 04.2022
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Strayer University
09.2019 - 03.2022
Health Technician
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
05.2019 - 02.2022
Keep Duncanville Beautiful Board Member
Duncanville City
08.2018 - 08.2021
Command Group Supply NCO
Army
05.2015 - 11.2017
Brigade Building Manager
Army
05.2014 - 11.2017
Brigade Master Driver
Army
05.2014 - 11.2017
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