James Alexander Black
Kalamazoo,Michigan
Summary
Empathetic Counselor known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and motivational interviewing. Excel at active listening, empathy, and communication skills, ensuring effective client support and progress.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Administrative Assistant to the President’s Office
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago , IL
10.2021 - 07.2024
- Provided administrative support to the executive team, including scheduling meetings and managing calendars.
- Organized and maintained filing systems for physical and electronic documents, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of records.
- Greeted visitors in a professional manner, responding to inquiries and directing them to appropriate personnel.
- Managed incoming calls while providing information or transferring callers to appropriate personnel.
- Composed letters, memos, reports, emails, presentations and other written correspondence as required by management staff.
- Compiled quarterly reports for the Board of Trustees.
- Maintained office supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies.
- Ensured efficient operation of office equipment such as printers, copiers and fax machines.
- Assisted with the planning of special events by arranging catering services, securing venues, and creating promotional materials.
- Coordinated mailings including sorting mail, preparing packages for shipping via courier service or postal service.
- Processed invoices for payment using accounting software applications.
- Updated contact lists regularly when changes occur in employee status or contact information.
- Handled confidential documents in an organized fashion according to established protocol.
- Proofread content for typo-free emails and documentation.
- Used voice recorder or notepad to compose and transcribe meeting minutes.
Mental Health Counseling Intern
Moody Theological Seminary
Chicago , IL
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Monitored and documented clients' progress in treatment plans, including behavior changes and therapeutic interventions.
- Developed individualized counseling strategies based on client needs.
- Conducted intake interviews to assess client needs and developed appropriate treatment plans.
- Attended clinical staff meetings to discuss cases and develop collaborative treatment plans.
- Educated clients about the causes of psychological disorders and the available treatments options.
- Participated in weekly supervision with a licensed therapist to review case notes and discuss best practices for working with clients.
- Observed experienced counselors during their sessions with clients and provided feedback afterwards.
- Maintained accurate client records according to agency protocol.
- Collaborated with other professionals to ensure continuity of care for clients.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions that address each client's specific goals.
- Adhered to ethical standards established by professional organizations governing the practice of counseling.
- 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.
- Modified treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.
- Assessed patients for risk of suicide attempts or harmful behavior toward others.
Mental Health Counseling Intern
SIV Counseling and Consultation
Chicago , IL
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Monitored and documented clients' progress in treatment plans, including behavior changes and therapeutic interventions.
- Developed individualized counseling strategies based on client needs.
- Conducted intake interviews to assess client needs and developed appropriate treatment plans.
- Created educational materials related to various mental health issues.
- Attended clinical staff meetings to discuss cases and develop collaborative treatment plans.
- Participated in weekly supervision with a licensed therapist to review case notes and discuss best practices for working with clients.
- Observed experienced counselors during their sessions with clients and provided feedback afterwards.
Leasing Consultant
Gull Prairie and Gull Run Apartments
Kalamazoo , MI
08.2020 - 10.2021
- Greeted potential tenants and provided information about the property.
- Conducted tours of available apartments, highlighting features and amenities.
- Maintained accurate records of prospective renters, applications and leases.
- Advised on rental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
- Responded to tenant requests for maintenance services in a timely manner.
- Prepared lease agreements, collected security deposits and rent payments from tenants.
Tutor
Self Employed
11.2018 - 08.2020
- Conducted individual tutoring sessions with students to help them improve their academic performance.
- Prepared and administered tests to assess student understanding of course material.
- Assisted students in developing effective study habits and strategies for success in school.
- Encouraged students to ask questions about topics they did not understand.
- Created a positive learning environment by encouraging open communication between tutor, teacher, and student's family members.
Guest Experience Manager
Air Zoo
Portage , MI
02.2017 - 11.2018
- Managed the campus by setting up the day by day operations such as opening the building, clearing emergency exits, delegating tasks when there are call-ins, and stepping in to support staff where needed
- Conducted the closing procedures included counting down cash drawers, securing money in the safes, and closing the building
- Handled emergency situations with training in CPR/First Aid, contacting EPS, having injured parties fill out health forms, and calling 911 as needed
- Trained new staff members in ticket sales, museum memberships, Fly Buy Gift Shop, answering phone calls, and ride operations
- Engaged with guests of all ages and backgrounds to provide a fun, safe environment.
- Developed and implemented customer service policies and procedures to ensure superior guest experience.
