Jennifer Gifford
Rochester,MN
Summary
Dynamic professional with proven expertise at Mayo Clinic in delivering quality care through comprehensive assessment, change strategies, evaluation of progress, and committment to continuous improvement and evidence-based practices. I foster strong communication and collaboration with colleagues and patients. Dedicated professional with a history of meeting goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance patient care.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Mayo Clinic
01.2011 - Current
- Develop strong rapport with patients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and a non-judgmental approach during assessments and in group/individual counseling sessions.
- Conduct thorough assessments of patients to determine appropriate level of care and develop customized treatment strategies.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific needs.
- Enhance patient engagement during group therapy sessions and goal-oriented psychoeducational groups by utilizing interactive activities and adult learning strategies.
- Continuously evaluate effectiveness of treatment plan strategies, implementing changes as needed to improve overall outcomes.
- Participate in current research in the field of addiction and transplant and engage in professional development opportunities.
- Maintain accurate records of all patient interactions, ensuring compliance with state regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Assisted colleagues in case management tasks when necessary, contributing to a supportive work environment that prioritized teamwork and collaboration among team.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Drake Counseling
09.2009 - 01.2011
- Conducted thorough assessments of new clients to determine appropriate level of care and provided referral recommendations.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Monitored client progress to make necessary adjustments for client success.
- Served as a resource for clients navigating the legal system due to substance-related offenses, providing guidance on court-ordered treatment requirements and connecting them with necessary support services.
- Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
Counselor
Mesabi Range Community & Technical College
09.2007 - 05.2009
- Collaborated with faculty members to identify at-risk students and develop targeted intervention strategies.
- Created a supportive environment for students to discuss personal challenges, such as family issues or mental health concerns, that may impact their academic performance.
- Monitored student progress towards graduation requirements, ensuring timely completion of necessary coursework and credits.
- Designed course materials that aligned with learning objectives while also meeting diverse learning needs of the student population.
Area Director of Housing
Minnesota State University Moorhead
08.2005 - 08.2007
- Applied strong leadership and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations of two housing complexes for 900+ students ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
- Facilitated conflict resolution to promote a positive living environment for all students.
- Developed emergency response plans and ran emergency drills to ensure student safety during unexpected incidents.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address areas for growth.
- Developed, implemented and evaluated the effectiveness of training initiatives by tracking participant progress and gathering feedback for continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to support additional training initiatives.
Education
Master of Science - Counseling And Student Affairs
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Moorhead, MNBachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Moorhead State University
Moorhead, MNSkills
- Strong communication skills
- Staff training
- Assessment and evaluation
- Evidence-based practice
- Confidentiality compliance
- Goal setting assistance
- Case management
Timeline
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Mayo Clinic
01.2011 - Current
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Drake Counseling
09.2009 - 01.2011
Counselor
Mesabi Range Community & Technical College
09.2007 - 05.2009
Area Director of Housing
Minnesota State University Moorhead
08.2005 - 08.2007
Master of Science - Counseling And Student Affairs
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Moorhead State University