John Howard
Hawthorne,CA
Summary
Experienced and empathetic SSVF Peer Support Specialist currently working at CTRS, alongside CTRS team ( VA SW and PSS), assisting veterans with obtaining an transitioning to permanent housing. Honorably Discharged United States Army Veteran who has recovered from substance abuse issues and overcome a mental health disorder as well.
Successfully completed LA CADA (Los Angeles Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse) 80hr Medi-cal Peer Support Specialist Training Program.
Completed Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Training.
CERTIFIED MEDI-CAL PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST (CalMSHA)
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Village for Vets
Los Angeles, California
04.2024 - Current
- In collaboration with the CTRS Team and other VA providers, assisted Veterans with obtaining stable and permanent housing.
- Provide recovery-based, peer support services, including crisis support, facilitation of peer support groups, advocacy, and engagement/outreach.
- Documented peer support services in HMIS database, working alongside CTRS team and SSVF to provide case management and housing services to Veterans
- Transport clients to housing, medical, and other appointments as needed
- Maintain a working understanding of veterans' readjustment challenges, alcohol and drug dependency, and other mental health issues.
- In collaboration with community partners provides donations and supplies to support CTRS Veterans
Client Service Monitor
Hope the MIssion
Los Angeles (VA CTRS), California
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Monitor Veterans compliance with programs policies, and procedures
- Conduct daily wellness checks ensuring Veterans well-being
- Resolve participant issues as needed using de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to help participants work through conflict
- Complete written reports reports and incident logs of daily activities
Peer Support (Homeless Shelter)
Volunteers of America of Greater Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
09.2018 - 05.2023
- Direct support to clinical/case-management staff as needed
- Monitor clients, conduct room checks, maintaining records of of clients compliance into program
- Transport program participants to and from various locations, including work-sites, medical and housing appointments, and social service locations
- Encourage participants with behavioral health disorders, mental and substance abuse issues by sharing personal lived and recovery experiences.
- Facilitated group-based meetings to empower veterans to reach wellness and personal goals (also to provide community resources)
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology And Counseling
Cal State Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CASkills
- Compassionate and empathetic toward mental health recovery
- Promoting recovery and self-advocacy by sharing personal recovery experiences
- Knowledgeable of various (numerous),VA, SSVF and community resources
- Facilitated peer support groups that help veterans identify their strengths, inspire hope, and empower veterans to self advocate
- Great communicator, while being an active listener
- Certified PSS well-versed in conflict de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques
- Familiar with recovery approaches and peer support techniques specific to individuals with substance abuse challenges
- Knowledge of resiliency, recovery, and wellness approaches, and techniques specific to individuals with mental health needs
- Microsoft Office (Word, Works, Excel, PowerPoint) proficient
- Adherent to HIPPA policies
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Village for Vets
04.2024 - Current
Client Service Monitor
Hope the MIssion
03.2023 - 03.2024
Peer Support (Homeless Shelter)
Volunteers of America of Greater Los Angeles
09.2018 - 05.2023
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology And Counseling
Cal State Los Angeles
Similar Profiles
Michaela PribulováMichaela Pribulová
Veterinary surgeon at Village Vets CabraVeterinary surgeon at Village Vets Cabra
Dai CooperDai Cooper
Veterinary Receptionist at The Village Vets EmergencyVeterinary Receptionist at The Village Vets Emergency
Kira MayfieldKira Mayfield
CSR - Customer Service Representative at The Village Vets WestsideCSR - Customer Service Representative at The Village Vets Westside