Johnita Harris
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Dynamic School Counselor with extensive experience at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, adept at career planning and identifying systemic barriers to equitable access. Proven track record in developing employment workshops and retention programs for disadvantaged youth, utilizing advanced skills in Microsoft Office and fostering self-management skills in students.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counselor
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Led collaboration with educators to integrate state guidance curriculum standards into school-wide programs, fostering a cohesive educational approach
- Developed and facilitated developmentally appropriate, prevention-oriented group activities that enhanced student engagement and well-being
- Collected and analyzed data to inform program direction, ensuring alignment with student needs and outcomes
School Counselor
Gaston County Schools
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Advised and counseled students on academic, educational, and social-emotional concerns, employing a multi-therapeutic approach to support student well-being.
- Consulted with parents, teachers, administrators, and stakeholders to enhance communication and ensure effective implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program.
- Coordinated team meetings for 504 plans, IEPs, truancy, classroom performance, and crisis management.
- Orchestrated and planned school-wide spelling bee and middle school career fair, promoting student engagement and career exploration opportunities.
- Utilized PowerSchool for managing student records and data.
Rehabilitation Counselor I
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
09.2019 - 08.2021
- Evaluated client skills and viability to determine eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, ensuring appropriate workforce entry.
- Guided individuals and groups in career planning and provided college and job counseling and placement assistance for people with disabilities, enhancing their employment opportunities.
- Develop and implement individualized plans of rehabilitation services for eligible clients.
- Assisted students in developing educational plans and clarifying goals, facilitating their academic success.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge about college programs and requirements
Juvenile Court Counselor I
North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Adult Corrections & Juvenile Justice
08.2013 - 09.2019
- Conducted risk & needs assessment on juvenile/parent(s)
- Provided case management services, attended child & family team meetings
- Advocated for recruitment of community resources to enhance support for juveniles and families in Catawba County
- Provided academic support to students with issues that impeded their academic success & made referrals to community resources, counselors, and other agencies
- Facilitated communication between high school counselors and teachers, ensuring alignment on educational needs of juveniles
- Liaison for juveniles with community programs such as Community in Schools, Catawba Valley Community College, etc.)
- Presented information on NC Dept. of Public Safety Juvenile Justice at special school events to raise awareness and understanding
Part-time HISETT (High School Equivalency-Instructor)
Catawba Valley Community College
03.2015 - 08.2018
- Teach and develop reading, writing, and math skills with AXCI (Alexander County Correctional Institution) inmates enrolled in the high-school equivalency diploma program
- Assisted in recruitment and retention of inmates/students in GED program, contributing to participant engagement
- Maintained rapport with AXCI education liaisons to support retention of inmates/students in basic education skills program
- Completed testing records and relevant documentation to ensure compliance and track student progress
Community Coach
Lifespan Abilities Unlimited
10.2013 - 07.2013
- Advocated for employment opportunities aligned with individuals' interests, facilitating meaningful job placements
- Assisted individuals in transitioning from vocational programs to community colleges and universities, enhancing educational pathways
- Taught independent living skills, empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to achieve greater autonomy
Live-In Residential Counselor/Community Support Counselor
Nazareth's Children Home
03.2011 - 09.2012
- Coordinated and led individual and group life skills activities to teach teens educational goals, money management, food preparation, and employment skills, fostering self-sufficiency among residents
- Performed life skills assessments utilizing the Ansell-Casey program & target case management services
- Provided academic advising, registration assistance, and College information through case management
- Established partnerships with local employers and collaborated with businesses to create employment opportunities for youth
- Advocated for housing, health care, family support, consumer rights, and educational access, empowering residents to pursue their goals
Mentor, PRTF (Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility)
Thompson Child & Family Focus
10.2011 - 07.2012
- Engaged consumers in social, educational, and recreational activities to promote well-being and enhance community integration
- Supported individuals with physical disabilities and mental health issues through tailored one-on-one interactions to improve personal outcomes
- Documented significant behavioral changes in daily progress notes and Treatment Team updates to inform care strategies
Intake/Assessment Counselor
Orca House Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
04.2010 - 10.2010
- Conducted thorough client assessments and updates using required assessment instruments in compliance with ODADAS regulations, ensuring accurate evaluation of client needs.