- Conducted regular training sessions for staff members on the importance of providing exceptional customer service.
- Monitored the performance of team members to ensure they are meeting customer service standards.
- Created a system to track guest feedback and complaints in order to identify areas of improvement.
- Responded promptly to all inquiries from guests regarding products or services offered by the company.
- Investigated escalated complaints from guests and took appropriate action when necessary.
- Created weekly schedules for employees based on their availability and vacation time usage.
Substitute Teacher
Heritage Christian Academy
Oshtemo , MI
09.2015 - 03.2017
- Collaborated with other teachers to ensure student success.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and behavior.
- Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
- Administered tests and assessments according to school guidelines.
- Enforced classroom routines to keep students on schedule and operating at consistent level.
- Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures to maintain order among students.
- Provided instruction and guidance to students in the absence of a regular teacher.
- Assisted with classroom management issues when needed.
Reprocessing Technician
Borgess Medical Center
Kalamazoo , MI
08.2014 - 07.2015
- Clean and sterilize surgical equipment after use
- Received phone calls that requested instrumentation for current surgeries
- Assemble sets for surgeries, found missing instrumentation, and prioritize sets based on needs and importance
Patient Sitter
Bronson Staffing Services
Kalamazoo , MI
08.2013 - 07.2014
- Provided constant monitoring of patients to ensure safety and comfort.
- Assisted with patient transfers, positioning, and ambulation as needed.
- Informed nurses of any changes in patient condition or behavior.
- Provided emotional support to patients who were anxious or distressed.
- Engaged in conversation with confused or disoriented patients to help them stay calm and relaxed.
- Followed strict infection control protocols while providing care.
- Acted as the eyes and ears for the nurses and notified the nursing staff if concerns with the patient arose.
- Helped deescalate tense situations with patients that were combative or expressing frustration with staff.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Moody Theological Seminary
Chicago, IL05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Theology With A Spiritual Formation Emphasis
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, Illinois12.2020
Student -
Climax-Scotts High School
Scotts, Michigan05.2011
Skills
- Employee timesheet processing
- Training and coaching
- Inventory supplies
- Meeting planning
- Mail handling
- Filing
- Research
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Scheduling and calendar management
- Phone call answering
- Supervising staff
- Administrative operations
- Paperwork drafting
- Detailed meeting minutes
- Customer and client relations
- Multitasking and prioritization
Skillsobtained
As someone who has engaged in youth ministry, I’ve honed my leadership and communication skills to interact with people in an encouraging way while still getting a serious point across. I have skills in scheduling through management experience. I know how to manage product and service customers in a fast-paced environment through the hospital. I have a strong work ethic and value the importance of reliability, respect, and excellence in customer service.
Languages
English
Professional
American Sign Language
Limited
Certification
- Passed the National Counselor Exam
- Previously CPR Certified
- Trained as a mandated reporter
Accomplishments
- Received Summa Cum Laude for my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Received Valedictorian as a High School graduate
Affiliations
- Involved in National Honor Society
- Participated in Mission Trips in Portugal, Germany, New York, Chicago, Kalamazoo
- Served as a Youth Leader in my church
- Participated in Choir
- Participated as an actor in a variety of plays
- Been involved at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission by running Vacation Bible Schools for children residing there
- Interpreted church services in ASL for deaf attendees, and traveled to various churches to interpret worship concerts for the deaf.
- Currently working through EMDR training
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Mental Health Counseling Intern
Moody Theological Seminary
10.2023 - 05.2024
Mental Health Counseling Intern
SIV Counseling and Consultation
05.2023 - 10.2023
Administrative Assistant to the President’s Office
Moody Bible Institute
10.2021 - 07.2024
Leasing Consultant
Gull Prairie and Gull Run Apartments
08.2020 - 10.2021
Tutor
Self Employed
11.2018 - 08.2020
Guest Experience Manager
Air Zoo
02.2017 - 11.2018
Substitute Teacher
Heritage Christian Academy
09.2015 - 03.2017
Reprocessing Technician
Borgess Medical Center
08.2014 - 07.2015
Patient Sitter
Bronson Staffing Services
08.2013 - 07.2014
- Passed the National Counselor Exam
- Previously CPR Certified
- Trained as a mandated reporter
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Moody Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Science - Theology With A Spiritual Formation Emphasis
Moody Bible Institute
Student -
Climax-Scotts High School
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