Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Skillsobtained
Languages
Certification
Accomplishments
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

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, IL
05.2024

Bachelor of Science - Theology With A Spiritual Formation Emphasis

Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, Illinois
12.2020

Student -

Climax-Scotts High School
Scotts, Michigan
05.2011

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
James Alexander Black