Jodi Gonzalez

I became the first substance use disorder professional apprentice. I received my schooling through a Behavioral Health Consortium and completed my hours at the same time as my schooling. During this time and continuing after, I learned to complete assessments, both in office and in jail, diagnosed substance abuse disorders when present and coordinated with inpatient treatment centers to procure a bed date for treatment if recommended. Completed intake and delayed admit appointment to enroll client in outpatient services. Performed UA’s and entered sample in the system and prepared it for transport if the result was positive. Facilitated outpatient group sessions, saw clients for individual sessions and coordinated care for entry into mental health treatment in-house and provided warm handoffs if an outside entity. Created behavioral contracts, monthly status reports, and documentation on all patient contact.

• Managed daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Developed training programs for new staff to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
• Implemented inventory management practices to optimize resource allocation and reduce waste.
• Streamlined cleaning processes, resulting in improved turnaround times for client projects.
• Established quality control measures to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety compliance.
• Cultivated relationships with clients to foster loyalty and encourage repeat business opportunities.
• Oversaw end-to-end business processes to maintain proficiency and profitability.
• Improved customer satisfaction rates by prioritizing client needs and addressing concerns promptly.

Took on the role of Merit’s first Recovery Navigator in the jump off LEAD program, using lived experience and community resources to meet participants where the were at. This was a “boots on the ground” job which essentially, in the beginning, plucked persons who wanted/needed treatment, coordinated care with various treatment facilities, to obtain willing participants, a bed date. This job involved designing and implementing filing systems and procedures as none existed before.