Jennifer Willis Hardaway
Atlanta
Summary
Experienced leader in both the nonprofit and professional sectors, with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health, recovery services, and social service program management. Proficient in overseeing program development, client intake and assessment, strategic planning, and operational execution. Skilled in serving diverse populations, including individuals with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and housing instability. Recognized for building collaborative partnerships, implementing client-centered practices, and advancing organizational goals with compassion and accountability.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Admissions Manager
RESTAURA Behavioral Health
02.2025 - Current
- Managed all aspects of client admissions for behavioral health services, including initial screenings, intake coordination, and ensuring documentation compliance. Served as the first point of contact for clients and referral sources. Collaborated with clinical and administrative teams to streamline the intake process. Maintained accurate records, monitored capacity, and facilitated placement based on clinical appropriateness and program availability. Supported clients and families through the admissions process with professionalism and care.
- - Oversaw admissions processes for clients with mental health and substance use disorders.
- - Ensured all pre-admission criteria, insurance verification, and assessments were completed efficiently.
- - Coordinated closely with referral partners to maintain a steady flow of appropriate admissions.
- - Utilized EMR systems for documentation, admissions tracking, and reporting.
- - Provided compassionate guidance and support to individuals entering care.
Executive Director
Serendipity Recovery, Inc.
01.2015 - Current
- Skilled in directing service staff, client profiles, company accounts, and helping clients meet personal goals. Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple jobs, complete responsibilities within strict timelines, and to work independently as well as part of a team. Capable of using past experiences and initiatives to meet any challenge. Formulate and implement departmental and organizational policies and procedures to maximize output. Monitor adherence to rules, regulations and procedures. Work with local housing owners to find suitable housing for homeless clients. Able to coordinate, manage and monitor the workings of various departments in the organization.
- - Development and grants management: Assisted with the management of grants for local initiatives that impact poor, homeless, and disadvantaged populations.
- - Strategic planning and facilitation: Led various strategic planning processes for local organizations. Versed in translating missions and goals into operating plans with clear benchmarks and annual objectives.
- - Organizational development and capacity building: Design and provide technical assistance to community-based organizations in the areas of community assessment, and process/outcome evaluation.
- - Budget management: Extensive background in developing and monitoring program and organizational budgets. Ability to review financial statements and data for financial assessments of the non-organizations.
Housing Manager
Mary Hall Freedom House
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Assisted clients with basic life and living skills; provided supervision for clients in order to ensure their safety and well-being; and explored problem solving and conflict resolution skills with consumers. Conducted and planned outreach projects for the organization. Engaged with homeless clients to support them in learning skills to become self-sufficient with the ultimate goal of maintaining unsubsidized housing.
- - Provided housing services to program clients with a strengths-based approach and utilizing Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing techniques in both individual and group settings.
- - Implemented selection process to screen homeless clients and select/enroll them into the supportive housing program.
- - Entered program clients into the homeless client management information system, meeting all due dates and timelines.
Program Manager / Supervisor / Case Manager
Essence of Hope, Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Managed the daily operations and overall direction of a recovery housing program, providing supervision and oversight to staff and case managers. Coordinated client services, ensured program compliance, and maintained alignment with funding and regulatory guidelines. Delivered direct services to clients and led a peer-to-peer recovery model supporting individuals with co-occurring disorders, homelessness, and HIV/AIDS.
- - Directed program planning and implementation for recovery housing clients.
- - Supervised a multidisciplinary team including case managers and peer staff.
- - Oversaw intake, assessments, service planning, and discharge processes.
- - Ensured compliance with documentation standards and program policies.
- - Facilitated staff development, performance evaluation, and ongoing training.
- - Led community engagement, media outreach, and collaboration with stakeholders.
- - Promoted trauma-informed care and harm reduction approaches.
SSI Benefits Advocate
Hardaway Advocacy
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Assisted clients with applying for SSI benefits to ensure appropriate information is provided. Tracked and completed all steps of the SSI process including functional and work history reports. Coordinated with community resources and linked consumers to appropriate referrals.
Education
Human Services
Ashford University
05.2017
Addiction Counselor coursework
Circle of Recovery
Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist
Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
07.2011
Steppingstones to Recovery Certificate
University of Georgia School of Social Work
09.2009
Skills
- Multitasking
- Admissions management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Decision-making
- Team building
- Professional and courteous
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Active listening
- Relationship building
- Task delegation
- Documentation and reporting
Timeline
Admissions Manager
RESTAURA Behavioral Health
02.2025 - Current
Executive Director
Serendipity Recovery, Inc.
01.2015 - Current
Housing Manager
Mary Hall Freedom House
01.2012 - 01.2017
Program Manager / Supervisor / Case Manager
Essence of Hope, Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2016
SSI Benefits Advocate
Hardaway Advocacy
01.2010 - 01.2012
Addiction Counselor coursework
Circle of Recovery
Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist
Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
Steppingstones to Recovery Certificate
University of Georgia School of Social Work
Human Services
Ashford University
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