- Coordinated clinical staffing of client assessments and referrals, documenting all recommendations and findings to support effective treatment planning.
- Facilitated individual counseling, case management, and crisis intervention services, contributing to comprehensive treatment planning for clients.
- Executed lesson plans for substitute teaching with thorough preparation and organization
Substance Abuse Assessment Counselor
Hitchcock Center for Women
04.2007 - 11.2009
- Conducted face-to-face diagnostic drug and alcohol assessment interviews for clients of DCFS (Department of Children and Families Services) of Cuyahoga County, Ohio & completed intake documents
- Coordinated referrals and case management by following up with DCFS case worker, scheduling treatment appointments, and advocating for client needs
- Managed accurate records and logbooks to ensure effective client data management
- Conducted client follow-ups to monitor progress and support achievement of treatment goals
Instructional Aide
Hope Academy Northwest Campus
01.2006 - 04.2007
- Instructed and assessed small groups of middle school students in core subjects, enhancing understanding and engagement.
- Tutored students with IEPs one-on-one, adapting strategies to individual learning needs.
- Assisted students in math and reading (grades 5th and 6th) for Hope Academy-Northwest
- Consulted with teacher to develop effective lesson plans
- Developed and planned teaching materials for Morning Academic program, aligning resources with curriculum goals.
Prevention Mentor
Robinson Jr. High School-Outreach Program
Toledo, USA
08.2002 - 08.2003
- Coordinated youth awareness event to engage at-risk youth and promote community resources
- Executed compliance plans to ensure adherence to court orders and support youth rehabilitation
- Evaluated risk factors through comprehensive assessments to ensure safety
- Developed Youth and Family Support counseling program to address specific needs of families
- Consulted with youth regarding educational issues on truancy, study habits, and career planning
Education
Post-Graduate Certificate - School Counseling (Licensure pending)
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, South Carolina05-2023
M.A. - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, License Practical Counselor Associate licensure (LCP-A)
Montreat College
Montreat, North Carolina05-2018
B.A. - Psychology
University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio08-2005
Skills
- Student counseling
- Career planning
- Equitable access advocacy
- Employment workshop creation
- Youth retention programs
- Digital literacy
- PowerSchool
- Microsoft Office
- Google Suite
- Professional correspondence
- Communication tools
- Self-management teaching
Independent Study
Restorative Justice Research project, Dr. Morris Jenkins, Criminal Justice Department, 05/04, 07/05, Planned and developed a mock conflict situation to address conflict resolution techniques at the maximum-security prison in Toledo, OH, Tutored (through an independent studies course) 4th through 8th-grade students in reading, Developed pre/post-assessment questionnaires for program evaluation
Internship
Substance Abuse Intern, The Cognitive Connection Integrated Care & Wellness, Hickory, NC, Provided individual and group counseling for clients navigating recovery from opioid and alcohol use disorders, Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop personalized treatment plans, Supported the intake process by performing initial screenings and verifying insurance/program eligibility, Proficient in evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Timeline
School Counselor
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
08.2023 - Current
School Counselor
Gaston County Schools
08.2021 - 06.2023
Rehabilitation Counselor I
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
09.2019 - 08.2021
Part-time HISETT (High School Equivalency-Instructor)
Catawba Valley Community College
03.2015 - 08.2018
Community Coach
Lifespan Abilities Unlimited
10.2013 - 07.2013
Juvenile Court Counselor I
North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Adult Corrections & Juvenile Justice
08.2013 - 09.2019
Mentor, PRTF (Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility)
Thompson Child & Family Focus
10.2011 - 07.2012
Live-In Residential Counselor/Community Support Counselor
Nazareth's Children Home
03.2011 - 09.2012
Intake/Assessment Counselor
Orca House Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
04.2010 - 10.2010
Substance Abuse Assessment Counselor
Hitchcock Center for Women
04.2007 - 11.2009
Instructional Aide
Hope Academy Northwest Campus
01.2006 - 04.2007
Prevention Mentor
Robinson Jr. High School-Outreach Program
08.2002 - 08.2003
Post-Graduate Certificate - School Counseling (Licensure pending)
Winthrop University
M.A. - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, License Practical Counselor Associate licensure (LCP-A)
Montreat College
B.A. - Psychology
University of Toledo